Varanasi is a visceral, atmospheric composition that captures the humid, spiritual, and gritty essence of the Indian city it is named after. The opening is a dense cloud of incense and spices—saffron,...
Enthusiasts characterize this as a powerhouse fragrance, noting that its longevity and sillage are significant enough to endure through entire days and withstand humid conditions.
The scent is frequently described as a challenging, "dark" artistic work, often grouped by collectors alongside other uncompromising animalic and balsamic scents that favor raw textures over mass-market sweetness.
It is widely considered a cold-weather fragrance, with most users recommending it for fall and winter evenings rather than daytime or office wear.
Critics and fans alike highlight the authentic smoky and resinous qualities of the frankincense and gurjum balsam, noting that it successfully avoids the "synthetic" profile found in more commercial incense perfumes.
