Smoky Maison Alhambra

I ordered this fragrance during a sale.
First of all, I must say I already knew Tobacolor and really like the DNA, a blend of spicy tobacco, honey, and well-sorted fruits.
Very pleasing if you like this type of DNA; I envision the wearer (over 30) sitting by the fireplace, smoking a good cigar, with a glass of whisky, while autumn is already outside.
This fragrance DNA might be more suited for rare, special occasions, but since that doesn’t happen often for me, the Dior original has simply been too expensive and too precious to wear casually.

So I gave the alternative a chance; what could happen for just about 20€?

Ordered, it arrived. Beautiful, heavy bottle; there it is again, the thought of a whisky bottle.
Only the slightly removable plastic cap doesn’t quite match the heavy bottle.

Sprayed it on... pure disappointment.
The DNA I was looking for was there, but it was absolutely unbalanced, alcoholic, sharp, and disturbing.
My wife judged... "you’re not wearing that in my presence" - one couldn’t really be more devastating about a fragrance.

Now, one must know that Maison Alhambra and generally Arabic representatives sometimes need time to develop. Many argue about a potential improvement effect, but I didn’t want to give up on the fragrance so quickly.
So I sprayed it a few more times and banished it to a dark cupboard.

After 6 weeks, I can now report the following: a 180-degree turnaround has taken place!

The fragrance is round, sweet, and pleasing from the very beginning. You perceive a lovely peach at the top, which quickly transitions into spicy tobacco and warm honey.
The sillage is enveloping without being intrusive.

Whether it is very close to the original, I will have to test again at some point, but even if not - for just about 20 euros, you get an absolutely brilliant fragrance DNA here, suitable for special evenings in autumn/winter, date-worthy, and truly special.
I am thrilled and glad I gave it the necessary maturation time!