Scent Stories Vol.1/Ch.09 - Dahab MiN New York 2014 Eau de Parfum

MiN New York definitely caught my attention with Moon Dust, but then left me hanging, as most are somehow too loveless and artificial for the price segment.

I love fragrances with strong smoke - Bogue Lita, Beaufort, Hiram Green's Hyde, The Zoos No Perfume I now perceive as "pleasantly mild" even and "refreshing." Unfortunately, that's not the case for everyone.

Dahab manages to strike a balance for me - it feels slightly smoky, but comes off like a designer scent. It's unique and clearly niche, yet still understandable as "pleasant smelling" for most. Clearly artificial and chemical - but due to the cinnamon and saffron, it becomes relatively mild in the drydown.

Nowadays, only those scents make it onto my favorites list that don't annoy me in the morning after waking up (and last long, at least 24h). This one - although I objectively understand that it might be too loveless for the connoisseurs here - is still pleasant for me even after waking up in the morning.

I would recommend this to anyone coming from designer fragrances who wants something "interesting" but doesn't want to overwhelm themselves too much. Or to niche enthusiasts who "need something boring for once," but still want something niche, so to speak.

I recommended this to a friend who previously wore Tam Dao as his signature scent - he immediately bought the Scent Stories Vol.1/Ch.11 - Moon Dust Eau de Parfum to go with it.