Black Afgano Nasomatto 2009 Extrait de Parfum

In the first minutes, the anticipated punch is skillfully held in check by a perfected sweetness. This is wonderfully executed; however, to my regret, the fine balance quickly dissolves. A defining accord remains, which I would describe as smoky, oily, and tar-like. There’s also a hint of tobacco and rubber. This composition renders the experience relatively static; only with the passage of time does it become airier and a bit more differentiated. Bright notes of clove and allspice can now be discerned. Well-measured, this feels quite wearable to me and doesn’t seem as demanding as one is often led to believe. I find Beaufort or Sorcinelli to be significantly more uncompromising in their approach. Black Afgano may growl loudly, and for long stretches, it sounds quite threatening. But others really snap.