Matar Al Hub
Al Haramain (2012)

The opening of bergamot and lots of aldehydes makes for a bright start, whilst geranium and whiffs of carnation add a floral side. A slightly sharp undercurrent is due to a saffron note that is quite spicy.

In the drydown an ylang-ylang develops that becomes a centerpiece in this olfactory artifice. Whilst a light and somewhat nonspecific rose vies with the geranium to maintain a floral presence, aided by darker florals like a minimally powdery jasmine as well as a shadowy violet, harsher ingredients begin to move into the foreground: from a orris to wood notes, with oud (labeled Cambodian), cedar (less so) and sandalwood (minimally on me). At times it can be quite pungent. Still, it remains a bright affair overall.

Whilst the base maintains the wood line - guaiac is added very sparingly - as well as the fresh and crisp character for the while - fueled by mossy vibes - towards the end things mellow a bit. Vanilla, an ambery tonka, and white musks arise, but in spite of all these being added in, I never get much sweetness in this mix.

I get moderate sillage, very good projection, and a splendid twelve hours of longevity on my skin.

This is a complex creation for cooler spring or warmer autumn days, that does not let all its components develop equally, but leads to interesting developments at times. The ingredients are of good quality, and the whole is crafted well. 3.5/5

I've had my bottle for quite awhile. It hasn't been in the directory for long. This review is for the EDP... Deep. Dark. Huge notes of geranium and saffron on top. Indolic ylang ylang, too. The top notes are brief, as the middle notes almost immediately take over.. This frag becomes very woody and skanky. Then more geranium appears with an addition of Turkish-like rose.. After time MAH settles down and becomes less woody - a tad more floral in nature.

I believe some folks would think the top and middle of this perfume resemble body odor. In a way, it does. It's very pungent. I've worn this fragrance enough to realize that it is just too wood-laden and drowning in geranium, for me to truly appreciate. Some days more than others, the rose, saffron, and oud are just fine. This one seriously changes profile depending on temperatures. In the summer, it is miserable. In winter it is less offensive, more refined.

The presence of orris with touches of violet emerge in time, if one is patient. There is more wood in the base with touches of earthiness. An incense vibe emerges as well, even though incense isn't listed as a note. Winter or summer, the whole thing mellows hours later, becomes more smooth and tamed. I've had a love / hate relationship with Matar al Hub since purchasing a couple of years ago. I've decided I don't love it enough to keep.