fragrance

Esscentual Alchemy Hokkabaz Natural Perfume Review

Esscentual Alchemy Hokkabaz is a tribute to Guerlain’s Djedi, an epic Guerlain launched in 1926 that had a heavy Orientalist overtone. Now if you’re involved in the online perfume community, you quickly find out that Djedi is some sort of perfume unicorn, a mystical and magical thing that you can’t and won’t get your hands on. I mean, it does exist but I don’t have the finances or the time to hunt unicorns.

Hokkabaz is inspired by the 1920’s Orientalism obsession. And this makes sense. Djedi was most likely inspired by the unveiling of the wonders found in King Tut’s tomb in 1924 (back then it took at least 2 years to perfect a perfume). When I first sniffed Esscentual Alchemy Hokkabaz, I got Parisian underground. It’s dusty moss and catacombs. The leather smells like worn, muddy leather goods. Animalic civet dusted with dry spices. Dried out rose petals. The dry down is musty and warm with spices and a powdery orris. And then it has a dry-down² which is a cool iris and sweet grass. It’s as goth as f*ck.

Valeska Suratt

Includes notes of rose, vetiver, oakmoss, leather accord, civet, patchouli, antique Mysore sandalwood, clove, vanilla, orris, calamus and embalming spices accord. Launch 2012. PERFUMER – Amanda Feeley

Give Hokkabaz a try if you are looking for something unusual. Or if you like vintage perfumes. Or if you like perfumes like any of the DSH Perfumes Secrets of Egypt Collection, aroma M Amber Rouge, Serge Lutens Cuir Mauresque and/or Slumberhouse Jeke. Hokkabaz is unisex.

Hokkabaz has average projection and above average longevity. It lasts and lasts on the skin. I mean, it’s a slow burner. It’s changing even after 10 hours of wear.

This limited edition perfume retails for $97 for 5ml at Esscentual Alchemy. Samples are also available for purchase.

Victoria’s Final EauPINIONParisian underground. Civet, spices, dusty florals and worn-out leather. Hokkabaz is somewhere between bibliophile goth and adventurous Laura Croft. It’s not one for everyone but that’s why it’s cool.

Want more reviews? Try…

Perfume Posse 

Feminine Things

Perfume Project NW – Comparison of vintage Djedi to Hokkabaz

The Alembicated Genie

*Disclaimer – Sample provided by Esscentual Alchemy. I am not financially compensated for this review. My opinions are my own. Valeska Suratt pic from www.fanpix.net.

9 thoughts on “Esscentual Alchemy Hokkabaz Natural Perfume Review

        1. Tomb Raider is awesome and yes, I can see how you liked it. I can smell that sort of adventure in your perfumes!

    1. If I had magical powers, I’d make sure that all of my perfume pals had a perfect, vintage bottle of Djedi in their collection.

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