ROJA PARFUMS
Sultanate of Oman

2016

PERFUMER
Roja Dove

grapefruit
orange

rose de mai
jasmin de grasse
violet
raspberry

cardamom
elemi
saffron
gurjum balsam
papyrus
oakmoss
cedarwood
guaiac wood
amyris
sandalwood
oud
carrot seed
orris
frankincense
birch
musk

‘Take a journey back in time to an ancient and mystical land where all the riches of the Soukh are laid out for the senses to enjoy. Beneath a blazing orange sun, an endless sea of stalls offer a plethora of local wares. Wandering through this maze of delights, a cacophony of scents fill the air: Aromas of teas, fruits and spices mix with leather goods and sun-baked Papyrus, as Frankincense and Oud burn in Bakhoors. The sense of adventure one feels when they spritz Oman is impossible to resist. For thousands of years, the Sultanate of Oman has been celebrated for producing the world’s finest Frankincense. The most revered of all Frankincense, the warm, balsamic characteristic of this incomparable material forms the heart of this dedication to the kingdom from which it grows. Precious Aoud, Sandalwood and Saffron mingle around it to bring a further richness of deep and exotic warmth, whilst an unfurling note of Rose de Mai lends a sweet and elegant background for Frankincense to take centre-stage.’ – Roja Parfums

Sultanate Of Oman is a stellar Roja release, that may be overpriced at retail, but at the right price, this is one of the more intriguing Roja fragrances in my opinion.

Definitely taking the Middle Eastern inspiration to heart, with a dry, woody and spicy opening. Yes, there’s citrus and florals, but they are all subtle and dry to my nose. Very little acidity.

Instead I mostly get a sugary spicy wood that’s ever so slightly skanky and earthy. If anything, from the top and middle notes listed, the soft raspberry is what adds some flavor to the opening hour. Otherwise I’m getting a lot of cardamom.

I love how resinous it gets. Almost chewy woods with a dusty, but sweet scent. This is not candy sweet or cloying, but there’s a smooth sweetness that you’ll find in the best sandalwood fragrances. Some people have mentioned BDK Gris Charnel in regards to this; while I think they are completely different, the cardamom and sweetness have some connection.

For me the late drydown is almost like a sweet tobacco scent. Chewy, resinous, soft, smoky, slightly fruity. Scent wise it’s different, but Sultanate Of Oman gives me a similar feeling to wear as Amouage Jubilation XXV.

Sultanate Of Oman is opulent, but also mature. It’s not loud and none of the individual notes stand out too much. It’s an understated, but deep and contemplative woody fragrance that I enjoyed wearing a lot.