It's been a while...
With Easter and Spring just around the corner, and the sun shining finally after days of rain, I was inspired to reach for my limitless supply of samples.
Last summer, I visited Sense Dubai in Warsaw, of course, and they helped me find some fragrances that leaned fruity and tropical, because that was the mood of that visit.
One of those fragrances was Iftitan by Thana.
With top notes of apple, cinnamon and smoke, heart notes of clary sage, moss and tobacco, and base notes of aniseeds and vanilla, Iftitan promises something exciting.
I actually made some notes last summer, where the climate was warmer, but not like that of a classic Polish summer. I wrote "I love the initial green apple note, but it fades during dry down and the anise becomes too prevalent. The scent is sweet and spicy in a candy-like way. The faint smokey note is a juxtaposition. But does it belong here?"
I was sparse with my words, so let's give it a go in the coldish Danish Spring weather...
Iftitan opens with a candied apple top note. Sweet, crisp, green and perfectly tart. As the apple note dries down, some spices emerge, just like they did last summer. However, I am pleasantly surprised that it isn't predominantly the aniseeds. Iftitan remains delicate, fruity and juuust with the creaminess of a little cinnamon and maybe even tobacco.
After drying down completely, Iftitan becomes a predominantly tobacco-forward scent with slight hints of fruitiness. This is a very unique scent that I find difficult to describe. I might also be rusty after a long hiatus...
The smokey note I experienced back then is no where to be found, but I have finally wrapped my head around what Iftitan reminds me of.
It's around 00's, for some odd reason, hookahs are a big thing and whilst catching up with friends, having a beer, someone starts preparing the hookah.
It hasn't been lit yet, you just reach for the flavoured tobacco to smell it and it is juicy, ripe, sweet, fruity, dripping with aromas and with just the ever slight note of fresh tobacco. THAT is Iftitan! This scent has been very nostalgic for me and though I would never find it wearable, it does evoke some positive emotions.
