Al-Khat is the definition of a love-it-or-hate-it fragrance, with its intensely animalic oud and indolic jasmine splitting opinions down the middle. This is a powerful, uncompromising scent for those who dare to be different, but definitely not a safe blind buy.

The Blu Talassim tracks Ex Nihilo Blue Talisman's fruity-fizzy citrus opening into orange blossom and clean musk, but the special captive woods (Georgywood, Akigalawood) that give the original its polished, futuristic edge come across simplified here as generic cedar and musk.