Rare Carbon

Rare Carbon by Afnan, released in 2020, is a dark, woody masculine scent with leather, spice and a surprising floral heart. Woodiness is what everyone agrees on; about half also find it spicy and floral, and a quarter notice green, amber and leather sides.

The opening is unusual: leather, nutmeg and cinnamon together give a warm, smoky spice, while violet leaf adds a green, slightly metallic freshness that cuts through it. The heart pairs cedar and agarwood, dry and resinous with the oud adding a smoky, faintly medicinal depth, against rose and violet, which bring a soft, powdery floral layer that keeps the woods from feeling harsh. The base is vetiver, amber and sandalwood, earthy, warm and smooth.

Most wearers report long lasting performance and a strong trail. It is voted mainly for winter and autumn and leans towards evening. It suits someone who wants a bold, oud-tinged woody scent with enough rose and violet to feel polished rather than rough.

Rare Carbon — for men fragrance by Afnan (released 2020). Top notes: Leather, Violet Leaf, Nutmeg, Cinnamon. Heart notes: Violet, Agarwood (Oud), Rose, Cedar. Base notes: Vetiver, Sandalwood, Amber. — Parfica open fragrance database