Beyond the Pashtun Summit - review

 A stellar release by Memoirs of a Perfume Collector: Evoking the sights, smells and experiences of Pakistans mountains

The autobiographical brand, Memoirs of a Perfume Collector revels in the excitement and reminiscent fondness of travel, with fragrances that evoke memories and transport the wearer to beautiful, exotic places from around the globe. Here is a fragrance for those treasured souls caught up in the romance and magic of wanderlust. 

Beyond the Pashtun Summit begins with one of the best openings I’ve ever experienced. The blend of pomegranate, davana and hashish in the top notes is quite unique, the kind of opening that inspires your senses. With Pashtun, it was not only love at first sniff, but an electric attraction, an excitement to discover the fragrance as it unfurls in its entirety. 

Notes include:

Hashish, Pomegranate, Davana, Labdanum, Cistus Absolute, Poppy Flower, Naswar, Agarwood Oud, Deer Musk, Leather, Sandalwood

Despite its extravagance, the oud plays a supporting role, rather than existing noticeably in the foreground. Its existence is woven into the patchwork of scenes, smells and experiences of the beautiful mountain pass, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, along with the fruits, acrid smoke, chewing tobacco and billowing hash.

For me, this is a non linear boujie boho kind of joint that will appeal to those with a hippy heart and wide eyed adventurers. 

It’s a complex, smoky leathery, hazy, intoxicating smoke that feels grassy, like some crazy zeut-laced immortelle.

When perfumery ceaselessly chases art for arts sake, it can often result in a scent that is astonishing yet peculiar, rendering the work something to behold rather than wear comfortably. With Pashtun, the art and storytelling of bygone exploration is balanced by a stunning wearability. A new favourite in my collection. 

Bottle gifted for review.