Rasasi is probably my favorite Middle-Eastern house and I have 28 bottles in my Scent Armory. I started my Middle Eastern journey picking-up gems from Arabian Oud and Lattafa. At the time, the ones from Arabian Oud (Kalemat, Kalemat Black, etc.) were fairly priced on the discount market...but that quickly changed. So I picked-up Raghba and all the flankers (dirt cheat and almost as awesome) but they too started to be harder to get here in the States, but still quite affordable. I then discovered Rasasi and have been buying these and inexpensive clones from Armaf. The Armaf frags are okay, but no where near the quality of Rasasi...and these too are readily available and generally quite affordable. Anyway, top notch list: Here are my favorites: 1. Rasasi Hawas - I'm on my 6th bottle...better suited for the younger lads, as you mentioned, but it's a compliment magnet...especially from the young ladies agest 18-28. I'm a physically fit older gentleman, and waitresses will come up to me and ask what I'm wearing with my girlfriend sitting next to me. And we're surrounded by the scent of food so this fragrance is beastly for a freshie. 2. Rasasi La Yuqawam Jasmine Wisp - I love this fragrance on my girlfriend and it will drop by boxers. LOL! 3. Rasasi La Yuqawam Tobacco Blaze - asky brandy tobacco...without tobacco...brilliant release by Rasasi. 4. Rasasi La Yuqawam Pour Homme - a Tuscan Leather clone, but it's much more wearable than the Tom Ford. Excellent!!! 5. Rasasi Faqat Lil Rijal - could easily slap a Maison Francis Kurkdjian or Roja Dove label on this one. Love it!!! 6. Rasasi Hawas For Her - I just love this one on the girlfriend. 7. Rasasi Khaltat Al Oudh - similar to Serge Lutens Santal Majuscule, but better. Very under-rated IMO. 8. Rasasi Maa Arwaak for Him - Very unique, yet not flashy, but I just love it for whatever reason. 9. Rasasi Daarej for Men - I didn't care for that cumin note at first...but warmed-up to it after a while. 10. Rasasi Sotoor Taa and Waaw (tie) Love or like these (and great clones) but not all that original so I couldn't put 'em in the Top 10: Rasasi Attar Al Mohobba - really nice...but kinda has that 1 Million DNA going on Rasasi La Yuqawam Femme - really nice Black Orchid clone...but it can't touch the original. Rasasi Al Wisam Day - solid Silver Mountain Water clone Rasasi Entebaa - Silver Mountain Water meets blackberry wine. Um...didn't like it as much as Al Wisam Day. Rasasi Rumz Al Rasasi Crocodile Pour Lui - Dior Sauvage clone, perhaps, but darker/spicier fragrance. Rasasi Rumz Al Rasasi Leo Pour Lui - some Amouage Jubilation Man similarities at the open (very nice!) Rasasi Rumz Al Rasasi Zebra Pour Lui - one of the best Creed Aventus clone out there, and excellent performance. One's that I feel are under-rated...just because I like 'em: * Rasasi Jaish - wood, cedar wood, sawdust, and more wood. I just like it. One's I didn't like: * Rasasi Tasmeem - it's okay, but I was disappointed since this one was hyped a bit * Rasasi Yazan - I need to revisit this one because it was very strange to me. * Rasasi Shuhrah Pour Homme - in a nutshell, Rasasi took Tobacco Blaze and mixed it with a bunch of over-ripe fruit. Kinda interesting, but also kinda repulsive. * Rasasi La Yuqawam Orchid Prairie - synthetic orchid and band-aid = big disappointment. * Rasasi La Yuqavam Ambergris Showers - I didn't like this one, but perhaps I'll warm up to it. I still have to try Rasasi WOW Woody (been on my to buy list, but hard to find over here). I am also wanting to try/buy the Junoon and Boruzz lineups. Thanks for the info on Dhanal Oudh Nashwah...I'm look at it passively, but nobody covers this one *SO* imagine my surprise to find out this one smells similar to Fumerie Turque, which I have been wanting for years and years. Cheers!
Great comment Jim, I am sure this will help a lot of people. Quite like your top tean and would love to try Tobacco Blaze, as I have never smelled it and I am definately setting my eyes on Khaltat Al Oud. . Have you tried any others from Lattafa? I have heard Dirham Oud by Ard al Zafran (?) is very good. Might have to blind buy that one. I recently blind bought Ashaar by Rasasi and that is quite a good Oud based fragarnce, still the Jury is out on that one.
