BAZ CUIR I The "Baz for Everyday" - Oriental Opulence Tailored to EU Standards
The Baz Cuir was the one I personally anticipated the most from the new SoD Attar Collection. Now, anyone who knows the Baz understands what a masterpiece served as the template. However, I also knew that the fragrances from the Attar Collection should be more accessible; not only financially but also for EU noses.
So how is the "Baz Cuir | The Spirit of Dubai," and has it managed to surprise me?
- Yes, definitely! The Baz Cuir is truly an opulent oriental fragrance that exhibits a beautiful complexity. It starts with an opening that is both "fresh" and spicy. Apple and bergamot provide a slight freshness in the opening, which is balanced by coriander and cinnamon, adding corresponding spice and greenery.
- Very quickly, this opening is overtaken by a bright-floral combination of jasmine and lily of the valley - I know, it sounds harsh, but to me, it smells great - along with a lovely frankincense-myrrh combination. It doesn't smell too floral or too dark, but is very well balanced. The cedarwood brings in a nice dry-woody accord, accompanied by the balsamic character of labdanum; overall floral-spicy-woody in this phase with a bitter character. I can already perceive the leather well here.
- In the drydown, the leather becomes more prominent and dominates alongside the saffron; a good portion of spice is definitely noticeable here. Slightly animalic musk and smoky guaiac wood enhance this darker undertone, and the earthy character of patchouli reinforces this dark, smoky bitterness. Sandalwood is listed but is practically imperceptible and has little influence; I would have perhaps wished for more of it to lighten the fragrance a bit and prevent it from sliding too much into this "dark" territory. For me, the fragrance is simply beautifully composed.
- The longevity is definitely in the upper third and above average; it lasts a long time. The projection is also in the upper third and becomes stronger over time due to the dark character, but it doesn't project like the OG "Baz | The Spirit of Dubai."
Overall, for me, it's a beautiful, oriental-European approach to a leathery-dark fragrance. Yes, for many, the fragrance will still be too oriental, for many it may also seem too complicated and too dark, too bitter, too aromatic; but one must understand and appreciate this genre.
