09/23/2025
Elysium
892 Reviews
Elysium
1
Sultan’s Glory
I’ve noticed some variations in the listed notes across different sources, so instead of relying on them, I’ll trust my own nose. What you can expect here is a warm, resinous oriental that opens with spice, develops a sweet and resinous heart, and settles into woody, ambery nuances. This isn’t the stereotypical opulent Middle Eastern parfum. Rather, it’s a sophisticated oriental blend—spicy yet sweet, refined yet approachable, with impressive longevity. Compared to the original Majd al Sultan Al Sultan, which leaned smokier and more resinous, the Black Intense feels smoother and more inviting, though it maintains a distinctly oriental character.
The opening greets you with a burst of bright, spicy-citrus notes—bergamot laced with lemon—before giving way to aromatic and balsamic tones. Soon, the cool, minty lift of green cardamom cuts through, adding a balmy, slightly smoky bite. The effect is sharp, lively, and modern: citrus sparkle grounded by cold spice. Despite its name, Black Intense feels less dark or brooding than expected—its character is smooth, inviting, almost luminous.
In the heart, the composition takes a sweeter, creamier turn. Lavender softens the edges, leaning floral rather than herbal, supported by resinous undertones. Hints of rose-like petals and green, geranium-like leaves add freshness and texture—rosy, yes, but never in the heavy oriental style. Here, lavender glows with a clean, cologne-like comfort: barbershop familiarity infused with sticky-sweet, fruity accents.
The drydown is where vanilla truly shines. It wraps the skin in warmth and soothing sweetness, joined by amber depth and coumarin’s powdery glow. Patchouli and vetiver add earthy grounding, while resinous, smoky touches keep the sweetness in check. What begins bright and citrusy settles into something warmly amber, a cosy embrace.
After wearing it a few times, I can confirm its style recalls Phantom, sharing similar nuances and energy. I can’t speak for comparisons to The One Luminous Night, but the Phantom likeness is unmistakable. This fragrance feels best in spring and autumn, when mild air allows the citrus and herbs to sparkle, though its balsamic and powdery aspects shine in winter’s chill. Under a blazing summer sun, it might become cloying, but on cooler evenings it finds its balance.
Ultimately, Majd Al Sultan Black Intense balances oriental richness with modern accessibility. It’s polished, long-lasting, and versatile across seasons—an ideal choice for those who want sweetness and spice wrapped in sophistication, glowing with subtle elegance rather than heavy opulence.
This review is based on personal experience and a bottle I’ve owned since September 2025.
—Elysium
The opening greets you with a burst of bright, spicy-citrus notes—bergamot laced with lemon—before giving way to aromatic and balsamic tones. Soon, the cool, minty lift of green cardamom cuts through, adding a balmy, slightly smoky bite. The effect is sharp, lively, and modern: citrus sparkle grounded by cold spice. Despite its name, Black Intense feels less dark or brooding than expected—its character is smooth, inviting, almost luminous.
In the heart, the composition takes a sweeter, creamier turn. Lavender softens the edges, leaning floral rather than herbal, supported by resinous undertones. Hints of rose-like petals and green, geranium-like leaves add freshness and texture—rosy, yes, but never in the heavy oriental style. Here, lavender glows with a clean, cologne-like comfort: barbershop familiarity infused with sticky-sweet, fruity accents.
The drydown is where vanilla truly shines. It wraps the skin in warmth and soothing sweetness, joined by amber depth and coumarin’s powdery glow. Patchouli and vetiver add earthy grounding, while resinous, smoky touches keep the sweetness in check. What begins bright and citrusy settles into something warmly amber, a cosy embrace.
After wearing it a few times, I can confirm its style recalls Phantom, sharing similar nuances and energy. I can’t speak for comparisons to The One Luminous Night, but the Phantom likeness is unmistakable. This fragrance feels best in spring and autumn, when mild air allows the citrus and herbs to sparkle, though its balsamic and powdery aspects shine in winter’s chill. Under a blazing summer sun, it might become cloying, but on cooler evenings it finds its balance.
Ultimately, Majd Al Sultan Black Intense balances oriental richness with modern accessibility. It’s polished, long-lasting, and versatile across seasons—an ideal choice for those who want sweetness and spice wrapped in sophistication, glowing with subtle elegance rather than heavy opulence.
This review is based on personal experience and a bottle I’ve owned since September 2025.
—Elysium
