XVI Pana Dora 2019

Anyone who looks at my collection will immediately see that I am a Pana Dora fan. Yes, I like the bottles, the presentation, and the quality of the scents. Those who spend more time with Pana Dora will notice that they are not reinventing the wheel, but perfecting what others lack.
This is exactly the case with "XVI | Pana Dora." The DNA is nothing new, but how Ibrahim has implemented it is a 10/10 for me. Why?
First of all, anyone who knows 17 Rosso will recognize XVI as a reference point, but only as a hint. Both are woody, spicy, smoky, and slightly sweet, but 17 Rosso has that annoying Styrax note that performs all day long. The XVI does not have that, but instead balances it with labdanum, which I find much better. It is somehow more balsamic.
The opening hits you immediately with this beautiful artemisia note that makes you perceive the scent as green and gives you the feeling that you are standing in the middle of a Swedish forest, surrounded by sweet, fresh wood. This is not a gourmand sweet. It is more of a plant-like sweetness. You should imagine it that way.
The dry down, as you can imagine, is woody, smoky, and balsamic, but always with a greenish touch. However, it never drifts into the typical forest green that smells like fir.
The whole thing lasts easily 10 hours with 5-6 sprays, and the sillage is also easily perceivable at about 1 meter in the first 2-3 hours. Close to the skin, it lasts 14 hours or more.
Today, my colleague said: "I knew you were here because the whole corridor smells like you," and that, my dear perfume lovers, is one of the best compliments a scent can receive.
So test it and experience it for yourself. But you need to give it a bit of time. Testing for just one day is not enough to get to know this beautiful scent.

For me, this is a very beautiful, special, and atmospheric scent.
It feels like a stay in a remote wooden cabin somewhere in Sweden, outside cold and dark forest, inside a crackling fireplace, warm wood, and a hint of cigar smoke in the air.
The opening with artemisia and bergamot is slightly bitter-green and immediately gives the fragrance a crisp, nature-connected freshness. Not a classic citrus freshness, but rather cool, rough, and Nordic.
As it develops, the scent becomes distinctly spicy-woody. Cypriol, coriander, and cumin give it a dry, almost smoky depth, while frankincense, balsam, and labdanum create that warm fireplace feeling. Guaiac wood, patchouli, and juniper enhance the impression of dry wood, resin, and forest air.
XVI feels masculine, calm, mature, and very characterful - not a pleasing mainstream scent, but something for people who appreciate atmosphere and depth.
Ideal for autumn, winter, or quiet evenings when you want to wear something warm, earthy, and meditative.
A fragrance that doesn't want to be loud, but tells stories.

XVI is not my first fragrance from Pana Dora. Besides the well-known Imperial Wood for autumn/winter and the summer favorite "Aqua de Dora | Pana Dora," XVI had to join my collection after a visit to the perfumery. Why?

XVI is a fragrance experience that, according to its description, fits into the rich tradition and history of Sweden (I love the stories behind complex scents). The top note of wormwood and bergamot gives the perfume a refreshing and citrusy opening that immediately captures the attention of all the senses. This beginning leads to a herbal heart note that brings incredible depth and complexity to the scent.

What truly impresses me, however, is the fascinating base note that includes a wide range of aromas - from patchouli to juniper to incense and other balsamic notes - important: This is not a balsamic fragrance!

This blend gives the perfume a unique, multifaceted depth that is both sweet and green. The use of guaiac wood, caraway, and nagarmotha adds a special nuance that I have not encountered anywhere else.

It is anything but easy to describe the character of the scent. You can be sure that XVI is absolutely well-rounded, should not clash anywhere, and is neither overpowering nor boring.

The background of the perfume, rooted in Swedish history and tradition, makes Mr. Al Zouabi's creation even more interesting. The idea that this fragrance reflects the various aspects of Swedish life, from the forests to the markets and streets, gives perfume XVI a deeper emotional significance.

The bottles featuring the stag's head as a symbol of Swedish wildlife are a charming and creative choice for the packaging and contribute to the overall experience. Sprayer, cap, bottle glass, plaque - everything is, in my opinion, a notch higher quality than with Xerjoff and Co.

In summary, it can be said that XVI is versatile and suitable for both daily wear and special occasions. H/S are average, as no heavy ingredients are used here. 2-3 sprays more than usual will get you through the day.