• About
  • Login to comment
    • Facebook
    • RSS
    • Twitter

Now Smell This

a blog about perfume

Menu ▼
  • Perfume Reviews
  • New Perfumes
  • Perfumers
  • Perfume Houses
  • Shop for perfume
  • Resources

La Via del Profumo Balsamo della Mecca ~ fragrance review

Posted by Kevin on 3 February 2010 61 Comments

Middle Eastern perfumes are intense and often leave a trail behind the wearer that a well-trained, or even a lazy, dog can track for days. Hansel and Gretel should have ditched the breadcrumbs and worn an Arabian fragrance to find their way back home. (sniff, sniff…“We came THIS way!”) One either adores such perfumes, or shuns them. I adore them and that’s appropriate with the new La Via del Profumo Balsamo della Mecca because adoration was part of its creation: it was inspired by a trip perfumer Dominique Dubrana took to Mecca during Hajj.

Balsamo della Mecca contains natural notes of cistus labdanum, frankincense, benzoin, agarwood, tonka bean, tobacco, Indian tuberose and Damask rose. Balsamo della Mecca begins with rich, ‘leather-y’ labdanum and smoky frankincense. As the fragrance develops, interesting facets emerge — accords that smell of unsweetened cinnamon, “cola” and musky tobacco. The fragrance is dense and only lightens after hours of wear when the notes seem to “dry out” and turn powdery — a lovely phase when frankincense and benzoin/tonka predominate.

Don’t think of Balsamo della Mecca as a “Montale oud”-type fragrance — rich in oud, rose and woods. I don’t detect much tuberose and rose in Balsamo della Mecca (let’s just say those notes don’t smell like the tuberoses and roses I smell in my garden) and agarwood is “overcome” by labdanum and frankincense. Balsamo della Mecca is a great incense perfume, wearable by men and women.

Cistus

I was surprised at all-natural Balsamo della Mecca’s lasting power: over 10 hours. And in case you’re “worried,” it is not a sillage-monster. Balsamo della Mecca is an excellent layering scent and adds depth (and a touch of incense) to floral perfumes (it digests citrus fragrances in minutes). Balsamo della Mecca layers beautifully with Eau d’Italie Paestum Rose, and combines with Frederic Malle Editions de Parfums Carnal Flower to produce a gorgeous scent, turning diva-ish Carnal Flower into a fragrance I can wear with pleasure for the first time (normally, Carnal Flower is too 'womanly' for me).

Balsamo della Mecca is available directly from La Via del Profumo; 16 (€34,17) or 50 (€91,67) ml Eau de Parfum.

Note: top right image is Mecca Masjid [cropped] via soham_pablo at flickr, some rights reserved; bottom center image of Cistus ladaniferus via Wikimedia Commons.

Possibly of interest

La Via del Profumo Venezia Giardini Segreti & Palermo Don Corleone ~ fragrance reviews
La Via del Profumo Il Giglio di Firenze & Sensemilla ~ new fragrances
Surrender to Chance Surrender & Coldwater Canyon ~ fragrance reviews

Filed Under: perfume talk
Tagged With: incense, la via del profumo

Advertisement


61 Comments

Leave a comment, or read more about commenting at Now Smell This. Here's our privacy policy, and a handy emoticon chart.

  1. Absolute Scentualist says:
    3 February 2010 at 2:33 pm

    Mmmm. This sounds wonderful, Kevin. There’s always room for another incense frag in my collection. I’ve been in the midst of a love affair with Middle Eastern perfumes as of late. There’s at least two Ajmal fragrances I want to acquire, and I have a bottle of Rasasi’s Arba Wardat en route now. The latter’s so fantastic and intense I can still smell it on my shirt after it went through the wash. Not overpoweringly so, but just a gentle bit of fruity rose.

    Ajmal Awsaaf is such a beautiful contrast of fragrance types (woody, fruity, musky but not in a typical fruity-floral-gourmand wood sort of way), while Areeq takes a bit of getting used to in the top notes, but settles into the most gorgeous musky/suede skin scent. I’m so hooked.

