by Navitus Parfums
Arcanum is a rich, warmly sweet gourmand with intense cinnamon, creamy coconut, and vanilla, built on a foundation of resinous oud, woody amber, and tonka bean. It opens with a bold, spicy-sweet burst of cinnamon and coconut, giving the impression of toffee-crusted apple pie with whipped cream—sophisticated, dark, and deeply sensual. Over time, the scent mellows into a smooth, powdery armor with prominent labdanum, olibanum, and tonka, creating a layered complexity that feels both mysterious and comforting. The fragrance evokes comparisons to Pafums de Marly Herod, Initio Side Effect, and a blended gourmand-oud style akin to Xerjoff or Amouage, though most agree it is not a direct clone, but a distinctive iteration with its own identity. Wearers describe it as perfect for cool weather, especially autumn and winter, with the sillage becoming intimate to moderate as it dries down. It functions well as a date-night or evening scent, particularly when seeking a bold but refined presence.