Royal Tobacco starts out noticeably more complex and angular than its later development would suggest. Dark, spicy and resinous, with clearly perceptible incense. After about 30 min., at least to my nose, something remarkable happens; Royal Tobacco develops in a direction that reminds me extremely strongly of Xerjoff's Empiryan. This dark, warm and slightly sweet tobacco and resin composition is astonishingly similar to me. Empiryan may come across as a touch softer and sweeter, but in my opinion the biggest difference lies in the incense. Interestingly, Omani incense is also listed as a heart note in Empiryan, but in Royal Tobacco this facet emerges much more distinctly and prominently to my nose. I can also understand the associations with Creed's Oud Zarian, although to me the Amouage is clearly closer to the Xerjoff. The Creed is ultimately noticeably sweeter and more "liquorice-like" than the other two. All in all, a wonderful perfume for fans of dark, authentic and not overly sweet tobacco fragrances. Lovers of Empiryan in particular should take a look here or, better yet, risk a sniff :)
