FAVIOL SEFERI
INSOMNIA RITUAL

2021

PERFUMER
Sezer Sabah
Svetoslav Rusev

Pear
Saffron
blackcurrant

Ambergris
Rose
Lily-of-the-Valley

vanilla
Sandalwood
White Musk
Patchouli

To address the elephant in the room: The original Insomnia caused a bit of a stir, with it basically being a copy of Kilian Black Phantom. I’m not big on clones, although at €69 with a pretty nice looking bottle, it was a great deal for those looking to spend less (I gave my bottle to my brother and bought Black Phantom myself though). Is this another clone? Definitely not as clear this time around, but with Insomnia Ritual I get a strong familiarity to Xerjoff Erba Pura. I can’t say that they’re exactly alike, but close enough to assume that te similarities aren’t coincidental.

It’s a strong fruity fragrance with a lot of sweetness straight from the opening. My gut response was that it smells like Erba Pura right away, but with a lot more vanilla. Maybe think 85% Erba Pura and 15% Love Don’t Be Shy. I was never a fan of Erba Pura and Insomnia Ritual is definitely not something that I would pick out, but I do prefer it, because of the added vanilla.

Setting my personal taste aside, I think this is better crafted than it’s Insomnia predecessor. It’s an extrait with both excellent longevity and projection. As it dries it has a nice full bodied scent and it wears pretty smooth after the initial punch from the opening. If you like sweet fruity fragrances, this is a solid option.

Which leads me to it’s biggest flaw in my opinion (aside from originality). Where the original Insomnia could cut some corners at €69, Insomnia Ritual retails at €117/50ml and that’s a lot more money for what seems to be a clone house at this point. Faviol Seferi added a nice pressurized atomizer and an improved box, but I’m not sure if it can withstand the added level of criticism that a higher price point begets.