Black Afgano Nasomatto 2009 Extrait de Parfum

Regarding the black panther, the internet states:

"In the eyes of the Native Americans of North and South America, the black jaguar [see next section, note by the author] was considered powerful and magical. It climbs, runs, and swims - better than the tiger. Therefore, among Latin American Indians, it became a symbol of immeasurable power and mastery over all dimensions. The Tucano Indians of the Amazon region believed that the roar of the jaguar was the rumble of thunder, and thus the black panther was also a god of darkness for them and could create darkness by swallowing the sun."

Often, there is confusion in everyday language regarding the naming of big cats. A quote from the online encyclopedia Wikipedia helps us out and provides clarity:

"A black panther or black panther is a leopard (Panthera pardus) whose coat has a uniformly black coloration instead of the usual black rosettes on a gold-yellow background. Under favorable lighting conditions, the actually spotted coat pattern is still recognizable. [...] In addition to these, black jaguars (Panthera onca) [...] are also referred to as panthers."

On the occasion of a special comment about a special scent, I searched for associations. As so often, the very first is the best. The panther. Why, I will come back to that later.

In the meantime, I have hunted down the "black Afghan," my arduous hunt is thus over, although it did take some time. My first encounter with this rare representative was already a few weeks ago. I was, as usual, navigating through the urban jungle of Cologne, my now well-trained sense of smell sharpened and ready to storm rare fragrances. It's a bit like Pokémon...you go to a specific, unknown place, eager to see if you can catch a glimpse of the rare creature, all senses highly concentrated.
Well, I (did) come, I saw, but did not conquer. Because indeed, the rare scent dared to emerge from its hiding place on a high shelf, but the subsequent olfactory experience triggered a flight reflex in me. The first parallel to the black panther, by the way, which would certainly quickly scare off the less experienced seeker (let's assume for the sake of animal protection that the goal is a sighting, not capture). In fact, I had exactly this association; my very first thought was that the perfume smells like an animal. Later, I tried to differentiate "animal" and came to "cat." I was a cat owner for years, but this cat is large and black, a panther, with a strict, animalistic, herbaceous spicy scent. At that moment, too much of a good thing for my nose. The friendlier Duro prevailed, but the "black Afghan" has burned itself into my brain, lodged there. End of the first sighting. A "feather sighting," by the way; the store in question uses these as sample objects. There was no skin contact! And yet it was clear that I would return...

...which happened this week. I came to hunt a Duro, which I managed without much effort. Duros are relatively easy to tame; they are wild, rough, and loud, but manageable. With a little time and dedication, a Duro can even become tame, depending on how much effort the wearer invests. I managed that.
But a "black Afghan"? I sniffed it again that day, I dared to touch it, and there it was again, that animalistic-herbaceous dark cloud. It was as if the panther was staring at me with its yellow-green eyes and asking me: are you strong enough? Can you handle me? Partly! This time I took a trace of the black essence with me. Still, I wondered if I could handle this beast of a scent, if my abilities were enough to at least keep it in check. Taming a "black Afghan," no, I find that difficult. It will always retain its will, have a mind of its own, never be a follower. House cats are known for this, and panthers even more so...but that was also the reason I kept a house cat for years. I like characters, character animals, character scents. The transformation came the next morning, and then everything happened very quickly.

I want to limit descriptions of scent developments here - most perfumistas who have reached this page probably know more or less what is in the bottle. However, I return to the quotes with which I began the comment. In the light of the next morning, I looked at the remnants of my "black Afghan," and I could see the gold-yellow base of its "fur." I perceived what fascinates many about this scent. What seemed to me on the first day like a heavy, overpowering black cloud, hardly penetrable, suddenly revealed unimaginable facets. It was as if the scent rewarded me for my patience. There is so much. Green herbs, roasted coffee, facets of incense, always accompanied by a slightly animalistic base characteristic, finely spicy and anything but dull or loud. From the right light, the initially pitch-black panther reveals its true coat pattern like a mosaic of scent notes. But still densely intertwined, one note disappears while the next fleetingly appears in a beam of light, connecting with another to create something new. Sometimes more intense, then again fleeting. But always fascinating. Long-lasting. Powerful.

On that day, I packed my little backpack with everything I needed to hunt a "black Afghan." I figured him out, analyzed his tactics. He roars loudly. Very loudly; it is like the rumble of the jaguar. If he feels disturbed, he becomes dark like the night, swallowing any brightness. But those who endure find the light at the end of the tunnel. And succumb to his fascination, for once he has gained trust, he binds himself like no other. Almost magical, loyal, faithful. He runs, climbs, and swims better and longer than any other scent I know. He has strength and endurance - and yet, attention is always required, for he is not a Duro. Sometimes he hisses, scratches, bites, only to snuggle up again in the next moment, almost warm and purring flatteringly. A master of transformation.

The hunt for the "black Afghan" was also the hunt for the last percent for me. This was only decided today. Black Afgano has inspired my imagination to write like no other. This scent has, to put it bluntly and without imagery, everything a good perfume must have. It shows edge, makes a clear statement. It possesses an unmatched presence and longevity. It is versatile and continually shows me new sides. It smells high-quality and not synthetic. The scent notes used are among my favorites, and despite its harshness, it is neither vulgar nor cold. Animalistically wild, yes. Vulgar, no. That is a big difference. Thus, with the 25th comment, earlier than expected, the 100% falls.

By the way, regarding the brilliance of the bottle with its unique cap, I need not say another word, right?

You? Yes, you! You don't know Black Afgano? Test it!