Lucky Santal
Dixit & Zak (2021)

This release was the point that I decided to walk away from the brand. I hung on for a couple of years, despite the growing redundancy with most of their releases. The opening to this was a pleasant, though familiar blend of sandalwood and oud. The dry-down just fell part, unfortunately, and was borderline scrubber territory. I regret to say that I've since moved on and haven't looked back.

D&Z house is known for some really complex and interesting creations.
The Emperor, Ghaliyah and Rising series are some of the most popular and sought out perfume franchises. [Yes that is a thing]
The Santal series is based on sandalwood oil.
Dixit & Zak seem to have doubled down here.
Lets see if they have been 'Lucky Santal' here.

Opening:
Hold that breath and enjoy the aromas. The Honey-Lime-Honey-Lime-Honey train is intoxicating.
A delight of Olfactory sense.
The opening wins you over. This is it.
What modern perfumery is all about, should be about.
Sophisticated brilliance.

If you have tried and loved, Zoologist Bee and Floris Honey Oud then give this a try.
And you will be compelled to buy into a bottle.

Rose & Jasmine are hinted along. They are just enough to give Honey company, which now rules.
I think the note I detect but dont recognise is Mignonette. One of the most precious oils out there.
Another note that will touch your very soul is Spiced Sandalwood.
This is the famed Caledonian Sandalwood. the spice touch is just perfect

For the next 3-4 hours, you are surrounded in a cloud of sophisticated sweetness.
This fills up 3 feet in a very mild projection. Hinting its prescence.

Mid: 4-7 hours
Honey & Lime recede becoming subdued while other florals shine.
There is not much to add here.
The surprise stays as Honey keeps hinting along now while other notes take over.
But its now more of a beaitful experience with all notes in harmony.
There is a ghost note one catches, to finally recognise, Hindi Oud.
Oh yes, my beloved Oud you are most welcome.

End: 8-*
Yes I put the Asterix. The perfumes kept going while I finally called on the night spirits.
When I did wake up, a faint Sandalwood Oud projected off the skin. This is expected in Natural perfumery.
And most noticeable in D&Z creations.
Other notes esp honey are there but too faint.

So lets sum it up.

Dixit & Zak have been 'Lucky Santal'.
The perfume is a brilliant rendition of Honey, Lime & Sandalwood.
Its sophisticated, interesting, beautiful and unique. A total standout creation.

The Litmus test:
Would I buy a backup bottle - I am compelled to do so.

The Sheikhs themselves would love to pay in gold coins for this.

Listed Notes:
Key lime, rose damascena, honey, tuberose, lawsonia inermis (henna), jasmine, ginger, magnolia, orris root, castoreum, cedar, vetiver, oud, saffron tabac, patchouli, sandalwood, pandanus
PS: Watch out for Saffron. Its the Ghost note here, playing casper.