ALGHABRA
ISTANBUL’S SOUL

2019

Spicy Notes
Incense
Pepper
Geranium

Patchouli
Cypriol
Cedarwood

Amber
Guaiac Wood
Tonka Bean
Benzoin
Sandalwood

Istanbul’s Soul is one of the spiciest offerings from Alghabra. For me, more so than Labyrinth Of Spices. Here’s what I make of it:

Spices, straight from the first moment. Not overly sharp, but definitely with enough of a kick to wake you up in the morning. Peppery with a huge charred woodiness.

There’s some sweetness lurking the background. When I hone in on that, I’m reminded of the sweet-spicy combination of Viktor & Rolf Spicebomb Extreme a bit; but the Alghabra is less cozy in favor of a more mature style of spices.

In particular, I seem to get cumin. Not specifically listed, but I’d have to guess it’s rather prominent.

As it dries, the chewy, sweet and warm resinous nature starts to combat the sharper edges of the spices. Still, I get a lot of charred wood throughout. The sweetness is mostly in a coumarin direction.

On the edgy side in the opening for my taste, but definitely at its best when the resins and sweetness are at their peak.