Skip the Bois Imperial price tag. A SHK 1 Saoud Alkaabi by Armaf fragrance sample gets you most of the way there.

An inspired fragrance

This is Armaf's take on Bois Imperial by Essential Parfums, and reviewers who've smelled both put it close, not identical.

SHK 1 Saoud Alkaabi is like a walk through a dry, sun-drenched forest where the air is thick with the scent of ancient cedar and powdered Earth. It opens with a sharp, sour spark of bergamot that quickly settles into a rugged profile of spicy pink pepper and heavy, velvety woods. The drydown feels like a second skin of smooth cashmere and warm amber, leaving a trail of sophisticated, masculine mystery that lingers long after the sun sets. Clean bergamot opening with a super dry and powdery musk texture. Deeply masculine blend of cashmere wood and earthy vetiver. Reach for it in fall and winter.

Notes

Top: Bergamot
Heart: Vetiver, Pink pepper, Cashmere wood
Base: White musk, Cedarwood, Amber

Projection

Projection runs 4-6 feet (strong/enormous). 2-3 feet (above average) once it settles on skin.

Longevity

24+ hours on clothes and 6-12 hours on skin.

Try the sample before you commit to a full bottle.