by Zara
Ebony Wood is a warm, spicy, and woody fragrance that centers on clove, pink pepper, and ebony wood notes, resulting in a rich, gourmand aroma with a hint of sweetness. The opening features a bright, citrus-tinged pepperiness that evolves into a deeper, creamy, and slightly sweet woody scent. While the top notes suggest a clear, dry woodiness, many find it leans toward a sweet, spicy, and ultimately sweet-woody character—reminiscent of candied fruit, vanilla, or even old furniture—making it more unisex than sharply masculine. Its longevity and noticeable sillage are most prominent in cool or indoor conditions—on clothing, it lasts remarkably long, but on skin, it tends to fade relatively quickly, sometimes within hours. The drydown leans warm, slightly sweet, and mildly powdery, with a subtle resolution that some describe as a refined, honeyed spice rather than cloying. Despite some reports of it smelling like a candle or medicinal pepper, the consensus is that it stands out as one of the most complex and impactful offerings in Zara's collaboration with Jo Malone. For winter or cool-weather wear, it's praised for its cozy, mature depth and layered olfactory character.