This is a brilliant fragrance in my opinion. Quite linear and I'm not going to get carried away about it because it didn't wow me straight away. The opening is that of a beautifully soft oriental fragrance, being that the base is immediately obvious. It's a spicy, boozy, vanilla which is reminiscent of spiced rum so I get the cognac thing. This could've gone really wrong with the creaminess of the resins and vanilla but it's really wonderful. This is because of the benzoin, a major player in this fragrance and perhaps labdanum too which lend a balmy warmth and sharpness which compliment the warmth and sharpness of the booze with sweetness of vanilla. There is a hint of tobacco in there too very warm and elegant. Regardless of what you think about Roja Dove and the the price of the perfumes I have to admit the two I've tried have been excellent. Not earth shattering, not mind blowing but very good. Many people can't wait to bash this house over it's high prices and don't get me wrong I can't afford them. The price is an obvious factor and I have perfumes which I enjoy far more which are half or even a quarter of the price (maybe even 110 of the price!!!) but this is a luxury brand and that is what it trades under. Exclusivity, opulence, great packaging, the finest ingredients...so I don't complain about that stuff you know what you're trying. Is the price in proportion to how good the perfume is? Well if you believe so then good for you and if you don't even consider price then Roja Dove is probably the house for you anyway...as you obviously have a few quid! I like people with passion who talk about their products with enthusiasm and vigour and Roja comes across as someone who cares about fragrance, not just someone out to fleece the rich or stupid. Longevity and silage of Enigma are excellent but not at all loud. I love it and can't fault the smell.
I finally managed to replace my Parfum Cologne with the original Enigma Parfum, and I’m very glad I did. On initial spray, that iconic coca-cola scent profile overpowers your senses - it’s spicy, fizzy and intensely alluring. I find that in the parfum, those opening notes of black pepper, bergamot and neroli are more noticeable, whilst only fleeting. As this settles on the skin, a dry and smoky tobacco emerges alongside a refreshingly spicy and delicious ginger. Whilst the Parfum Cologne continues this cola vibe throughout the life of the scent, the parfum soon calms down and leaves you with the true, intended iteration of Enigma. That gorgeous amber base of vanilla and benzoin mingles perfectly with the cognac and tobacco leaving you with something you’ve definitely never smelled before, sparkling in the air around you. I absolutely love the parfum version of Enigma as it’s such a unique creation, but I have to be in the right mood to wear it.