by Robert Piguet
Casbah is a profoundly intense, incense-driven fragrance with a distinct earthiness and smoky depth, evoking the atmosphere of a grand cathedral or ancient Moroccan citadel. It opens with a bright, intensely green and spicy burst of angelica, black pepper, and nutmeg, which lingers in a dusty, herbal weight that feels medicinal and slightly bitter. Over time, a thick, resinous frankincense and smoldering incense presence emerges, layered with tobacco and vetiver, creating a warm yet austere, ceremonial quality. The drydown displays a cool, powdery, and earthy orris root base, giving it a layered, complex character that feels both modern and classical. It is powerful in projection and longevity, with many reporting it lasting over 10 hours, and many find its sillage strong and persistent. While the fragrance is universally praised as an exceptional incense for dedicated fans, it is notably divisive due to its strong, non-sweet, and dry character. Skin chemistry can dramatically alter the experience, with some finding it darkly intoxicating and others reporting it becomes a nauseating, plasticky green herb or waste-like scent, particularly with newer black-label versions. Despite some reports of poor performance in newer editions, those who receive the original red-and-white labeled version often describe a rich, memorable, and boundary-pushing scent experience.