ANOMALIA
Narcotic Bohemic

2022

cardamom
clary sage
clove

cedarwood
coffee
orris

tonka bean
vetiver
tobacco
leather

‘We get lost on a hot night on the boulevards of the city of lights. The pavement is still wet from one of those summer storms, and from the street rises the scent of cigar smoke, spices, and a little of the sweet notes of a dessert accompanied by a glass of champagne. A gourmet juice, character, composed of gourmet aromas of coffee and tonka bean, which gains in depth with subtle touches of cardamom, clove and leather. Full and cheeky, Narcotic Bohemic eau de parfum is worn like a talisman, the promise of an unforgettable moment.’ – Anomalia

Narcotic Bohemic was the first Anomalia that I smelled, alongside Rock Rose, and both share a dry, woody vibe. However, Narcotic Bohemic is a lot more interesting and one that pleasantly surprised me. After trying the whole line of the brand once, this is probably my favorite.

The most important facet here to me is iris. Rooty, slightly earthy and carrot-like iris takes centerstage. As mentioned, it’s dry woody, in a cardcoard, muddy (cashmeran?) sense, but it works so well here.

There’s one fragrance that this very particular scent reminds me of a ton and that’s Maison Sybarite Bed Of Roses. Which also combines iris, cardamom and cedar with sweetness. However that fragrance felt milky (and added rose), whereas Narcotic Bohemic is more dry. Dry, but smooth.

The leather is not prominent or overpowering to me, but it’s there in the background. Instead I feel it gets quite masculine-leaning spicy (in the way nutmeg does)

The scent is hard to explain and I only instantly recognize it from the Maison Sybarite one, which has been on my wishlist. Narcotic Bohemic may join that list as it is a strangely addictive sweet carroty, almost gourmand-leaning woody and spicy fragrance that smells like nothing in my collection. Intriguing scent.