    Log in to Reply
    • Daisy says:
      3 February 2010 at 4:14 pm

      bwa-hahahaha, my work here is done! ;-)

      Log in to Reply
    • Kevin says:
      3 February 2010 at 5:55 pm

      AbScent: I have a bunch of Ajmal scents here…just haven’t gotten around to sniffing them yet!

      Log in to Reply
      • Absolute Scentualist says:
        3 February 2010 at 8:26 pm

        Yep, you got me again, Daisy. I’m telling you they’ll see the blinding bling of your enabler badge from space. :D

        Kevin, I do hope you like them. Areeq has great staying power and just melts into the sexiest skin scent. I’m really tempted to buy a bottle.

        Log in to Reply
  2. Morgan says:
    3 February 2010 at 2:47 pm

    This sounds FABULOUS! I love the Hansel and Gretel analogy, had me snickering… and makes me want to try more Arabian perfumes, too. I’m not afraid of the big sillage monsters. :D

    Log in to Reply
    • Kevin says:
      3 February 2010 at 5:56 pm

      Morgan: this is nicely done…wish samples of Arabian perfumes were easier to come by.

      Log in to Reply
  3. ponderous says:
    3 February 2010 at 3:08 pm

    You had me at “a lovely phase when frankincense and benzoin/tonka predominate.” I think that combination of words is my willpower’s Achilles heel.

    Log in to Reply
    • Zazie says:
      3 February 2010 at 3:40 pm

      I agree!!!! Another fragrance to sample!! Is the scent anything like papier d’arménie, SMN carta d’armenia or Guerlain’s BdA? Benzoin and incense… Hummm :)

      Log in to Reply
      • Kevin says:
        3 February 2010 at 5:58 pm

        Zazie: all the ones you mention have much more benzoin.

        Log in to Reply
    • Kevin says:
      3 February 2010 at 5:57 pm

      Ponderous…I love benzoin with just about anything!

      Log in to Reply
  4. boojum says:
    3 February 2010 at 3:20 pm

    While I do love some incense frags, frankincense specifically (esp as a featured note) can be a very difficult note for me. Might have something to do with that Catholic upbringing…or just the sensitive nose. As usual, though, K’s review – and the “cola” in particular – has me curious enough to seek out a sniff at some point…and dying for a vacation. WHY do your reviews always trigger the travel itch?

    Log in to Reply
    • Suzanne941 says:
      3 February 2010 at 3:36 pm

      Ditto…I cannot handle Avignon. As promised, it’s the scent right out of the censer and I can’t wear it. Interesting review as always, Kevin. Hmmm…this plus Carnal Flower…hmmm…

      Log in to Reply
    • Kevin says:
      3 February 2010 at 5:59 pm

      Boojum: maybe MY travel bug is catching even thru the internet!

      Log in to Reply
  5. miss kitty v. says:
    3 February 2010 at 3:25 pm

    Aw, crap, I may need this…

    Log in to Reply
    • Daisy says:
      3 February 2010 at 4:09 pm

      Aw crap….me too. …..must. locate. sample.

      Log in to Reply
      • RusticDove says:
        3 February 2010 at 5:20 pm

        Aw crap – same here.

        Log in to Reply
        • Rappleyea says:
          3 February 2010 at 5:29 pm

          Aw crap…. me fourple!

          Log in to Reply
  6. Rictor07 says:
    3 February 2010 at 4:03 pm

    It seems like this company is Italian. There is just a middle eastern city in the name of the fragrance. Being inspired by the middle east doesnt really make it Middle Eastern in my opinion. Certainly not in the same sense as the previously mentioned Ajmal.

    Log in to Reply
    • Daisy says:
      3 February 2010 at 4:13 pm

      strictly Middle Eastern perfumes , like Ajmal and Rasasi often have a “rawness” to them that can be a little off-putting to western noses….I find I prefer the fragrances that straddle the gap….like it sounds Balsamo della Mecca does. I can’t wait to try it!

      Log in to Reply
    • Joe says:
      3 February 2010 at 5:57 pm

      Rictor: I think it’s pretty clearly present that it’s just inspired by a trip to Mecca (my issues with the nebulous concept of “authenticity” notwithstanding). However, I also don’t purport to know or presume anything about Mr Dubrana’s heritage or origin; there are plenty of people in Europe with varying degrees of connection to or lineage from the Middle East.

