Almaz Essence

Almaz Essence opens on a tart, sparkling burst of blackcurrant brightened by Calabrian bergamot, Amalfi lemon and mandarin - the same fruity hit that makes Kajal Almaz so moreish. The heart deepens with raspberry, soft heliotrope and a whisper of Turkish rose and orris, lending a floral roundness beneath the fruit. The drydown is warm and gourmand: brown sugar, Madagascar vanilla, tonka, musk, sandalwood and amber pull it into a sensual, slightly candied finish. Compared to the original, Perfume Parlour leans the sweet brown-sugar and berry facets louder while the crisp citrus opening and the Kajal's notable sillage flatten a little, so it feels more straightforwardly sweet and less refined. Projection is good early before settling, with respectable but shorter longevity. A flirtatious fruity-gourmand for cool-weather date nights and casual outings.