REINE DE SABA
AKSOUM

2022

PERFUMER
Dominique Ropion

bergamot

orange blossom
jasmine
tuberose

patchouli
sandalwood
white musk

On first impression, I’d say that Aksoum is one of the best fresh fragrances that I’ve tried this year.

It has quite a lot of sweetness, but initially in a floral fashion and the overarching fresher, zesty & sharp side is dominant.

To me, this has a mix of creamy and powdery; no iris is listed, but that kind of surprised me. It’s like a clean citrus, bergamot, floral cream. Like a great take on a sun tan lotion scent, but less emphasis on the usual vanillic direction and much more on keeping it refreshing. Perhaps you could compare it to the finest hand soap as well.

Sadly, that brightness fades away rather quickly and you’re left with this slightly sweeter, second-skin type of scent that is neither unpleasant, nor nearly as exciting as the first hour or two, maybe 3 of Aksoum. I actually get the coconut vibe that some other reviews have mentioned mostly as the drydown.

Aksoum gets a massive thumbs up for me.