Karagoz
Nishane (2017)

Having read up a bit on these traditional Turkish puppetry characters—the naïve, folksy Karagöz and the urbane, sophisticated Hacivat—I remain at a loss as to how this fragrance captures the spirit of the former. It's not a bad scent, mind you; perhaps a tad rubbery in the way of modernist synth ouds, but good of its ilk. The pineapple and grape don't come off nearly as sweet as they sound unless you're right on top of them, thanks to the herbs, patchouli, and the base. That base is likewise more agarwood and vetiver than amber, which suits me fine. So, a nice twist on the whole woody-amber thing. Strong personality, I'll give it, but playful? That, I don't get.

My wife finds it too macho/modern for her tastes, and I don't find it so compelling that I'd need to sneak a bottle into the house. But, on the whole, it ekes out a thumbs up.

It would seem me and Nishane have a thing going. I own six of their scents.

Took me a while to appreciate this one but kept getting drawn back to it. Strange grape and jasmine opening underpinned by mossy woodsy notes that eventually (many hours later) take over the fruits.
All the reviews online harp on about the grape juice vibe, and so, my mind picked up on nothing but that. But, when you appreciate it for what it is, which is a darker version of Hacivat, it’s lovely. Can be worn all year round and lasts all day with ease

I hated it at first. Thought it smelled like burnt rubber. Been wearing it all day and keep catching whiffs of it. Heavenly. It's an Extrait so it will last all day long. I gave it 3 sprays and it's going hard 8 hours later. Last time I wore it I could still smell it on my skin where I tested it the next day, after a shower. Definitely try before you buy. Nishane is expensive and some of their scents are downright weird.

Don't know that any review needs to identify every single note and as to where it fits or does not. Pretty sure the Nishane boys know what fits. I like it. Not an in your face moment from beginning to end. Does not get much attention compared to their 3 or 4 big hitters but a very respectable scent that holds up well for multiple occasions. Must be tried and judged for ones self, no need to be swayed by me or others opinions. The more Nishane fragrances you try you will see they have one thing in common. They're all pretty good.

When edge and adventure turns medicinal. With Karagoz the intention was probably to deliver a super-concentrated fruity and then subvert it with a volley of herbal accents and a vetiver-woody backing. But this particular pudding proves somewhat challenging to my digestion. The fruity notes are bright and yellow but their intensity is warping, throwing up fermented and soda pop qualities. When they begin to fade back a bit, a rather pungent neroli comes through wearing its ill-fitting jacket of herbs and smoky peppery wood. The final hours are pure apothecary's kettle – presumably Nishane's oud construct mingling with the herbs. There's a certain strain of niche that majors on throwing together bold, saturated notes at the expense of compositional chops and Karagoz seems to belong to it. Interesting elements but this particular jigsaw still needs piecing together.

This is an extreme citrus. I don't get pineapple, but I smell neroli and amber. Not my style, but it is well made. There is a green dry-down but I don't smell any oud. Sharp citrus and vetiver.