Duty & Death Hunayn 2025

I finally had the chance to try Duty & Death, and I can now share my thoughts. It’s true that cade and birch are the undisputed protagonists from start to finish, but rather than forming a monolithic wall of smoke, the composition feels surprisingly unusual. There are clear leathery nuances, and a well-presented dose of spice, with saffron in particular acting as a bridge between the top and heart notes.

The resins are plentiful, giving the fragrance a complex, balanced, and carefully measured character. I would be lying if I claimed I could isolate each individual note, but red hojari is certainly perceptible and contributes beautifully to the structure. The drydown is especially stunning: within a bed of smoke emerge a soft sandalwood and woody ouds, creating a smooth contrast with an earthy touch of patchouli.

Longevity is excellent, while the projection remains consistently discreet and controlled, never overwhelming the wearer or the space around them.

It’s been a long time since I encountered a smoky fragrance this elegant. Only for lovers of the genre and for individuals with a certain kind of presence and personality but you have to pay attention: this perfume may not always be universally understood… that’s part of its mystique.

From the get go, a spicy blast with black pepper as the main character can be felt, along a smoky feel also supported by it.
A resinous, woody and sweeter aroma emerges then, feeling a tad alcoholic at the far end, but without letting that detail overpower the rest. Towards the end, I can feel deeper, stronger woods and the smoke, again.

I'm not one to often evoke in my reviews, but this one smells like the get-together in an old, wooden cabin or tavern after a battle. Silence, the smell of gunpowder still in the clothes, the woods getting warm and the fireplace cracking. A bottle of rum gets opened and, in silence, a cup is raised to give comfort to the living and give farewell to the dead.

Full bottle worthy, I could only try a small decant thanks to a dear friend.