Sacred Scarab

Sacred Scarab is a very evocative fragrance. It immediately gave me images of ancient Egypt, warm sand and something old and almost ceremonial. I found it woody, spicy and ambery, with some unusual sweet and slightly resinous facets that made the experience quite distinctive. Unfortunately, as it develops, it becomes warmer and sweeter than I personally enjoy. The drydown can feel a little syrupy and heavy to me, which makes it less appealing as something I would actually wear. I still find the composition interesting and memorable, and I would like to revisit it, but for now I appreciate the experience more than the fragrance as something for myself.

The initial spray is absolutely captivating. A fresh sparkly opening that makes me think of a hot day near the water - it's floral, airy, bright and surprisingly juicy (which I interpret as the lemon and wine). The aldehydes do not feel clean at all but rather refreshing. After a few hours I can smell the animalic quality - personally it's not too strong for me, I think it adds a nice warmth and depth, like someone close by. The fruity-ness of the wine and raisins stays with me throughout the whole experience while the fruity accord is draped over resins. The drydown smells to me like what all the pictures of an amber accord look like: resinous, warm, orange and comforting, like lying in golden warm sand after the sun dropped beyond the horizon. If you really dislike any type of animalic scents, I would be careful - otherwise it's an incredibly unique scent. This is the artistry that I love in perfume.

Sacred Scarab makes no compromises from the very first second. The opening is dominated by an absolute supremacy: incense, incense, and more incense. It is a dense, almost antique cloud that builds an extremely heavy and mystical atmosphere. But those who give the fragrance time will discover a brilliant depth beneath this massive wall of smoke. The incense envelops a deep, heavy red wine resting deep inside an old wooden barrel, almost trying to hide from the wearer. It only flashes through occasionally, accompanied by the texture of a plum—juicy, yet at the same time as if it had dried for ages in the blazing sun. This dark fruitiness blends perfectly with a sweet, warm resin that makes the fragrance feel organic and alive. What ultimately elevates Sacred Scarab from a mere oriental scent to a true masterpiece, however, is the contrast in the drydown. The initial heaviness and warmth do not remain static. The fragrance cools down noticeably over time. The heavy resin and dominant smoke recede, leaving behind a cool, almost unapproachable, soapy skin scent. A brilliant olfactory arc—from the warm, sticky alchemy of resin and wine to a clean, ice-cold distance.