Shaghaf Oud Tonka

Shaghaf Oud Tonka, a 2023 release from Swiss Arabian worn by anyone, is described by nearly everyone as gourmand and by most as floral, with spicy and amber sides noticed by about a third. Despite the name, the listed notes centre on almond, flowers and tonka rather than on oud itself.

It opens with almond, soft and marzipan-like. The heart adds cinnamon for a warm, bakery spice, alongside Tunisian orange blossom and Turkish rose, which give a sweet, slightly honeyed floral layer rather than anything green. The base is where the tonka arrives: tonka bean and vanilla together give a thick, creamy, hay-and-caramel sweetness, and amberwood adds a dry, ambery wood that stops the drydown from turning entirely to dessert.

Just over half of wearers report it as long lasting, and sillage is strong for about half and moderate for most of the rest. It is voted equally for autumn and winter and slightly more for evenings, which suits cold days and anyone who wants a sweet, spiced almond scent with presence.

Shaghaf Oud Tonka — unisex fragrance by Swiss Arabian (released 2023). Top notes: Almond. Heart notes: Tunisian Orange Blossom, Cinnamon, Turkish Rose. Base notes: Tonka Bean, Vanilla, Amberwood. — Parfica open fragrance database