Areej Le Doré Civet de Nuit Review (Russian Adam and Sultan Pasha) 2022 + Night of a Thousand Pleasures Giveaway

 

 areej la doree civet de nuit

Areej Le Doré Civet de Nuit via Areej Le Doré

 

The lover’s house improves with fire.
From now on I will make burning my aim,
From now on I will make burning my aim,
for I am like the candle: burning only makes me brighter.
Abandon sleep tonight; traverse from one night
the region of the sleepless. ~ Rumi

 

 

Russian Adam Areej La Doree

Russian Adam via the perfumer

When Russian Adam (of Areej Le Doré) and Sultan Pasha (of Sultan Pasha Attars) met by chance in London’s Regent Park Mosque ten years ago, it marked the beginning of a beautiful blossoming friendship. Adam was (and continues to be) fascinated by all the vagaries of oud and animalics, while Sultan was busy immersing himself in the study of the art of perfumery and just starting to explore the potential of oud. They spent countless Friday and Saturday evenings in heated discussion, arguing the merits of the materials which crossed their path: were they authentic? Eventually, Adam traveled East (Far East!) and Sultan remained in the West – but before parting, they pledged to collaborate one day and compose beautiful fragrances together. That day has come: this March Adam and Sultan released Civet de Nuit under the Areej Le Doré label. I waited nearly two months for my sample, and it was well worth it: Areej Le Doré Civet de Nuit will rank among 2022’s finest perfumes beyond a doubt.

sultan Pash

Sultan Pasha Via the Perfumer

Sultan and I discussed his inspirations: Caron’s Tabac Blond and Pois de Senteur. He wanted to incorporate elements of each. The alluring smokiness in the former correlates to Civet de Nuit’s inclusion of ambergris, labdanum, ylang-ylang, musk and civet (some sources insist upon oakmoss as well).  Pois de Senteur sports jasmine and De Laire’s famous Mousse de Saxe base – dulcetly floral with a lovely musty drydown over time. Strictly speaking, the similarity is apparent quite late in its development, because more indolent blooms (rose, hyacinth, cyclamen and muguet) populate Pois de Senteur’s heart and it takes awhile before you can perceive a kinship. Out of prurient curiosity, I ferreted out a well-preserved and very old flacon of Bal à Versailles parfum by Jean Desprez (1962) and discovered a distinct lineage once the magnificent citric top notes calmed down. After rose de Mai, lily of the valley, lilac and orris softened, the indolic wicked jasmine and sultry ylang-ylang stood steadfast; sandalwood and benzoin (and a soft cedar tone which is not present in Civet de Nuit) exuded a familiar spicy/woody aura. With various body parts wafting all four perfumes in toto, I felt a wave of nirvana wash over me.

 

Kay Nielsen A Thousand and One Arabian Nights illustration

From my description above, you might understandably – and mistakenly – arrive at the conclusion that Civet de Nuit is a derivative perfume, which it is not.  Areej Le Doré Civet de Nuit is an original from the outset, the Night of a Thousand Pleasures. It should be noted that my husband (upon wearing it himself) protested vigorously: “Only ONE night? It should be a fortnight at least!” – which further illustrates just how delightfully seductive this potion really is. Civet de Nuit is nothing if not rivetingly complex, mysterious and utterly compelling. It takes one prisoner, and a willing one at that.

“Mysteries are not to be solved: The eye goes blind
when it only wants to see why.” ~ Rumi

Areej Le Dore Civet de Nuit review

 via Areej le Dore website

Areej Le Doré Civet de Nuit is all about passion – not reason. Reason has no place in the dominion of desire, that torrid domain of entangled nerve endings, ecstatic turmoil and tossing caution to the four winds. Many of our clandestine cravings seethe within the underbelly of our subconscious – and Civet de Nuit effortlessly taps into them all. It initially woos you with the lure of an ineffable gentility comprised of heliotrope and aldehydes, but do not be deceived: you are soon lured into a nocturnal mindset which strays off the beaten path into an erotic underworld. Jasmine and ylang-ylang’s indolic murmurings inflame the senses: so round, so sumptuously voluptuous and shameless. They are the preface to darker longings, which manifest themselves in a shadowy charismatic palette – the earthy and envoûtant. Night’s cloak is fashioned from dusky materials: inky oakmoss, animalics ranging from a venerable antique civet tincture (swoon-worthy!) to castoreum, precious white ambergris, leathery labdanum and a proprietary musk accord. The tobacco in Civet de Nuit is one of the most beautiful I have smelt in recent years; it melds seamlessly with an incomparable Mysore sandalwood (my Gold Standard) and the ageless appeal of resin, personified by benzoin, styrax and olibanum. Break open the handsome vial or flacon, and savor the Night.

