ROJA PARFUMS
ENIGMA POUR HOMME PARFUM COLOGNE

2019

PERFUMER
Roja Dove

Black Pepper
Neroli
Bergamot

Cognac
Tobacco
Ginger
Jasmine

Vanilla
Benzoin
Patchouli

‘A fragrance which expertly balances the balsamic sweetness of Benzoin and Vanilla with the dry masculinity of Tobacco and Cognac, Enigma is an enticing experience which transforms any who wear it into a man of mystery and intrigue. An unusual effect occurs where the slightly powdery and Cherry-like tones of Heliotrope mingle with the mouth-watering quality of the Vanilla and Benzoin and appear to fizz, as the boozy splash of Cognac creates a delicious cocktail, which is enjoyed alongside a fine Cuban cigar, as the smoky tones of Tobacco are given a hot spark by the gentle spice notes of Cardamom, Ginger and Pepper. Shrouded in a swirl of Cognac and Tobacco, a suave figure sits cool and composed at the bar of a private members’ club – where the scent of Woods and Leather pervade. Dressed in a way that defies the club rules, this alluring presence is definitely unexpected. Why is he here? How did he get in? You cannot take your eye off this mysterious man. Warm touches of spice blend with soft Vanilla and Benzoin, which create a sense of ambiguity – nothing is quite what it seems.’ – Roja Parfums

Instead of the full cola vibe that’s a bit stronger in the Pour Homme Parfum, here I get a bit more citrus. For a moment it seems brighter. However, I get the clean powdery heliotrope and vanilla sweetness much more and much quicker, taking away some of that extra brightness. The greenness lacks the depth of the Pour Homme, feeling almost neon green instead, again feeling more citric. Most importantly, it feels more flat as the sparkling texture fades away quicker as well.

The booziness is the same as in the Pour Homme Parfum for me. I don’t really get tobacco; more of a floral tinge. The earlier vanilla drydown takes away a good chunk of the sparkling spicy cola from the Pour Homme.

The differences in a real life wearing experience between the concentrations are small, but focusing on them side-by-side they’re clearly noticeable. The Pour Homme is the much better fragrance in my opinion, because of the stronger cola opening and delayed transition to the (rather flat) sweetness. About 1-2 hours into the wear I start noticing a big difference with the Parfum Cologne beginning to lose its magic quicker and overall longevity is less as well.

Considering Pour Homme is per ml over 3x as expensive, I think the Parfum Cologne is the better buy for a lot people and I would not per se suggest buying both. But if you can spare it, Pour Homme does have more to offer.

Sidenote: I find Zaharoff Signature Tabac a solid alternative for this DNA, while Mancera Tonka Cola was a miss for me.