From the very first spray, there is really no doubt about which direction Zaid is aiming for. The Bois Impérial DNA is immediately there and truly unmistakable. This green, spicy freshness, the basil, the dry woodiness and the slightly peppery sharpness - the association arises within just a few seconds.
Those who know Bois Impérial will therefore feel right at home here immediately. For me, Zaid is still not a one-to-one copy. As the fragrance develops, and especially in the drydown, the paths diverge slightly.
To my nose, Zaid comes across a touch softer and rounder. It does not quite possess that angular, almost metallic dryness that defines Bois Impérial for me. The woody notes remain present, but are captured a little more warmly and smoothly by ambroxan, vetiver and patchouli. As a result, Zaid may be just a little more approachable without losing the character of the familiar DNA.
Of course, there is no need to spend much time discussing where the inspiration comes from. The similarity in the opening is simply too obvious for that. Even so, Zaid develops enough individuality along the way to be more than just a careless copy for me.
Those who love Bois Impérial but sometimes find it a little too angular may have found exactly the slightly softer brother in Zaid.
