Wardasina

Rosso Afgano

Xerjoff 2012

Juicy €300 for 100 ml - that's something to remember ;) And it's also very rarely spotted, so almost only sharing or blind buying is an option. A more than daring move in this price range, whether one has had very good experiences with Xerjoff/Sospiro or comes with a strong affinity for roses. All the more beautiful I found it to have received a decant of this Laylati Valentine's Day offshoot.

I could only test Laylati briefly so far; there was never enough time for a comment. Still, I can say that Wardasina resembles it quite a bit, so to speak, the lovely sister. Memories of the dreaded Black Afghano are also awakened, not just because of the name for the Arab world. The scent barely meets my extremely high expectations; I would have expected a much more dominant rose. Here, however, the rose has to share the spotlight with a variety of Arabic-sandy, qualitatively impeccable permanent guests. There’s a playful saffron, a sandy-animalic patchouli-musk combo, and also a bit of sweetness from woody vanilla. And lurking somewhere in the background is the marijuana note, typical for an Afghano in the title. The scent is quite pompous and romantic at the same time, westernly influenced but remarkably Arabic in many parts. Definitely a perfume for a hot, grand romantic appearance - whether softly dosed for a restaurant date or applied thicker for a trip to the opera.

Bottle: velvety, fitting for the day of lovers.
Sillage: monstrous & more epic than Romeo's love story with the one from the balcony.
Longevity: 10-15 hours, including tanning bed & sweating!

Conclusion: an extraordinary desert rose, a perfume for bold lovers!