FAVIOL SEFERI
INSOMNIA

2017

PERFUMER
Sezer Sabah
Svetoslav Rusev

Caramel
Rum
Chocolate

Coffee
Ylang-Ylang

Vanilla
Sandalwood
Patchouli
Cedarwood

Yes, I think it’s fair to say that with the presentation and the style of fragrance, Insomnia took strong cues from Kilian Black Phantom. That might take away some points for originality, but I don’t think it’s a 1:1 replica of Black Phantom. More importantly, Insomnia is only €69 when I reviewed it, so to get something reminiscent of Black Phantom, with good performance and a nice presentation, is a strong selling point regardless.

Insomnia throughout reminds me more of the drydown of Black Phantom, it lacks some punch in the opening. This is for gourmand lovers. It has the almost chewy chocolate, caramel and vanilla sweetness and to me. Reminds me as well of  Lorga Ambre Platine, although it doesn’t come close in quality.

In the opening I get something woody, but of the paper or cardboard kind. There’s a hint of coffee, which is very nice. The boozy rum note isn’t as strong to my nose, but it adds a nuance. It doesn’t smell like sweet rum in a barrell to me, rather like the paper wrapper of a cupcake or dessert that had some booze in the filling.

Now, despite this being very dark and menacing looking, it’s an easy wear (definitely more for cold weather though). Performance as I mentioned is great and I really think that anyone who’s in the market for this type of fragrance should consider checking it out. Considering the price, I’d say this one is hard to beat; it’s one of the best bang for buck fragrances that I’ve come across lately. If you want originality or top-notch quality, you can skip this release however.