5
Very helpful Review
Controversy
The way Katana presents itself as an 'ultra-niche' house is one of my biggest icks. Still I am glad I have been able to put that fact aside and work my way through their fragrances. In the end, there are a couple of gems in their line-up. In fact, Khaan is among my favorites, despite a few imperfections.
Speaking of which, Katana's choice of citrus feels utterly peculiar to me, to put it mildly. Often they come with yuzu or other sharp citruses for a top note. Khaan starts with orange or tangerine, which is less harsh than some other Katanas but still highly acidic. There is pink lotus in the top as well, which does not help. Now add cheesy oud to that and top it up with jammy rose. Then you get something plain ugly, I can't describe it in any other way.
However, within a few minutes, the citrus levels out and the florals start to do their thing. With florals I mean roses. Not one rose, but a full regalia of them. They are all over the rose spectrum, as in jammy, fruity, acidic, green, powdery et cetera. With minimal amounts of jasmine and pink lotus present, the floral heart is in fact a pinkish bouquet, yet there is a clear focus on the rose and all of its features.
When Khaan further unfolds, it becomes clear that the roses are not the only main characters. The Siberian deer musk in Khaan is an unforgettable experience. Most commercial musks shine upon first appearance and slowly degrade into blandness. A natural musk, however, does not only stay active but also keeps getting better over time. On top of that, Khaan's musks come with a fluffiness that is simply unmatched. Quite the contrast to some 'established' artisans that go for aggressively savage animalism, which - in my view - amounts to completely butchering a precious material and its uniquely delicate properties.
So, if you are able to forgive the house's poor branding and its use of controversial materials, Khaan is the first and foremost Katana to get your nose on.
Speaking of which, Katana's choice of citrus feels utterly peculiar to me, to put it mildly. Often they come with yuzu or other sharp citruses for a top note. Khaan starts with orange or tangerine, which is less harsh than some other Katanas but still highly acidic. There is pink lotus in the top as well, which does not help. Now add cheesy oud to that and top it up with jammy rose. Then you get something plain ugly, I can't describe it in any other way.
However, within a few minutes, the citrus levels out and the florals start to do their thing. With florals I mean roses. Not one rose, but a full regalia of them. They are all over the rose spectrum, as in jammy, fruity, acidic, green, powdery et cetera. With minimal amounts of jasmine and pink lotus present, the floral heart is in fact a pinkish bouquet, yet there is a clear focus on the rose and all of its features.
When Khaan further unfolds, it becomes clear that the roses are not the only main characters. The Siberian deer musk in Khaan is an unforgettable experience. Most commercial musks shine upon first appearance and slowly degrade into blandness. A natural musk, however, does not only stay active but also keeps getting better over time. On top of that, Khaan's musks come with a fluffiness that is simply unmatched. Quite the contrast to some 'established' artisans that go for aggressively savage animalism, which - in my view - amounts to completely butchering a precious material and its uniquely delicate properties.
So, if you are able to forgive the house's poor branding and its use of controversial materials, Khaan is the first and foremost Katana to get your nose on.