ANFAS
SHAGHAF

2017

PERFUMER
Chris Maurice

Cardamom
Ginger
citrus notes

Tobacco
Leather
Cedarwood
Cashmeran

oud
Vanilla
Patchouli
Amber
Tolu Balsam
Opoponax

I sprayed 9 fragrances from the Anfas collection on paper and picked 3 that appealed to me the most to wear on skin: Shaghaf, Sa’adah & Gaya.

Shaghaf being the most daring one I tried (alongside Watan, a sweeter oud). A strong oudy scent, that also has a slightly acidic and acrid barnyardy vibe. It reminds me of rolling tobacco in the opening.

It has an interesting contrast of sweet and warm, mixed with bitter and sharp (cardamom, ginger). Very clearly Middle Eastern styled and something I had to get used to.

Within the hour the sweet resins become more prominent. The fragrance smooths out a bit, but still has that daring edge. I also get more of a greener pine-like quality in the mid (not listed in the notes); perhaps it’s more of an aromatic leather.

As it dries further, it doesn’t get easier to pull off for me as a slightly animalic warmth and sugary sweetness takes over the leather again.

Shaghaf exudes an opulent, majestic air, but you’ll need some confidence to wear it well.