Brave stuff! Full to the brim with spices, I thought I was going to love this one unconditionally but sadly I don't. It puts me in mind of a dry, sandy, beige colour landscape because of the association perhaps? I don't know why it kind of reminds me of sandpaper not the smell as such but it just creates a sensory, olfactory texture...if that's not too pretentious a comment? It's a pungent opening for me quite peppery which I usually like but not here as it's a little sneezey. The spices are hard and rough at first and as it dries down it starts to produce a really lovely incense vibe. I kinda love this fragrance but I couldn't wear it myself. Although this is a 100% straight down the middle unisex, I personally get a more of a feminine feel from it... like something a belly dancer would wear. It's certainly not because this is light or breezy it's pretty hardcore to be honest and far spicier and smokier than CDG series 3 Avignon to which I've seen some comparisons. My verdict is that this is a cracking fragrance...just not for me. I would recommend anyone who likes orientals or spicy, incense fragrances to try this one as it's very interesting.
The first time I've tried this fragrance it was late August, and I was hesitant to apply it to my skin, so I tested it on paper instead. It immediately struck me with its powerful, sacred aura. Casbah takes me to an ancient church, evoking a sense of timelessness and reverence, a place lost in the distant past, far removed from modern times. It projects intensely, like an incense that’s not just for any ordinary mass but one held for an extraordinarily significant event. The incense in ths is mineral-like and slightly cold, reminiscent of the weathered stone walls of old churches. It’s a scent that demands attention. On my skin, it’s even more striking. At first, a strong smoky element unsettles me, hinting at burnt woods, but as it develops, the overwhelming pepper intensity starts to mellow out, coming off as pure subtle freshness. Despite its initial, heady blast, the fragrance evolves into something beautifully complex and mesmerizing, with a delicate hint of enveloping tobacco that adds warmth and depth to the composition. It lingers for hours, so much so that 24 hours later, even after a shower, I can still detect a faint trace on my wrist. The longevity is unmatched.