 “I caught the darkness
It was drinking from your cup
I caught the darkness
Drinking from your cup
I said, “Is this contagious?”
You said, “Just drink it up.” ~ Leonard Cohen, Darkness

 Notes: heliotrope accord, aldehydes, antique civet tincture, night blooming jasmine, ylang ylang, oakmoss, benzoin, olibanum, tobacco, white ambergris, castoreum, sandalwood Mysore, styrax, labdanum, musk accord

Sample vial generously provided by Russian Adam of Areej Le Doré – many thanks! I’m mad for it!  My nose is my own…

~ Ida Meister, Deputy and Natural Perfumery Editor

 

 Areej le Dore Russian Adam and Sultan Passha Civet de Nuit

Civet de Nuit 10 ml photo Areej Le Dore website

Thanks to the generosity of Russian Adam of Areej Le Doré,  we are able to offer a 10 ml parfum of Areej Le Doré Civet de Nuit for one registered reader in the USA, RU or UK. You must register if you have not done so here. To be eligible, please tell us what appealed to you most in Ida’s review of Civet de Nuit, and where you live. Draw closes 3/31/2022

(P.S. – Areej means fragrant; Le Doré means “the golden”.)

Follow us on Instagram @cafleurebonofficial  @idameister @ sultanpasha78 @russianadam @areejledoreperfume

We announce the winners only on our site and on our Facebook page, so like CaFleureBon and use our blog feed … or your dream prize will be just spilled perfume.

 

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *


54 comments

  • The fantastic details and interesting information appealed to me the most, I live in Poland, EU.

  • I’ve wanted to try creations from Russian Adam and Sultan Pasha for a long time. The no-expenses-spared approach with tonnes of luxurious naturals is incredibly intriguing but also quite intimidating. Luckily, the namesake of this perfume, civet, is one of my favourite notes. The golden essence is intensely sensual and evocative of past times.
    “Areej Le Doré Civet de Nuit is all about passion – not reason”. As it should be.
    I live in Denmark, EU.

  • As a long-time admirer of both perfumers, I have had the pleasure of smelling both of their creations and so the idea of the two of them creating a scent together with a distinct animalic direction has intrigued me beyond belief. I know Russian Adam’s love of animalics well and Sultan Pasha’s art of blending. I can’t think of a more interesting melding of artistic talent!
    Thank you! I am in the US.

  • Civet d Nuit looks like a dream for vintage fragrance lovers. I am lucky to own vintage Tabac Blonde but have not smelled Pois de Senteur. Thanks for the draw. I am in US.

  • I’ve always wanted to try an Areej but assumed they were out of my reach. I know both Russian Adam and Sultan Pasha are passionate and use the most amazing materials. I love that they appreciate and give homage to the history of perfume and vintage works. It would be incredible to be able to smell the work of these 2. Thank you for the opportunity! In US

  • Cyndi Hunter says:

    OMG what a review and pairing! Two of the best masters in perfumery, coming together – this must be something to behold! Reve Narcotique and Russian Oud are two of my most favorite smells on earth, that I have ever, or will ever, smell! This sounds bewitching – I want to feel the abandon that Ida describes so perfectly in her review. Congratulations to both gentlemen and I can’t wait to smell this 🙂 I am in Maryland, USA.

  • I have heard such wonderful things about this perfume, and Russian Adam is something of an enigma. It would be amazing to try this perfume. In maryland

  • Wow, this does sound so beautiful. I do love an indol the Carnal sensual feel of it I can see why this is all about passion. The dark smokiness around it sounds magnificent

  • My dearest Ida
    I can’t thank you enough for this beautiful review for Civet de Nuit. Just loved the story about your hubby
    Please convert my sincere gratitude to Michelyn and the rest of the Cafleurebon gang.

    Sultan

  • This seems like a complex specimin with distinct notes and an untangible sense of mystery. I hope to get a sample of this one for myself. It’s truly wonderful.

    From USA.

  • I saw when the announcement of this collaboration came out on Instagram and it certainly caught my attention. Two artists who are extremely respected and well thought of in the community working together with top quality materials, and Sultan Pasha’s debut spray perfume (if I’m not mistaken) at that! Ida’s description was wonderful as usual and very tempting. I want to experience this perfume tapping into my subconscious “clandestine cravings”! I’ve not tried anything from either artist, regrettably, so very much appreciate this opportunity. Thanks for the generous giveaway to all parties involved. From the U.S.

