Arabians

Arabians by Montale is an unisex eau de parfum in the niche price tier. It opens with lavender, cardamom, black pepper, nutmeg, clove and cinnamon, moves into leather, patchouli, vetiver, rose and jasmine and dries down to musk, guaiac wood, oakmoss and amber. Expect around 10 hours of wear, and it projects very strongly.

Notes, explained

Opening

Lavender Herbal, clean, slightly medicinal. Barbershop in one note.
Cardamom Cool, aromatic spice with a eucalyptus lift. Smells expensive.
Black Pepper Dry and prickly. Gives a fragrance grip and a bit of bite.
Nutmeg Warm, woody and slightly sweet. Cosy without being gourmand.
Clove Hot, dry and dental. Powerful — a little goes a long way.
Cinnamon Sweet heat. Reads festive, sometimes to a fault.

Heart

Leather Smoky, dry and a bit animal. Can be a new jacket or an old saddle.
Patchouli Damp earth and dark chocolate. Either you love it or it's your least favourite note.
Vetiver Dry, earthy, smoky grass root. Smells like soil and citrus peel.
Rose Can be jammy, green, peppery or soapy depending on the type. Not one smell.
Jasmine Heady, sweet and slightly animal underneath. Rarely subtle.

Dry-down

Musk Warm, skin-like and slightly sweet. Makes a fragrance feel like you.
Guaiac Wood Smoky, tarry and slightly sweet. Like a bonfire and roses.
Oakmoss Damp forest floor. Bitter, green and the backbone of every chypre.
Amber Warm, golden and resinous. Not a real material — a blend that glows.

Smells like this

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