Al Haramain - Attar Al Kaaba

Let's start by differentiating between ‘Attar Al Kaaba’, ‘Marwah’ and ‘Haneen’ (all by the Arabian masters of perfumery: Al Haramain). Some say that these 3 are very similar (if identical). They do indeed share the same note combo; oud, rose, sandalwood and amber, but there ends the similarities. ‘Marwah’ is your entry level Arabian oil, the sweet rose dominates to make a pleasant fragrance for any wearer. ‘Haneen’ smells related but with an added citronella note (I'd probably give it a miss). ‘Attar Al Kaaba’ is in a completely different league. Dare I compare them to the Kardashian sisters? You have an all-round likeable non-offensive one (Marwah), a crappy hanger-on (Haneen) and one that is a true beauty and potential celebrity legend. BTW, ‘Shaikhah’ by Al-Rehab is completely unrelated so is more of a Caitlyn Jenner.

So let's delve further into ‘Attar Al Kaaba’... I have the black box (if that makes a difference, some say this is the superior formulation). But understand this: I've never had a fragrance go through so many different changes and phases than ‘Al Kaaba’ - evidence of its intricate, refined and balanced blending. To start with, it's pungent and awful like salty Dutch liquorice, with sour oud and some kind of industrial strength cleaner. We must remember to have faith and be strong as we enter the nauseating sherbet phase, then we pass a spicy/soapy ‘Old Spice’ moment, then we enter the dragon and it finally halts (but never calms) into its final spicy incarnation. On me, the dry-down resembles a luxury exotic soap like La Toja or Magno (a Spanish soap) but it’s also a very spicy Oriental and exudes old money, refinement, tasteful extravagance, class, sophistication and Arabian mystery.

‘Attar Al Kaaba’ is a whole new level. Be brave, have patience with an open mind and enjoy.

Having said all of this, the dry-down of Kaaba is too spicy for me and so ‘Marwah’ ends up suiting me much better as it's more feminine.

NOTES - Agarwood (oud), Sandalwood, Amber, Taif Rose