      Log in to Reply
    • Kevin says:
      3 February 2010 at 6:10 pm

      Rictor: I don’t get wrapped up in geography when it comes to perfume and “inspiration.” One can certainly concoct a “Middle Eastern” style perfume in the middle of Paris, New York, Switzerland, with the right ingredients and “formula.” Do ingredients like “Indian tuberose” and Thai benzoin disqualify a fragrance from being described as “Middle Eastern”? Ajmal sources ingredients from around the world too.

      Log in to Reply
  7. Blimunda says:
    3 February 2010 at 4:28 pm

    Yes, well – this is going to be my next sample tester. Incense? Tunerose? Tobacco? Cistus? Dear Lord, it couldn’t be more my kind of frag……thanks Kevin, for introducing yet another range and scent I’ve not heard of.

    Log in to Reply
    • Kevin says:
      3 February 2010 at 6:11 pm

      Blimunda: you are welcome!

      Log in to Reply
  8. Joe says:
    3 February 2010 at 4:29 pm

    What’s this “too womanly” fragrance category you’re talking about, Mister K? You know we can manage to pull that stuff off… heh.

    I’ll need to look at the Profumo sample program details again. Great job reviewing this so soon! Love it.

    Can you compare this in any was to L’Air du Desert Marocain? Balsamo does sound fabulous, and I find L’Air to be “difficult” to such a degree that I can rarely wear it.

    Log in to Reply
    • Daisy says:
      3 February 2010 at 4:37 pm

      hmmmm I was just looking at their sample program….you know, if we ordered 4 of the same thing (since they have a 4 sample min.) then we could split it up just like those OJ travel sprays……me luvs some incense……

      Log in to Reply
      • Daisy says:
        3 February 2010 at 4:38 pm

        you, me, Miz Kitty…..of course I believe you can order as many as you want…. ok, I’m going to email you.

        Log in to Reply
      • Daisy says:
        3 February 2010 at 4:47 pm

        okay…more checking revealed that you have to order 4 DIFFERENT things…..but if we got a 50ml bottle ; it’d end up at about 2.86 USD per ml —I’m just thinking (and lemming)

        Log in to Reply
        • miss kitty v. says:
          3 February 2010 at 5:08 pm

          You certainly have my attention.

          Log in to Reply
          • Daisy says:
            3 February 2010 at 5:13 pm

            I’d be willing to split a bottle if we had 5 to 10 people who wanted some. The bottles are 50ml.
            So how about this: anyone interested in 5 to 10ml of Balsamo della Mecca, email me at Daisyloo82@gmail.com
            If we get enough interest—I’ll order a bottle.

          • Joe says:
            3 February 2010 at 6:16 pm

            Or, Daisy, we could round up 25 people from this thread and each could get 2ml. MUWAHAHA. Our own NST sampling program!

          • Daisy says:
            3 February 2010 at 7:17 pm

            Actually Joe, that sort of thing has crossed my mind before…..it’s actually a doable thing.

        • jirish says:
          3 February 2010 at 5:19 pm

          Oh, I’d be up for a split of this, for sure!

          Log in to Reply
          • RusticDove says:
            3 February 2010 at 5:20 pm

            Hmmm, veddy interesting…

    • boojum says:
      3 February 2010 at 4:59 pm

      Why did I not know you had issues with l’Air? I thought I was the only one.

      Log in to Reply
      • Zazie says:
        3 February 2010 at 5:05 pm

        Me too! I wore it today and at times it felt like perfect comfort… and at times I felt a bit overwhelmed… I appreciate it a lot but I rarely wear it…

        Log in to Reply
      • Joe says:
        3 February 2010 at 6:31 pm

        Haha… Boo (and Zazie), you can pretty much be assured that you’re NEVER the ONLY one having “issues” with a scent. Appreciate is the right word… L’Air is amazing, but can be almost suffocating in close quarters.

