Khamrah Qahwa

خمرة

Lattafa / لطافة 2023

Now that my Qahwa has matured for seven weeks, I have finally tested it in direct comparison with Khamrah and "Angels' Share | Kilian" from my niche perfumery -And waiting was an important factor, as we will see. I originally thought Qahwa was essentially just a khamrah in a different color packaging. But today I see things differently.

Khamrah Qahwa begins with an intense alcoholic note that quickly dies out like a blazing fire and makes way for the praline, which I hadn't really noticed before: Cardamom. Cardamom and more cardamom. It has become much more realistic and present, as if it were proclaiming with every breath: Here I am! Now it is also able to sing a serenade together with the praline and the Christmas cookies. After a few minutes, the cardamom recedes and remains a subtle companion in this olfactory orchestra.

But how does Qahwa compare to its role model, the Khamrah?
When I put my nose to the OG before and compare it directly with the Qahwa, I can't smell anything other than the cardamom. It comes across a little edgier than the real thing, but only in direct comparison. But it is precisely because of the cardamom that many people describe Qahwa as less sweet. I would agree to a certain extent. It is simply kahmrah with an additional accompanying note. The sweet fragrance profile remains.

And how does Qahwa compare to the "OG of OGs" "Angels' Share | Kilian"? These fragrances could hardly be more different within their category. Angels Share opens with a mild, elegant COgnac, which slowly develops into a precious apple pie that dominates my surroundings for a good half hour. Finally, a dark, tart chocolate note joins in, taking the fragrance to a new, richer level... i say yes, these two fragrances could not be more different.

Coffee? yes, but there's none of that in Qahwa. Many people mention the coffee note with the addition that it is slightly noticeable (even youtubers/"perfume experts"), but I couldn't find it. So how is it that so many still talk about it? My explanation for this goes back to when I came across a coffee in a Turkish market that is probably as well-known in the Arab world as Melitta is here: it's called HASeeB Coffee. It is available in many variations, some of them with cardamom (!). I have the "Deluxe Cardamom" at home and EVERYONE who has ever drunk or even just smelled this coffee is immediately reminded of it by Qahwa. It seems as if Khamrah Qahwa has captured precisely this cardamom essence and integrated it into its fragrance profile. Therefore, the name "Qahwa" (coffee) makes perfect sense from Lattafa's point of view, especially for those who have already experienced this aromatic coffee with cardamom and can therefore associate it with it. But in this country, I doubt it. Either way, I unfortunately can't detect any coffee notes in Qahwa.

Do you need the Khamrah Qahwa if you already have the Khamrah? Probably not.
Is it worth trying "Angels' Share | Kilian" even if you already have one of the other two fragrances? Definitely! (Provided you have around €250 lying around)
And how does Khamrah Qahwa stand up as a single fragrance? Unique, sweet, grown-up.

The performance in comparison:
7/10 "Angels' Share | Kilian"
9/10 Khamrah
8/10 Khamrah Qahwa

Please comment if you have any questions