Solitaire by Al Haramain Perfumes

Good choice. I’ve had my eye on Solitaire for some time due to its notes and reviews sealed the deal for me. Fortunately, a friend dared to try it first, and their bravery paid off. I note a citrus opening with cumin in the background, an achievement that paves the way for the leather and tobacco, the protagonists. There are more notes that give it character. I don’t think Solitaire has a feminine imprint here; it depends on the attitude; I recall a friend who smelled of garlic with cream and perfume, a peculiar aroma that blew my mind along with her Benedetti-filled lines full of intention. Decent projection and excellent longevity. One note: don’t expect high-end niche quality, but it wins by a landslide against discounted offerings from recognised brands akin to aged whisky diluted in water and ice. I’ve loved it and know it won’t please those seeking compliments or affirmation. I’d love to recommend a trial, but it’s difficult without someone who already owns it. Anyway, even just for the bottle, it’s worth the risk.

The oil has arrived; it’s not a room fragrance but comes in a lovely container that looks like metal with stones, appearing far more expensive. I paid $23 for a .12 oz bottle. It’s strong; you can detect the black pepper, tobacco, and cedar. It is definitely a different scent, green, nothing sugary, and nothing that identifies it as masculine. Very happy with the purchase.

Just received it and the presentation is superb: a magnetic box and the perfume in an ornate figure that visually seems to cost ten times more (I got it for €13). The opening is very citrusy, slightly more feminine than masculine. After a while, the leather emerges with flashes of Kelsey Berwin Huberta flowers; they share a floral aspect, but I find Kelsey’s more masculine. There’s a smoky note, but very subtle; I don’t detect the tobacco. Performance is brutal. It sits much better on my girlfriend than on me. For the price, you can’t ask for more. I give it a 7.

Since it arrived home, I’ve been absolutely blown away by this perfume. The packaging is stunning, far superior to many luxury perfumes. It’s a blue cardboard box with a magnetic closure that opens like a book, and inside the metal bottle is nestled in velvet foam with a magnificent finish. You’d never guess it costs €15. After dazzling you visually, you open the bottle and smell the glass wick… and you surrender to its charms. What a more beautiful perfume: a spiced leather and tobacco blend, unisex and exquisite. It begins with an explosion of bergamot and lemon that, at times, drowns out a soft, velvety tobacco, with a sea of citrus, green, and herbal nuances; a full-bodied yet fresh and elegant aroma. Then the citrus notes fade in intensity, revealing a touch of cumin, making it seem a bit like Interlude by Amouage due to that characteristic spiciness. Here you have soft tobacco with faint residual citrus notes but heavily spiced by cumin, all resting on a bed of semi-sweet woods with the first whispers of leather. Gradually, the leather makes its presence felt, the woody notes rise, the cumin and tobacco soften, and the citrus disappears, leaving us with a woody, spiced leather with faint traces of tobacco and a dizzying earthy and balsamic patchouli nuance. Personally, I love it; it’s a perfume with strength and character without losing elegance or that opulent, ostentatious touch, worthy of much more expensive perfumes. Its dry-down is pure vice… As for performance, it’s excellent, lasting over 10 hours on skin without fading, with a potent sillage at first, then decaying somewhat to moderate but always noticeable. This type of perfume is perfect for cold and temperate climates, and of course for wearing at night, though on a formal daytime event with fresh air it’s also a magnificent option without being overpowering. Could you ask for more? Well, yes, but not at this price. A beautiful perfume in every sense, lovely on the outside and beautiful on the inside. For lovers of leather and tobacco, it’s a must-try, and for everyone else as well. Highly recommended.