ALGHABRA
CUBAN TOBACCO

2023

mandarin
vanilla
mojito accord
jasmine
plum wine
smoke
tobacco
tobacco blossom
woody notes
salt

One of the Alghabra releases that I’ve been looking forward to trying was this Cuban Tobacco. Today, I can tell you all about it. Mind you that I tested it in warmer weather than I would usually wear this.

This is not a tobacco for those who find fragrances like Parfums de Marly Herod or Tom Ford Tobacco Vanille at the edge of their comfort zone. Cuban Tobacco, while in my opinion easy enough to wear, does introduce a more dirty, slightly putrid tinge in the opening.

To my nose, this has (whether intentional or not, given the similar name) a strong nod to Les Indemodables Vanille Havane. Although that remains more daring and different, whereas Cuban Tobacco moves into more familiar sweet, spicy tobacco territory after the opening.

It has a sweetness that smells of chocolate to me. Paired with a pretty hefty pouring of booze which is responsible for the excitement in the first hour of the wear.

In the drydown Cuban Tobacco gets more tobacco-centric, but still having a resinous sweetness that recalls the Les Indemodables to me. Salt is listed as note, but if any thing, it’s that chocolate, salty caramel vibe I get from it. As it progresses it moves more and more into familiar territory with a cinnamon like spiciness to my nose.

It never goes as cozy and comforting as a Herod does for example, this is more rugged. It’s a thick affair and especially in the high heat, it’s a demanding wear. I think that Cuban Tobbaco will speak to people that enjoy their sillage heavy and well-performing fragrances.