@@SmellsGoodfragrancereviews Sorry for not replying, but I didn't see this comment until now...can you review Ashaar because that one has been on my scent radar for a while. The Ard al Zafran perfumes are not easy to come by here in the States, but I did manage to pick up Ard Al Zafaran Shaikh Al Oud, Ard Al Zaafaran/Al Zaafran Land Oud Sharqia, and Ard Al Zaafaran Oud Isphahan/Ishpahan back in 2014/5 and like or love all three. Besides, being hard to find they were not listed in Fragrantica and the spelling of the names is questionable because the writing is in Arabic and I've been them spelled many ways. I would love to explore more from this house, but I gave up because they were so difficult to find and such little information is posted about them.
@@SmellsGoodfragrancereviews Also, I just checked and noticed Fragrantica lists five (5) of their perfumes, yet I see dozens listed on middle eastern shopping sites. Too bad online sites like Souq.com don't ship to the US or I would have ordered dozens more from Lattafa, Arabian Oud, Ard Al Zaafaran and others. For example, back in 2015 I was really wanting to try the house of Al Musbah (which I guess are widely available and reasonably priced in Saudi Arabia) but are hard to find here and/or too expensive for a blind buy: Al Musbah Intense Oudh. Al Musbah Mujallad 1, Al Musbah Prince of Musk, and Al Musbah Prince of Oudh. Also, here are some others that I had placed on my wish list (2015) but couldn't find (mostly) or at a reasonable price: Ard Al Zafaran Rilisat Oshaq , Asayel Al Oud Masakom Oud, Lattafa Al Azra. Are you familiar with any of these?
you all probably dont care but does any of you know of a trick to get back into an Instagram account..? I was dumb lost the password. I would appreciate any assistance you can give me
@David Marley i really appreciate your reply. I found the site on google and I'm in the hacking process atm. Seems to take a while so I will reply here later with my results.
I enjoy your reviews, and this is the second one I've watched. You do justice to the fragrances and give a fair, balanced, and practical perspective to each of them. I appreciate that you're fully informed about Middle Eastern and Western fragrances and that you recognize the nuances between similar productions. You tell it as it is with truth and honesty, and no facade, fanfare, or pretenses. Just by this review, I've already placed three of the items in a cart as we speak....thank you.
@@SmellsGoodfragrancereviews I watched your review about the Aventus contenders (I'm glad you just didn't relegate them to being clones), and thus I'm acquiring "Rumz Al Rasasi Pour Lui", "Al Wisam Day", "Boruzz Abeer Malasiya", and "Dhan Al Oudh Nashwah". I also plan on getting from your 10 complimented designer fragrances: Aqua Di Parma Colonia Intensia, Bvlgari Man In Black Essence, and Dior Homme Intense. What I love about the way you reviewed the complimented 10 is that you gave your impressions of the effect of the fragrance on you and others. That tells me that the perfumery's artistry did hit the mark and that your subjective taste concurred. I think we have similar tastes.
I would like to share my bit about Rasasi, I have a friend who works for Rasasi in Dubai. They are a world class organisation and have state of the art perfume processing plants. They are even better than a lot of so called designer houses as they are just putting a label on the fragrances and a manufacturer like Rasasi actually produces them. A Brand which is only in perfumes will produce better fragrances compared to the one who are into everything like shoes, bags and other accessories. 😊😊😊 Great Intuitive video once again AC.
That's a brilliant insight Amit, thank you. I am so pleased to learn that their facilities are world beaters but they never shout about it. This humility is evident in many walks of life when it comes to eastern philosophy ... everything seems to be measured by western standards when it comes to production facilities, but it shouldn't be. I have massive respect for this house and for a good reason.
Who else here finds Shuhrah is the must underated Rasasi fragrance?? I got quite a few of them and here is my top 4 1- La Yuqawam 2- Shuhrah 3- Zebra 4- Hawas
I have Rasasi Daarej and Rasasi Tasmeem. I love them. Daarej is for dates and evening wear and Tasmeem is for daytime. Daarej gives me a D&G the one vibe, although they are difderent, but ive never smelled anything similar to Tasmeem.
I like these two as well, Brian. They're great. Daarej doesn't last brilliantly on me although it's by no means an under performer for me. Tasmeem lasts forever on me by contrast. I tend to wear them at opposite times to you. Tasmeem during the evening and Daarej during the day. Best wishes!
