Marrakech Intense Aēsop 2014 Eau de Toilette

The experience of walking into an Aesop store is quite special. I have to say, the perfumes look more like hand soaps in these pump containers. Despite the look and this somewhat special presentation, I am pleasantly surprised. "Marrakesh Intense" does not convince with the intensity of spices. If you are looking for a spice bazaar in Morocco, Aesop is perhaps not the right place for you. Arabian perfumes such as the Lattafa brand offer a variety of spice bombs to choose from. As soon as you enter the store, Aesop gives you the feeling of a spa. This atmosphere is also reflected in the perfumes. "Marrakech Intense" therefore reminds me of a visit to the hammam with steam sauna in a 5-star hotel in the old town of Marrakech. Beautiful fragrance oils float in the air and the scent trail is not overloaded, but finely balanced. It is not too intrusive, but rather calming.

This version of Marrakech is refined with a little more rose and jasmine. Initially, the cardamom and clove are very intense. The spices associated with Marrakech are present in moderate quantities. As the fragrance progresses, the spices fade somewhat. What remains is still a spicy fragrance, but in a finer version. The floral notes, especially the rose, are beautifully balanced with the other nuances. This gives the perfume a hint of holy water. I personally find spa fragrances very nice, and for me Marrakech can also smell subtle and not quite so spicy. Perhaps I'm still missing some mint, green tea and honey to represent the character of Morocco. But this is a more abstract interpretation of Marrakech. I am of the opinion that not everything that has oriental traits has to smell exactly like all the spices. "Marrakech Intense" is Aesop's own interpretation of Marrakech, in a beautiful spa style. The fragrance is quite special, as many spa fragrances smell either very citrusy or strongly of cedar wood. This fragrance is a pleasant change and smells really high quality to me.