Year: 2015
Notes: bergamot, spearmint, dry woods, leather, patchouli, vanilla, moss, sandalwood
Comment: Black III is part of the Black Collection
Established by Ali Aljaberi, and using the expertise of perfumer Jean-Claude Astier (responsible for many of M. Micallef's fragrances), AJ Arabia is a relatively new niche house from the United Arab Emirates. Available as a parfum extrait, one is left completely dumbfounded by Black III.
Beginning with some vibrant citrus and mint, this succulent opening is extremely deceptive and only acts as a temporary smokescreen to a very bland woody-leather affair. With the emergence of some sweetness later on, there's nothing special about it to warrant the high price that it commands – especially when there are so many other generic (and cheaper) niche alternatives available.
Although not listed, the composition clearly rests on a white musk base, and its performance on the skin is no different from its siblings. Another case of the emperor's new clothes? Yes, most definitely.
Beginning with some vibrant citrus and mint, this succulent opening is extremely deceptive and only acts as a temporary smokescreen to a very bland woody-leather affair. With the emergence of some sweetness later on, there's nothing special about it to warrant the high price that it commands – especially when there are so many other generic (and cheaper) niche alternatives available.
Although not listed, the composition clearly rests on a white musk base, and its performance on the skin is no different from its siblings. Another case of the emperor's new clothes? Yes, most definitely.
