by Nasomatto
Pardon by Nasomatto is a deeply complex, mature gourmand with a warm, woody heart that evolves into a richly smoky, elegant oud and chocolate base. It opens with a distinctive blend of magnolia and sweetness, creating a floral-velvet top note that immediately sets it apart. The middle notes settle into a sincere, dark chocolate accord lifted by cinnamon and tonka, with a lacy, sweet-woody profile that remains complex without turning glossy or sweet. The base is deeply rooted in agarwood (oud) and sandalwood, with a dry, sophisticated, pungent character that feels both refined and masculine. This fragrance is notably not gourmand in the typical sense — the chocolate is quite dry, bitter, and integrated, never dominating or saccharine. In time, Pardon settles into a soft, persistent, and semi-transparent dry-down of warm, earthy oud, spiced with cinnamon, and edged with creamy sandalwood. Its performance is exceptional in cold weather — projected with a strong but not overwhelming sillage, lasting up to 12 hours on skin and remaining on clothing for days. The scent is not for every occasion; it fits best formal or nightwear scenarios in fall and winter. While not a scent for the faint of heart, its intensity is balanced and never obnoxiously loud — more a confident, elegant presence than a loud statement. A few find it underwhelming or overly oud-heavy, but most agree it's one of the brand's finest perfumes: masterfully crafted, uniquely balanced, and deeply engaging.