ROJA PARFUMS
ENIGMA POUR HOMME PARFUM
2013
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
The magic happens straight from the opening. The strong cola vibe that Enigma is known for, really sets this fragrance apart. Within the first hour, I get cola-esque wafts and it’s simply one of my favorite openings in perfumery. The more I wear it, the more I pick up on the booziness (cognac).
It’s known mostly as a tobacco fragrance, but it’s also a strong amber, which is where the similarities with Parfum de la Nuit 1 arise. The opening has a slight animalic tinge to my nose, though when you try it side by side with PLN1, it’s clear that Enigma is much less daring. I say it’s mostly a tobacco fragrance, but to be 100% honest, I don’t get much tobacco from it in large parts of the wear. There’s a lot of benzoin and spices, a hint of booze, the cola and not in the least, a lot of vanilla.
In the late drydown it reminds me of Tom Ford’s Tobacco Vanille, with a heavier patchouli base. There’s an overall forest-y vibe in this fragrance to me (hence the moss in my photo), although it’s definitely not a strong green fragrance.
In the meantime I went back to wear the Parfum Cologne version alongside it. It is overall less full-bodied and has less depth. I honestly think you can’t go wrong with either the Pour Homme or the Parfum Cologne, but the Pour Homme feels more mature, more mossy and better constructed. Perhaps surprisingly, it also retains the sparkling, sharp opening much more. The Parfum Cologne feels much flatter and more generic. If you can afford the extra expense, I think the Pour Homme is definitely the better option.
For me it’s close to being a 10/10 fragrance and after owning it for 2-3 years, I’d say it’s probably my favorite Roja, or at least the Roja I’d be most likely to spend the money on.
Sidenote: If you’re looking for a solid, more affordable alternative, I think Zaharoff’s Signature Tabac is solid fragrance in the same direction.
