Toempologe

I also had Oud Zanzibar from Blend Oud sent to me as an 8 ml sample in a YUNIQU delivery. Unlike the other fragrance in the delivery, Nishane Hacivat, I liked this one very much from the first sniff.

First of all: Even though Blend Oud Oud Zanzibar has the word Oud in its name twice, the fragrance has nothing to do with oud wood at all. Those expecting a fruity-oud scent will be disappointed. And those who shy away from it due to fear of animalic smells should not be deterred by this label. Believe me, you’re missing out!

Now to the actual review:

The fragrance starts with citrus notes that quickly recede, making way for the prominently featured melon throughout its development. The scent is very fruity-fresh, with floral notes giving it a "carefree touch," making it airy-light and playful. The spicy notes in the heart and the patchouli are not very prominent to my nose; they merely round off the fragrance and give it an exotic-oriental flair. The sandalwood in the base adds a creaminess. After about 4 hours, the fragrance becomes increasingly dominated by the sandalwood, with the lemon and bergamot becoming almost undetectable. The melon also slowly retreats, transforming the scent into a creamy-fruity-sweet-floral mix. At this point, Oud Zanzibar has almost become a skin scent; I can only perceive it very faintly on my skin after 7 hours, and it begins to (unfortunately) say goodbye.

As mentioned above, the longevity and sillage are decent but not outstanding. I don't think that's a problem at all, as we are dealing with a rather fresh fragrance here. These shortcomings can easily be remedied by reapplying or overspraying. I can't really assess the bottle since I only have the fragrance as a sample. However, the pictures and other reviews suggest good quality.

I would associate the fragrance with a vacation in a tropical region:
Imagine lying on the beach, looking out at the sea, holding a melon cocktail in your hand. The scent of sunscreen and cream mingles with that of the flowers and grasses from the gardens of the hotel behind you. You are relaxed and enjoying your well-deserved vacation.

I would wear this fragrance during the day in spring and early summer. I would recommend it, due to the prominent fruit and playful character, more to younger people (though it must be said that perfume enthusiasts often place themselves in the target group of fragrances they like :D). Even though the fragrance is owned by more men than women (85% to 15%; as of September 1, 2021), it is well-suited for both genders.

I find the price justified, as you get quite a lot for your money (it is currently available for €115.95 at Flaconi, with a list price of €145 for 60 ml). It’s best to wait for a sale before purchasing it.


Conclusion: Blend Oud Oud Zanzibar is a fruity-fresh-creamy perfume that is ideal for warm days, like those found in spring and early summer. The longevity and sillage are good, and the price is justified.

I hereby call all perfume lovers and enthusiasts who enjoy fruity scents to check this one out! Feel free to let me know what you think of it :)

Through various videos on YouTube (especially the notorious top-ten lists), I became aware of this fragrance and the house of Nishane. It was repeatedly described as an Aventus killer and praised for its outstanding longevity and sillage. So, when I recently subscribed to YUNIQU to dive into the world of niche fragrances (I am still at the beginning of my fragrance journey), it was no surprise that I had the Hacivat sent to me in my first delivery, among others. However, when I tried it for the first time, I was initially disappointed. I only smelled a piercingly sour citrus bomb that reminded me of the opening of Goldfield & Banks Bohemian Lime (a family member even associated it with disinfectant!).

Please don't get me wrong, Hacivat is by no means a bad fragrance. My disappointment stemmed solely from the fact that I envisioned a gentle, balanced, slightly fruity-woody freshie from the start. So, it's no wonder that I initially set it aside and focused more on the other fragrance I had received. However, yesterday I took another look at Hacivat and realized that it had more to offer than I originally thought.

The fragrance starts, as mentioned above, very citrusy. A certain sweet fruitiness (probably the pineapple) supports the bergamot and grapefruit without ever becoming the star of the show. Over time, the fragrance becomes slightly greener (probably due to oak moss and patchouli) and then woodier. The citrus notes recede, and the composition becomes rounder and sweeter.

There is nothing to complain about regarding longevity and sillage on my skin; when I sprayed it in the evening, it was still perceivable for me and others by noon.

The price is a bit tricky for me: €305 list price and €200 market price per 100 ml is quite a hefty sum. I don't like the fragrance enough to "invest" my saved pocket money (I'm only 16 :P) in it. Additionally, I currently don't really have a use for a citrus freshie since I already have Bleu de Chanel (EdT) in my collection.

Conclusion: In my eyes, Hacivat is a successful zesty citrus fragrance with woody-green undertones and fruity nuances. However, those expecting an Aventus clone with better longevity and sillage will likely be disappointed.

I hereby call on everyone who has found their great fragrance love in Hacivat to also try the Bohemian Lime!

I hope you enjoyed my first review. I wish you all a lovely evening :D.