@@veritasvincit2745 . I agree on the performances. I tend to use them in contrast to your way because I live in Jamaica where the temperature is hot all the time
My current favourite from Rasasi is Fattan pour homme, which emulates Terre d Hermes. It also solves the performance issues, I traditionally have with Rasasi. Nevertheless, love your endeavours, stay blessed.
Thank you Hassan. i have actually never liked TdH so I think I will stay away from Fattan :)). I am surprised to hear that you have performance issues with Rasasi!
Great list, man and I really like the way you explain fragrances.. I have a few ones now and I'm in love with Rasasi. Hawas and Shuhrah are definitely my favorites. Subscribbed!
@@SmellsGoodfragrancereviews sir there is also a good perfume line called axe signature gold dark vinelle and oud Wood please review on this perfume maybe it's a copy of Tom Ford 😊...,,
I agree, Hawas is a great performer and in my opinion much better than Invictus. It can make a great spring and summer scent and can actually work year round if you live in a warm climate. Enteba is also a very nice fragrance.
I agree James, its a real all weather versatile fragrance. theres another one I would recommend, and that is Dunhill Icon, if you haven't already got it in your collection.
Rasasi makes amazing frags and you're right best house from middle east . I've tried half of them and I love them. Great list sir. Will send you more samples of rasasi frags soon
O yes, I am sure when I sample a Rasasi that I am going to enjoy it. They beat most western designers hand down. I would love to know the names of their perfumers one day as they are very good.
Haha yes Sir, it’s supposed to be similar to Oud Ispahan which I have but according to Me this is much more deeper, thicker and darker also longer lasting and head turner.Also Atheer Cambodia is compliment magnet to the core.perhaps the most distinguished scent on this planet
I actually purchased Dhan Al oud Naswah from your review. I am glad I did! I never would have tried it otherwise. You are 100% accurate in your description AC! At first, I get that skanky smell in the opening, I can see it turning off a few folks who would judge it just for by the opening. Once I got past that initial dirty/skanky oud, this fragrance blossomed into an absolutely beautiful scent. By the way, why does this fragrance have that skankiness in the begging? What is causing it to smell that way? I've never actually smelled a fragrance like that. Thanks again for the fantastic reviews!!
Hi Christian , I am delighted you went for Dahnal Oud Nashwah mate, its compared to Fumerie Turque which is a critically acclaimed fragrance. I adore Naswah and still think its the best Rasasi out there. That skank is the Oud in it I think as only Oud smells skanky in my view, a bit similar to the Oud note in Tobacco Oud by Tom Ford I suppose.
After watching your videos, I recently purchased a lot of Rasasis, (zebra, Al Wassim day, Hawas, Satoor Waaw, Musk Al Hareer). The are really great fragrances but the 2021 batches are reformulated and they are I feel they have diluted the fragrances. The longevity and projection is minimum and they disappear within max 3 hours. Sad.
I've had the no.1 in this list for a few months but not used much. A few days ago I realised there was a Penhaligons shop in Bath near where I live. Went in, got sprayed with a few expensive perfumes on my arms.. since then I like the Rasasi much more -reminds me of some of the Penhaligons?!
@@SmellsGoodfragrancereviews Do you like Penhaligons AC? I haven't had any experience with expensive/niche perfumes before really. I found some of them really nice. Made me feel quite sophisticated wearing them!
Glad to see you're in good spirits AC! I'm just recuperating from this Manchester cold. Anyways my Top 5 Rasasi's for life... 1. Atheer Cambodia 2 . Ashaar pour homme 3. Taa 4. Daarej 5. Hawas
Glad to see you are on the mend mate. I am always in good spirits bud! I love scents and when I am around them I am in cloud 9. So I have to try Ashaar then? Lot of people are praising it. What about Shaghaf? have you tried it?
@@SmellsGoodfragrancereviews Ashaar pour homme is an expertly blended handsome oud fragrance, highly agreeable to Western sensibilities judging by the compliments I get . I'm yet to sniff Shaghaf, but should have it by the end of the week . Just placed an order from Sama perfumes.
@@SmellsGoodfragrancereviews Top notes : Bergamot, Cardamom, Cinnamon Heart notes: Cedarwood Base notes : sandalwood,Moss, Styrax & oud. This is a smooth blend with excellent performance. You get a spicy citrus opening &in the mid you get a dark green subtle earthy woody nuance which transforms on my skin to a velvety elegant smoky sultry oud with resinous sweetness from the Styrax.
I am so grateful for the education in Arabian Scents. I am falling in love with them brilliant! Of course a wonderful review, you have a wonderful speaking voice! Professional presentation! you inspired me to make a few videos myself! I have the bug! god bless!
