After being truly impressed by Sedra Nero, I ordered the large Sedra tester set. I was really looking forward to Sahara because of the reviews and videos by some influencers.
The fragrance opens with a blend of bergamot, jasmine, saffron and, above all, leather. The leather is not particularly smoky, but it is very noticeable.
Although it is not listed among the fragrance notes, I smell liquorice here, which really startled me because I do not like liquorice in a fragrance at all.
I then did a little research to find out where this impression of liquorice comes from and found the answer:
Leather is the most likely trigger. Many leather notes in perfumery are based on isobutyl quinoline or birch tar accords (cade, styrax), which have a smoky-bitter, slightly anise-like facet. Olfactorily, this facet is close to liquorice, especially when the leather is more "black" and tarry rather than soft and suede-like. Saffron itself has a slightly medicinal, hay-like, sometimes leathery-bitter nuance and can intensify this tar-liquorice association when it merges with the leather instead of remaining perceptible as a distinct top note.
You never stop learning.
In the drydown, a little more of the dried date comes to the fore, along with a touch of vanilla. After about 10 minutes, I also smell musk and woody notes.
Unfortunately, the liquorice note remains in the background for me. So even though the fragrance is certainly well made, projects well and also has good longevity, it is a no-go. What a shame, I had such high expectations.
It’s a shame you don’t like it, @Medro.
I’ve had my eye on this one for a long time too, because the fragrance profile sounds so intriguing.
I like licorice when it isn’t too dominant, but if you really don’t like it at all, as in your case, the disappointment is of course huge 🥺
I’ve actually noticed the same phenomenon with licorice in fragrances that combine caramel and coffee… no idea why.
I didn’t know it could have the same effect with leather and saffron, but thanks so much for the explanation 👍🏼
I hope you like the other Sedra fragrances better.
I’ve had my eye on this one for a long time too, because the fragrance profile sounds so intriguing.
I like licorice when it isn’t too dominant, but if you really don’t like it at all, as in your case, the disappointment is of course huge 🥺
I’ve actually noticed the same phenomenon with licorice in fragrances that combine caramel and coffee… no idea why.
I didn’t know it could have the same effect with leather and saffron, but thanks so much for the explanation 👍🏼
I hope you like the other Sedra fragrances better.