  • Dubaiscents says:

    I have been on the fence about blind buying a bottle of this one (sadly I missed a chance at the smaller sized bottles) because I adore both perfumers’ work and who can turn down a sexy civet? This sultry review by Ida pushes me more to towards the “buy” button! I love that Ida’s husband thought this should be a fortnight of civet 🙂 thanks so much for the review, I’ve been really curious about this one. US

  • Ida!!!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️ Your description of this gorgeous, amazing, intoxicating fragrance is spot-on! ❤️ I took a risk and blind-purchased a bottle of Civet de Nuit based on the creators and description alone. Wow. This fragrance is glorious!!! It’s all the pleasures in a bottle, so rounded and plush. ❤️ What a treasure! USA

  • I loved hearing about this collaboration between Sultan Pasha and Russian Adam. Ida’s description of the inspiration (Tabac Blond! Pois de Senteur!) really made me pay attention. It sounds like a stunning fragrance and I hope to try it. I’m in the US.

  • BostonScentGuy says:

    I’ve sampled this one and it’s beautiful! I was super interested to hear the inspiration of those two Carons, which totally clicks and makes sense now that I know. The creamy, floral, sweetness of Pois de Senteur with the smokiness of Tabac Blond. I agree that Civet de Nuit is original. It also does bring to mind the far, far “caramelized, smoky leather” drydown of Fumerie Turque but, again, the ALD is an original creation. Thanks for the evocative imagery, Ida, and for the generous draw! I’m in the US (Colorado).

  • sephrenia300 says:

    Amazing review Ida! What appealed to me most in Ida’s review of Civet de Nuit is her description of it as all about passion and desire, not reason. This is an interesting distinction to make.

    As much as I try to use reason to quantify my love of perfumes, to break them down by their elements and construction, and compare them in a logical, coherent system to others, my very favorite fragrances are the ones that completely overwhelm me. The ones that send my eyes rolling in the back of my head, the ones that take me to dizzying heights, and the ones that appeal to that deep animalic growly primal part of me. The notes that tend to do that to me the most are indolic jasmine and animalics, particularly castoreum and my personal favorite, deep dark civet. Civet de Nuit contains all of these things blended perfectly and sumptuously, along with salty, suggestive white ambergris and smoothly creamy Mysore sandalwood. I have a decant on it’s way to me and I absolutely can’t wait to try it. It sounds just stunning and Ida’s review only fuels my interest in it even more than it already was before. I live in the US.

  • I am intrigued. Your description of this fragrance seems to be in line with what I like but above all I am very very curious…

  • punchflower says:

    I love the how the description flows from something gentle into seductive depths. The last paragraph made me think of will o wisps or sirens luring in the unwary, which would be an incredible fragrance to wear. Hawaii, US.

  • I would love to smell Civet de nuit I love neo-vintage fragrances Maai Bogue profumo or Chypre Palatin MDCI are favorites. I heard a lot about Sultan Pasha after the release of Chypre Chrysanthème which I dream of trying one day. Adam Russian also thanks to the Kafkaesque blog, I’ve always wanted to try Siberian musk. These 2 perfumers use a lot of rich, natural raw materials that I would love to experience instead of all the synthetics in mainstream perfumes. Tabac blond and Pois de senteur are mythical perfumes that I smelled at the Osmothèque in Paris. If Civet de nuit is an heir, I want to feel it even more. Too bad for me I live in France! Congratulations to you guys and continue to make us happy.

  • In the labyrinths of our cravings are our darkest desires and there some potions that let those play out.

    Lying between the satiny sheets of the bed of sins the potion exorcises its power and renders all of us utterly powerless in its wake.

    The delightful shrieks of fulfillment give way to such a buildup that there’s no looking back, not for a moment.

    Hit by waves after waves of pleasure the self is so engulfed that nothing remains but the embers of desires fulfilled.

    Reading your description Ida, this is what I get as a vision in my head on how civet de nuit witchily spellbinds its subject, you being the first one.

