Azafrán by Fueguia 1833

Fueguia 1833 Azalea, created by Julian Bedel in 2010, left me speechless. A fragrance expert friend recommended it to me, and I had an incredible olfactory experience. Fueguia 1833 has very few stores; the main ones are the two in New York where celebrities shop. In Buenos Aires, they have a lovely boutique in Recoleta, with dim, warm lighting that invites you to try their 39 fragrances, all featuring natural ingredients that are immediately noticeable. They also have shops in Milan, Tokyo, and Moscow, although the latter doesn’t appear on their website. Perhaps Azalea isn’t their most famous scent, but it caught my attention by evoking a journey to the East, especially Turkey and Morocco. It has a very spicy and potent opening, reminiscent of the first 15 minutes of Andy Tauer’s ‘Air of the Moroccan Desert’, though they aren’t identical; they share about 80% similarity. As it dries down, the spices remain prominent; with just three declared notes—saffron, cumin, and subtle hints of pink pepper (undeclared)—it delights the senses. Its projection is moderate but very persistent. There’s a floral touch, like a half-lost rose amidst the spices, and a soft amber that adds a subtle sweetness. I think there’s a slight green nuance, perhaps patchouli or maybe hyssop, which balances the fragrance. It easily lasts 12 hours, projecting about a metre or so, almost four. I bought a 30 ml bottle for around $90. The atomiser is excellent, though it sprays less than standard and three sprays last the entire described time. There’s nothing to envy from houses like Xerjoff, Initio, or Marly in terms of performance and quality. The difference lies in complexity: Fueguia has more linear fragrances with fewer notes, but on my skin, Azalea persisted two hours longer than Alexandria II. If you travel to Buenos Aires, Milan, or New York, don’t miss visiting their shops; the quality of many perfumes will surprise you. Respectful regards, fellow enthusiasts.