Azafrán by Fueguia 1833

Fueguia 1833 Azhar, 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 made with natural ingredients that are immediately noticeable. They also have locations in Milan, Tokyo, and Moscow, though the latter isn’t listed on their website. While Azhar might not be their most famous scent, it caught my attention by evoking a journey to the East, especially Turkey and Morocco. It opens with a very spicy and potent top note that reminded me of the first 15 minutes of Andy Tauer’s ‘Air of the Moroccan Desert,’ though they aren’t identical, sharing 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. The projection is moderate but very persistent. You can detect a floral touch, like a rose half-lost among 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 meter or slightly more, nearly four feet. I bought a 30ml bottle for around $90. The atomizer is excellent, though it sprays less than standard bottles, and just three sprays last the entire described time. Nothing to envy from houses like Xerjoff, Initio, or Marly in terms of performance and quality. The difference lies in complexity: Fueguia fragrances are more linear with fewer notes, but on my skin, Azhar lasted two hours longer than Alexandria II. If you travel to Buenos Aires, Milan, or New York, don’t miss visiting their stores; the quality of many perfumes will surprise you. Respectful greetings, fellow enthusiasts.