Tempest Kemi Parfum

An Italian brand that is strongly dedicated to Arabic perfume art launches a fragrance inspired by a Shakespeare play - Tempest. It is not truly stormy, as the title suggests, but rather a symbiosis of typical European and oriental accents.

Right after spraying, I encounter a bright accord that I would describe as somewhat medicinal-ethereal. I perceive the hesperides not as classically citrus-fresh, but rather as sour. They are densely intertwined with green (Petitgrain) and floral notes (Rose, Jasmine), and the fragrance also gains a bit of spice from ginger, which adds a certain sharpness. Additionally, lavender enhances the green/herbaceous side of Tempest. Nevertheless, the overall composition never drifts particularly in a soapy direction. The reason for this is likely the naturalness that this fragrance exudes and the woody mélange, which, in my opinion, is particularly characterized by cedar, patchouli, and oud. Initially still reserved, the properties of old, dry woods become increasingly noticeable. Although there is a slightly musty-earthy note accompanying these, I would not describe it as having a dirty effect.

Thus, Tempest is not a typical oud fragrance, as it lacks any animalic notes and typical oriental spices. Instead, it reminds me more of the diverse scents of an Italian garden. I find it a bit unfortunate that after the strong top note aroma, which leaves the impression that perhaps too much was intended here, there is not only a transformation towards a darker, calmer character, but also the projection noticeably diminishes. Perhaps the pure oil is better in this regard and likely has a different overall effect. For fans of natural and refined fragrances, Tempest is certainly worth a test, but I do not find the price justified.