by Ensar Oud
Iris Ghalia is a deeply animalic, musky Floriental with a powerful and enduring presence. The opening is bold and exotic—described as sweet, spicy, and immediately animalic, with prominent notes of deer musk, castoreum, civet, hyrax, and ambergris. It carries the lush, buttery richness of orris root and iris, giving a cool, velvety core that contrasts with the dense, primal musk. The fruit notes—peach and black currant—offer a gourmand sweetness that feels smooth and ripe, while violet and water lily contribute a soft floral dreaminess. Over time, a subtle spicy warmth builds, particularly from carnation and dried spices, deepening the complexity. The fragrance evolves slowly, revealing layered textures of resin, earth, and faintly sweet orchid-like floral tones. It holds immense longevity and sillage—projecting strongly in moderate to strong bursts, with a drier-down phase that remains captivating for well over 10 hours. Despite its elegance, it is not a fresh or light floral; it leans heavily into rich, narcotic animalics that define its identity. The perfume feels regal, theatrical, and luxurious, suitable for evening wear in cooler seasons and for those with a preference for bold, sensual, and boundary-pushing perfumes. Its unique character means it is not universally appealing but resonates strongly with enthusiasts of intense, natural musk-based fragrances.