        Log in to Reply
    • Kevin says:
      3 February 2010 at 6:14 pm

      Joe: Balsamo della Mecca is much less sweet than the Tauer scent! And I just can’t wear Carnal Flower…I have a “thing” about tuberose…love it in the garden, in a vase…don’t like to wear it. I feel like I put on Jean Harlow’s feather-collared nightgown when I do wear it! HA!

      Log in to Reply
      • miss kitty v. says:
        3 February 2010 at 8:34 pm

        Why don’t *I* ever get that effect with tuberose?? I’m not fond of tuberose perfumes either, but I guess for totally different reasons! :)

        Log in to Reply
      • mals86 says:
        4 February 2010 at 9:38 am

        (Wonder where I can get one of those feather-trimmed nighties?)

        As you might guess, I am a Tuberose Ho as well as a Rose Ho.

        Log in to Reply
  9. Krizani says:
    3 February 2010 at 4:51 pm

    Where can you order Ajmal or other Middle Eastern perfumes? I had a peek at the Ajmal site but it only lists dealers in the Middle East.

    I have a feeling that if I get started with them, the Middle Eastern perfumes will take over – but oh, how sweet the surrender, huh?

    Log in to Reply
    • Daisy says:
      3 February 2010 at 7:22 pm

      Hi Kriz, there’s an ebay store called Yemen shop, run by a very nice young guy in ….you guessed it: Yemen! He carries loads of Ajmal fragrances and some Al-Rehab……just be aware that shipping from that part of the world can be a little sloooooow. I’ve gotten maybe 5 bottles from him.

      Log in to Reply
      • miss kitty v. says:
        3 February 2010 at 8:35 pm

        I love that you have connections in Yemen.

        Log in to Reply
      • dee says:
        3 February 2010 at 10:01 pm

        ..I buy from Borkan too! He sent me a free 2ml roll-on sample of an Al-Rehad with a Montale I bought…this is what started the obsession : )

        Log in to Reply
  10. RusticDove says:
    3 February 2010 at 5:21 pm

    Thank you for the fenzy inducing review Kevin! ;-)

    Log in to Reply
    • RusticDove says:
      3 February 2010 at 5:30 pm

      *frenzy* [I have to start proofreading my comments.]

      Log in to Reply
    • miss kitty v. says:
      3 February 2010 at 8:36 pm

      The “fenzy” is when we all have to fend each other off in a frenzy to get to a bottle of something. So yes, we’re all in a fenzy. :)

      Log in to Reply
      • RusticDove says:
        4 February 2010 at 7:43 am

        Oh, so I was right after all! Now I don’t feel like such a dork.

        Log in to Reply
  11. jirish says:
    3 February 2010 at 5:27 pm

    Kevin, why do you hate my wallet so?

    Log in to Reply
    • Kevin says:
      3 February 2010 at 6:16 pm

      Jirish: I don’t hate it; it told me it needed to lose a few “pounds” so…

      Log in to Reply
      • Daisy says:
        3 February 2010 at 7:24 pm

        yeah, well mine is skinny enough already and could actually use a few extra “pounds” ;-)
        LOL –ah well, I forgive you. Thanks for putting a whole new house on my radar!

        Log in to Reply
        • Kevin says:
          4 February 2010 at 6:26 pm

          Daisy: you’re welcome…and the Italian economy is celebrating your arrival.

          Log in to Reply
          • Daisy says:
            4 February 2010 at 11:02 pm

            oooo, I just bet they are! ;-)

          • boojum says:
            5 February 2010 at 5:57 pm

            In that case, perhaps you should try to find some Greek fragrances to review…

  12. Rappleyea says:
    3 February 2010 at 5:32 pm

    Wonderful review as always Kevin. I always look forward to my little snigger that I know I’ll find buried within. Hansel and Gretel indeed….

    Log in to Reply
  13. dee says:
    3 February 2010 at 5:46 pm

    Must. Have. This.

    I sense an unsniffed purchase approaching. I’m going to step away from the computer for a few hours….

    Log in to Reply
    • Daisy says:
      3 February 2010 at 7:25 pm

      **whispering** —we’re filling a split……

      Log in to Reply
      • dee says:
        3 February 2010 at 10:02 pm

        (blushing) I’m a split virgin. but I’d like to change that…

        Log in to Reply
      • cazaubon says:
        17 February 2010 at 3:08 pm

        Are there any samples or decants left? Pls email me at cazaubon at qualcomm.com if there are, thanks!!

