Tawaf is the final fragrance in the La Via del Profumo Arabian series of perfumes. Dominique Dubrana, La Via del Profumo’s perfumer, describes the fragrance as an “aromatic ‘melody’ of the scents that surround those performing the Tawaf” — pilgrims circling the sacred Kaaba in Mecca during the Hajj or Umrah. Pilgrims, stone floors and the Kaaba itself are perfumed with the likes of Jasminum sambac (Arabian jasmine), opopanax and rose water.

Tawaf is composed of beautiful, strong aromas*: a vibrant floral accord of jasmine and rose (sweet, syrupy and possessing an indolic punch); a note that reminds me of musky, honey-drenched hay (no, I’ve never encountered honey-drenched hay in person, just in my imagination); warm opopanax; and buzzing, floral amber — clear and pungent, but not too “clean” (is that a bit of patchouli I smell?) Tawaf’s opening comes close to duplicating one of the most mesmerizing floral scents: the powerhouse perfume of blossoming Cestrum nocturnum (gardeners: if you love flowers that can scent an entire block, investigate this plant). As Tawaf dries down, it becomes sheer with hints of honeycomb, myrrh and residual floral notes…

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