Nectar Royale

This Zabad focuses on fruity florals, as you could guess from the name. I love the osmanthus, and it is well balanced with the powerful tibetan musk which is wonderful. I don't know if there is any tobacco in this, but I personally get fresh tobacco vibes from it. Very long lasting and I enjoy it very much.

Review is based on a sample contained in a discovery set that I purchased.

Applied to the back of my wrist.

There is a blast of almost candy-like fruit when I first apply, not unlike opening a new package of Lifesavers Gummies. That quickly steps aside to reveal a lovely composition of bright florals, warm animatic depth, and an almost soda-like fizziness.

In spite of the vibrance, I find this opening to be very settling. I think that it is the balance of the florals and fruits with the musky animatic undertones. A flora and fauna pairing, if you will.

It is a very refined civet. There is certainly some funk about it, but time has worn away the sharp aspects. There is cheese, yes, but it is an aged cheese, nutty, dense, and still a bit creamy.

It becomes increasingly beautiful over time. After about an hour, it takes on a lovely aromatic quality. Deep breaths leave a slight tingling sensation in my nose, like you might expect with camphor or menthol. With that said, the civet is still present, grounding the effervescence.

Four hours in, and things are more subdued. The flowers and the civet have merged into a single entity. Sort of a vaguely fruity warm scent. Perhaps a deep dark vanilla with floral notes. Six hours and it’s down soft soothing musk.

I really like this. I think that it is my favorite of the new releases.