Karagoz by Nishane

Agree with Jimmyvrod: it’s like a Green Irish Tweed but with that twist of fermented grape. If you like GIT, you’ll love Karagoz. It’s charming, delicious, and very versatile. As it dries down, that slightly bitter note appears, which I absolutely adore; it’s similar to Last Season or Ambergris Showers, maybe vetiver. Some might find it off-putting, but I can’t see how anyone wouldn’t like it.

I was gifted a 1.5 ml vial and thought it would be dark, but it isn’t. I wouldn’t buy it outright because it smells exactly like Carven L’Eau Intense at first (created by Kurkdijan and Di Marino). It opens citrusy, herbal, with white flowers that give a clean sensation. Then the pineapple and grape fade away, evolving into something herbal, woody-ambery with a soft, wearable oud. It’s a scent people enjoy.

Best Nishane I’ve tried so far. The opening is indeed acidic and a bit unpleasant, but once it dries down, it transforms into something truly unique. I couldn’t detect any trace of Hacivat; this fragrance has its own distinct identity. Longevity and projection are exceptional. I’d seriously consider buying a full bottle because I’d never finish it.

It’s a more formal variation of Invictus. I liked it. The difference is that this one is more mature and serious; basically, it lacks the prominent sweetness, which takes away the youthful vibe. There are surely more nuances, like the salty aspect of Invictus being replaced by something else. In essence, it’s a more serious version. I see it as perfect for someone who likes that DNA but wants something more refined. They complement each other perfectly: one formal, one informal; owning both isn’t redundant.

Good morning. It smells a lot like Dolce & Gabbana Pour Homme from 1994. But a lot. Powerful all the way through.

I have to confess, it took me until the third try to actually catch it; the first two times I couldn’t figure out what it was or where it was. Maybe the grape note kept me awake at first, but now I’m head over heels. It’s one of my all-time favorites. That grape and pineapple opening, that powerful fruity trail that later turns a bit dark and woody with vetiver. This is some of the best I’ve had in recent years, so when I run out, I’m definitely buying another bottle of this gem.

Although the resemblance to Hacivat is huge, I clearly see them as antagonists: Hacivat is the elegant side, while Karagoz is the relaxed side. Personally, I prefer the grape note in the opening compared to Hacivat; it’s an interesting exotic twist that places it in any season or occasion, though maybe I’d skip wearing it in winter. Regarding performance, I see it as similar to Hacivat, although Karagoz is slightly below in presence. In terms of personal taste, I liked Karagoz more because it’s more versatile, even if it doesn’t lose its stature. As for usage, I see myself playing golf or tennis with Karagoz, then showering that same night to go to a gala event with Hacivat… the yin and yang of Nishane. Generally, they smell the same; it’s in the small details where each person identifies which one they use. (10/10)

Karagoz has two very distinct phases. The opening smells of juicy, ripe, sweet pineapple with acidic grape notes. As it dries, the vetiver, oud, and fruits blend into that typical sharp ambroxan scent with a hint of old books. The vetiver is dark and woody but not earthy, while the oud adds depth without smelling like a stable or manure. What I like is the opening, but it’s a shame it doesn’t last long. I can’t handle the ambroxan drydown; there’s too much of it, which surprises me since people don’t talk about it enough. I’m also surprised they compare it to Aventus; to me, it feels closer to Sauvage than Creed. Not everything with pineapple smells like Aventus. That said, the performance is brutal—it lasts for hours and hours, and you keep smelling it. It feels more masculine than feminine and works in any climate except hot weather, because the drydown turns dark and can be overwhelming in the heat. Personally, I didn’t like it. I tried it twice, and neither time did it convince me. The second time, I liked the opening a bit more, but when it dried down, my disappointment returned. Recommended for Sauvage lovers and similar fans. They’ll probably enjoy it.

Although the resemblance to Hacivat is huge, I see them as antagonists: Hacivat is the elegant side, while Karagoz is the relaxed one. I prefer the grape note in the dry down compared to Hacivat; it’s an exotic twist that makes it perfect for any season, though maybe not winter. Performance-wise, it’s similar to Hacivat, though Karagoz has slightly less presence. Personally, I like Karagoz more because it’s more versatile without losing its presence. I imagine wearing it for a round of golf or tennis, then showering to go to an event in Hacivat; they are the yin and yang of Nishane. Overall, they smell the same, but in the details, you’ll know which one to choose. 10/10.