Thank you Jason, and you definately should look into Arabian houses and don't stop there, please do delve deep into the unique and ancient world of Attars :).
Amazing! I couldn't agree with the list more. Wisam day is really one of the best Rasasis. Atheer Cambodia is really good too but it's very airy which is a big minus for me.
Hi. Im new collecting last 5 months. I did get 3 of the Rassasi that are more designer type including Hawas. You have a more experienced list. When im ready i will purchase some. Wonderful list. Looking forward to it. Thank you....
Rasasi Zebra was my scent of the day. I actually prefer this over CDNIM or Al Haramain l'aventure. I also have the Hawas and Al Wisam Day. Oh how lucky to be living in Dubai 😊
Hi, I was wondering from which mall I can find rasasi fragrances on discount in dubai, I told one of my friend to buy few for me and send it to India.. Plz mention place, fragrances from rasasi to buy for and its dubai prices.. Thanks in advance
@@anuragrp1988 Rasasi outlets are available in all major malls in Dubai. So finding one is not a problem! About discounts... They do have offers/deals and promos from time to time. It's always safe to buy from their stores
@@anuragrp1988 Rasasi Pour Lui 9325 popularly known as Rasasi Zebra is my favorite. It's an Aventus clone. I'm on my 3rd bottle. Another favorite is Rasasi Hawas, an Invictus clone. Check this channel and other RU-vid reviews for Top Rasasi fragrances. Surely you will get a lot of suggestions. Perfumes are a very personal thing. My taste may differ from yours. The 2 perfumes I suggested are blind buy worthy though in my opinion. The prices are available on their official website
hahaha, your enthusiasm for the fragrance is infectious :). I recently sampled Shurah and I like it but not a love. Either way I will be featuring it in the Part 2 of this series. Have you sampled Shaghaf by the way?
@@MulhollandDr Heard that the Shuhrah of 2018 are watered down. Sadly a wonderful fragrance let down by Rasasi. Loved the 2017 one i have and wanted another backup but dropped the idea after the watered down news.
Pour Lui Zibra is a much higher quality clone of Creed Aventus, CDNIM is so synthetic I don't like it, this has the smooth high quality pineapple that you want. Last just as long as CDNIM. Al Wissam Day is as good as you mention it my man, very well made, was a little too rosey at first but don't get it anymore. La Yuqawam is a beast, two sprays that's it, Tuscan Leather done even better. Hawas: compliment monster, panty dropper. Anyone recommend another Rasasi?
Super great review Ac. thx for your review about Rasasi Al Wissam Day. I did check around to find it and I did finally did( it is so difficult to find these kinds of scents in Sweden otherwise), and ordered it , just waiting to see how it is, of course, I do trust you bro*****. Have a rocking day.cheers
Oh nice one Amir, I am hoping you enjoy Al Wissam Day mate, its really a very good fragrance. Bro, You have been with me since I was 20 subs down, how does it feel to cross 6K ? Thanks for your support man :)
@@SmellsGoodfragrancereviews I am so happy for you dear bro to cross 6K, It is awesome********* , You are the best mate:).wish you happiness prosperity success and all the best,cheers
Thanks. I have a sample of Shurah but never tried it. If you thinking of blind buying then I can highly recommend Shaghaf, thats a brilliant scent. Its based on Shurah but better composition some say. i own it and I love it!
Not necessarily, Geranium has its own merits from its scent profile and various facets it provides, which makes it pretty usable on its own merit rather than being a substitute for Rose.
I love Rasasi too, AC. I've got a fair few now and really enjoy them. Oud al Misk is a rare miss for me out of their line up. I just find it too weak and underwhelming. My favourite of theirs changes on mood but is currently Dhan Al Oudh Al Nokhba. This one is just blowing me away but have to say that I would not have liked it at the start of my fragrance appreciation interest. Simply too much of a powerhouse but I've learnt how to appreciate and wear it now.
Nice one. I havent smelled Nokhba but I have heard its pretty good :). Oud Al Misk is quite a nice scent on me and I like to wear it when it warms up a bit , say June July time here in the UK. Its really a very nice cheapie.
Buddy, I made this list before I bought Shaghaf so I will create a new list on top 10 Rasasis this year. What do you think of Shaghaf ? Do you like it ?
You mention, was it the top fragrance or 2nd, you say it is ' powdery'. What DOES that mean ??!! I haven't a clue. Just bought some Rasasi Oud Al Mubakhar, it's not like any fragrance I've ever used or smelt before, it's got me hooked !!
