Interview with a perfume critic: Evaluation and reviews of popular fragrances.
Perfume critic: a rare profession. It is a person who has dedicated their life to studying fragrance...
Eau de parfum
Abel Black Anise
Gender:
Unisex
Segment:
Lux perfumes
Fragrance information:
Character and History of the Fragrance
Abel Black Anise is an eau de parfum from 2023, created for those who enjoy spicy compositions with a gourmand mood and a distinctive yet understated character.
This unisex fragrance explores the theme of dark anise through a contrast of fresh fruity tartness, soft sweetness, and dry tobacco depth.
The fragrance joined the portfolio of Abel, a Dutch niche natural perfume brand founded in 2013 by New Zealand winemaker Frances Shoemack.
The brand’s philosophy is rooted in a thoughtful approach to natural ingredients and a desire to present natural perfumery as modern, complex, and emotional.
Abel Black Anise was created by perfumer Isaac Sinclair. In his interpretation, anise is not a simple sweet spice, but a full-bodied accord with a cool, subtly licorice-like nuance.
As a result, the fragrance retains its individuality and never turns into an obvious gourmand dessert.
How Abel Black Anise Smells
The composition belongs to the spicy and gourmand families, while its character also touches on fruity and woody nuances.
Its impression is built on a play of opposites: juicy blackcurrant adds tart dynamism, cocoa gives the scent a velvety texture, and tobacco gradually creates a calm, dry backdrop.
On the skin, Abel Black Anise feels intimate and soft.
Its sillage is subtle, making the fragrance especially suitable for those who prefer delicate perfumery for personal enjoyment, the office, or close encounters rather than a rich cloud noticeable from a distance.
The best time to discover this composition is on cool spring and autumn days, as well as winter evenings.
Its spicy-gourmand profile is fitting for a walk, an intimate gathering, a cozy café, or any occasion when you want to add a distinctive, slightly mysterious accent to your look.
Wearability and Dosage
As a unisex perfume, Black Anise easily adapts to different styles.
On women’s skin, it may highlight the softness of cocoa and its fruity facet, while on men’s skin, the spiciness of anise and the dryness of tobacco may come forward. However, the final scent always depends on skin temperature and individual chemistry.
For application to the skin, try the “step into the cloud” technique: spray the fragrance in front of you and step into it to achieve a fine, even layer.
One or two sprays are enough for clothing — sufficient for the composition to gently remind you of its presence without overwhelming the space.
What to Compare the Fragrance With
If you would like to explore similar spicy and tobacco-gourmand moods, consider Al Haramain Perfumes Amber Oud Tobacco Edition.
You can also compare it with other creations by Abel, including the more concentrated Black Anise Parfum Extrait and Coat Check.
They will help you sense how the balance between density, warmth, and intimacy changes throughout the composition.
Favorites
Add to comparison
Share
0
Comment
