Black Mysterious

By Marian Many “Arabian” attars are variations on the oud, rose and musk drama and when I first became enamored of “Eastern” scents I never tired of experiencing the mystery and exoticness of those three notes. Gradually I’ve been learning to distinguish between the different types of roses that sweeten and sensualize the blends- the citrus-y sparkle of Isparta rose, the billowing opulence of Bulgarian damascenes, the elegant clarity of Rosa alba and the smooth zestiness of the rare and exquisite Taif’I rose, first cultivated in Arabia during the Ottoman empire. I’ve developed a preference for mukhallats (mixtures) featuring ouds from Cambodia or India – the Cambodians exhibiting a lush and bountiful fruitiness, the Indians a stately strength or animalic intensity- and have gradually began to appreciate how a subtle change in the amount or nature of any individual component can hugely effect the feeling, and my enjoyment of, the perfume. Recently I received a sample of Black Mysterious perfume oil. In this unique and modern composition the perfumer has chosen to combine natural ingredients not usually found in “Arabian” perfumes with the classic oud, rose and musk trio. Despite this innovation Black Mysterious embodies the deep and dark seductiveness I’ve come to associate with “Oriental” oils. It encapsulates the scents of a caravan- the dense smokiness of star-wrapped campfires, the dagger sharpness of pepper-filled saddlebags, the leathery punch of camel hides and the voluptuous scents of rose, indolic white flowers and sweet balsamic resins that have been traded along the Silk Road for the last 3,000 years. The traditional elements are all there but they are embellished with a welcome and unusual twist. And, the notes aren’t the only surprise- although this perfume starts out with an almost aggressive, resinous assertiveness, it dries down into a soft, floral and woody gentleness that’s quite demure in its delicacy. Aluwwah carries an enticing selection of mukhallats, attars and raw perfume ingredients traditionally used in Middle Eastern perfumes. They also stock high quality agarwood that, when burned, can be used to perfume your home and clothes for special occasions.