Hey AC! Great video as usual. My latest bottle of CDNI (2020 batch) is so watered and the performance is not the same than previous one (a batch of 2018). According to your knowledge, which is the best clone of Aventus in terms of quality and projection? Rasasi Pour Lui Zebra or Al Haramain L’Aventure / L’Aventure Intense? Thanks so much and keep doing this great job!
Excellent review. Thank you! Rasasi fragrances really are wonderful. I started my experience with La Yuqawam and recently bought Khaltat Al Khasa and Faqat Lil Rijal which I love. Honestly there doesnt seem much point in Western fragrances with their poor performance and rip off prices. You called Faqat Lil Rijal skanky however can you recommend something even skankier? I want more skank!!
@@SmellsGoodfragrancereviews thank you! I'll check out Oud Caravan No 3 for sure. The first time I sprayed Faqat I thought I'd made a terrible mistake buying it. Now my nose is more experienced with oud I can't believe what a bargain this amazing fragrance is.
Hi John, depends on your location. If you are in the Uk or Europe I think Notino is the best option. Ebay private sellers also offer competitive pricing on them.
How you do it. I have only three colognes and I order few more. I look at Rosasi fragrances, but don't sell all that you mention in your list. I appreciated that you put the list, great help. Fantastic review and very refined taste about fragrances.
Excellent list AC! I really love La Yuquwam, but the best from the Rassasi House 'imo'.. would be Rumz Al Rasasi 9453 Pour Lui 'leopard'. It's very, VERY similar to Nasomatto - Black Afghano, which i also own & love. The quality of the Rassasi is amazing.. and the performance is great too! It's rare for me to get back up bottles, as i have a large collection, but when quality like this can be had for around £30 a bottle, it is a no brainer! 🙂👌
Thank you, I actually have 9453 Leopard and I like it. I did not realize that it was a clone of Black Afghano. I will see if I can do a head to head comparison.
I own leopard too and I have never realised any comparisons to Black Afgano by Nasomatto..the leopard is resinous berry like sweet up top and dries down to some hints of incence and spices..id love to see the comparison bro..interesting
@@SmellsGoodfragrancereviews Please do. I own both, and I put the Leopard into the same "dense" aroma category - to my mind, that is - vintage Amber Absolute, Black Afgano, Vintage Jub 25, Laudano Nero, Shirah.... where it's thick and dank. (does that make sense?)
Hey There AC!!! Have you tried Rasasi Qasamat Bareeq which is also a clone BR540? Will you do a review of this one and compare it to Al Haramain Amber Oud Rouge? I would love your take on them...
Smells Good Hello AC! Thanks for your quick responses, the mid sounds good. I think I’m going to purchase Shaghaf and hope for some Mancera’ish fruity quality (even if synthetic). I’m looking forward to that video! Have a good time!
Hey my main man, how's it going? Love my 3 rasasi picks, total powerhouse house. Can you recommend any spring/summer fragrances from Rasasi. Looking for citrus, neroli fresh scents which still keep the Rasasi performance.
Hi Glenn, I am pretty well and sorry about the late reply mate as i was away on business travel. I am glad you are enjoying this house mate, actually delighted! In my view you should try rasasi Woody and Al Wissam day & Evening both are very nice. I have reviewed the first two. These don't have Neroli though but are great for warm weather IMHO. Woody specially has beastly performance.
Not a problem Glenn and i will keep my eyes peeled for a Citrussy Rasasi for you. Please don't ignore Al Wissam evening mate, its a very classy scent which people don't talk about. Sample it through ebay if you can and are not sure about it but trust me its very good :).
@@SmellsGoodfragrancereviews Oh I didn't realise it has lemon in it. I'll take a look just the evening thing put me off since I'm looking for day/office. actually the fragrance doesn't have to be Rasasi, just that their quality is top notch. I'm eyeing Sotoor Seen and Naroli Canvas, not sure which one to grab.
If you are not confined to Rasasis only then I would recommend you try Baldessarini Cologne concentree and Ultimate, I have reviewed both plus Dunhill Icon. All these 3 are great low cost options.
Thank you Deen. After the lock-down you can visit Arabian Oud on Oxford Street opposite selfridges. Its really a great place to sample many Arabian Oud Fragrances for free. You can also pop over to Selfridges and try many niche fragrances for free. Its a fantastic experience.
O my! that would be quite a video, I have more than 450 fragrances. I have done a video on my entire Guerlain Collection, so give it a watch when you have a moment. Its a long video though :)