        Log in to Reply
  14. Flora says:
    4 February 2010 at 12:41 am

    Yikes, I gotta try this , seriously… SWOON!

    Log in to Reply
  15. waftbycarol says:
    4 February 2010 at 5:51 am

    I’m giving away a sample of this on my blog in case anyone wants a sniff !
    Great review Kevin …

    Log in to Reply
  16. Robin R. says:
    5 February 2010 at 12:17 pm

    Late to this, Kevin, but overjoyed at the sound of this (you persuasive man, you) and hope Daisy can wrangle a posse for a split. I’m in. ;-)

    Log in to Reply

Leave a reply Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Advertisement

Search

From NST at Twitter

  • The second set of bottles from the Louis Vuitton + Yayoi Kusama collaboration drops in March https://t.co/PQUSAI4wWH https://t.co/zBCa0PJn8w, 21 hours ago
  • "LVMH's record-breaking results driven by Sephora" (cosmetics business) https://t.co/NKkwcZBJeW,
  • "‘Bionic nose’ may help people experiencing smell loss, researchers say" (washington post) https://t.co/M9nX7UVMpS,
  • "It costs up to $100,000 a kilo and Queensland farmers are growing it for luxury perfume" (sydney morning herald) https://t.co/gs8w4s7zpS,
  • "Francis Kurkdjian, creator of Baccarat Rouge 540: ‘People went crazy and it sold out immediately’" (el pais) https://t.co/cxGHgzgFd3,

Browse by...

Topic

Perfume talk New fragrances
Shopping Books :: News
Body products Home fragrance
Polls Another subject

Date

December 2022
November 2022
October 2022
September 2022
August 2022
July 2022

Prior months

Author

Robin Jessica
Angela Kevin
Erin Guest Author

Tag

Celebrity perfumes
Cheap thrills
Collector bottles
Perfumista tip series
Video
The complete tag index

Recent reviews

Atelier Cologne Love Osmanthus
Moschino Toy Boy
Arquiste Misfit
Diptyque Eau Capitale
Zoologist Bee
Parfum d’Empire Immortelle Corse
Comme des Garcons Series 10 Clash
Frédéric Malle Rose & Cuir
L’Artisan Parfumeur Le Chant de Camargue
Yves Saint Laurent Grain de Poudre
Régime des Fleurs Chloë Sevigny Little Flower
Chanel 1957
Gallivant Los Angeles
Amouage Portrayal Woman

Blogroll

Bois de Jasmin
Grain de Musc
Perfume Posse
The Non-Blonde
More blogs...

Perfumista lists

100 fragrances every perfumista should try
And 25 more fragrances every perfumista should smell
50 masculine fragrances every perfumista should try
26 vintage fragrances every perfumista should try
25 rose fragrances every perfumista should try
11 Cheap Perfumes Beauty Outsiders Love

Favorite posts

The Great Perfume Reduction Plan
Why I Love Old School Chypres
New to perfume and want to learn more?
How to make fragrance last through the day
Fragrance concentrations: sorting it all out
On reformulations, or why your favorite perfume doesn’t smell like it used to
How to get fragrance samples
Perfume for Life: How Long Will Your Fragrance Collection Last?

Upcoming

List of upcoming Friday projects

4 January ~ damage poll
4 February ~ winter reading poll

TBA April ~ swap meet

Back to Top

Home
About Now Smell This :: Privacy Policy

Shop for Perfume Online
Perfume Shopping in New York
Perfume Shopping in London
Perfume Reviews
New Perfumes
General Perfume Articles
The Monday Mail

Glossary of Perfume Terms
Perfume FAQ
Perfume Links
Perfume Books
Fragrance Awards

Noses ~ Perfumers A-E :: F-K :: L-S :: T-Z

Perfume Houses A-B :: C :: D-E :: F-G
H-J :: K-L :: M :: N-O :: P :: Q-R :: S
T :: U-Z

Copyright © 2005-2023 Now Smell This. All rights reserved.