  • I have followed the work of Russian Adam and Sultan Pasha for a while but never had the pleasure to smell any Sultan Pasha attars or Areej le Doré yet sadly. This passionate review by Ida only adds to that desire. Civet De Nuit really sounds like a sensory experience that as Ida points out goes beyond reason and plays on your senses. I’m intrigued by the tobacco accord used and the antique civet tincture which probably makes it smell like its from another era. Also gorgeous bottle design. Marit UK

  • The tobacco in Civet de Nuit is one of the most beautiful I have smelt in recent years; it melds seamlessly with an incomparable Mysore sandalwood (my Gold Standard) and the ageless appeal of resin, personified by benzoin, styrax and olibanum. Break open the handsome vial or flacon, and savor the Night. A beautiful description by Ida I love tobacco note in perfumery and I am intrigued by the notes especially Sandalwood and benzoin. Thanks a million from the UK

  • Areej Le Doré Civet de Nuit is all about passion – not reason. Reason has no place in the dominion of desire, that torrid domain of entangled nerve endings, ecstatic turmoil and tossing caution to the four winds. Many of our clandestine cravings seethe within the underbelly of our subconscious – and Civet de Nuit effortlessly taps into them all. It initially woos you with the lure of an ineffable gentility comprised of heliotrope and aldehydes, but do not be deceived: you are soon lured into a nocturnal mindset which strays off the beaten path into an erotic underworld. A wonderful description by Ida has piqued my interest in this composition I am fascinated by the notes and this collaboration sounds like a magical concoction. Thanks a lot from the United Kingdom

  • wandering_nose says:

    What a masterpiece of a review of what appears to be an absolute masterpiece of a perfume! Ida’s genuine admiration for and astonishment with the fragrance, the incredibly beautiful imagery (I love the illustration from A Thousand and One Arabian Nights and the Civet de Nuit flacon, including the mysterious looking stylized fonts) and the choice of citations speak to the uniqueness and beauty of the perfume itself, indeed leaving not a doubt that it is going to stand out among this year’s new releases. I appreciate that Ida referenced Sultan’s inspirations: Caron’s Tabac Blond and Pois de Senteur, as that casts some light on the vintage nature of the fragrance. Adding the creator’s love for precious ingredients, I would be beyond delighted to try Civet de Nuit.
    If I am right thinking the draw is open to EU citizens rather than for Russia, I am happy to enter. Thank you from Dublin, Ireland, EU

  • What appealed to me most was this line, “Only ONE night? It should be a fortnight at least!” US

  • The most impressive thing about this perfume is the way Ida is describing that influence of vintage classic perfumery! Caron’s Pois de senteur is one of the most beautiful perfumes I know and I would like badly to try this one! of course the ingredients list is to die for …but the way of assembling all together it can only be made by someone with a good knowledge of classic perfumery as it is Sultan. Fingers crossed about this giveaway! good luck to everybody!
    I live in Spain.

  • Karl Topham says:

    “Clandestine cravings”…
    Ida, wonderful words as always.
    Sounds like a scent for provocative proclivities.

    Karl, based in the UK.

  • A collab between Russian Adam and Sultan Pasha sounds like a dream come true! Ida’s review placing Civet de Nuit with one foot in vintage perfumes and the other in modern aspirations makes this sound like a must-try! Best wishes from the US.

  • Jake Dauod says:

    What appeals to me most is the beautiful description of this fragrance. I will be completely honest, the notes are kind of scary. Very animalic and dark, I have no idea if I will even like this one. This sounds very artistic and I still am very curious as to how this one smells. What a great review. Kind regards from IN, USA.

  • Ida surely did a great job in this review. I may think that describing such a difficult fragrance is a pain in the neck, but she master the describing talent in a way that this was so easy to understand.
    The phrase I loved the most was “Areej Le Doré Civet de Nuit is all about passion – not reason.” How not to feel deeply in love with a fragrance like this?
    Heliotropes accord and aldehydes are something I started exploring in a very recent time from now, so exploring this would be a dream come true.
    I live in the USA.

  • I would think that describing such a difficult fragrance would be a pain in the neck, but Ida did a fantastic job here and made me understand so easily how this fragrance goes.
    Heliotrope accords and aldehydes are something I started exploring in a recent time and testing this fragrance would be a dream come true.
    I live in the USA

  • ThunderB75 says:

    “Sultan and I discussed his inspirations: Caron’s Tabac Blond”. Enough said because I had the privilege, before the prices shot up, of having an 8ml sample of this beauty. Words cannot explain how much I loved it. When I think of civet and castoreum, I say bring on the funk, but it seems this civet is different, and I’ve never heard of antique civet. It’s amazing the things they use to make some of our favorite fragrances. U.S.

  • GennyLeigh says:

    This sounds like a wonderful ode to vintage perfumes. The antique civet tincture must give it such a complex feel, in fact the entire ingredient list sounds amazing. I can see why Ida calls it a sensual, seductive perfume. MD, USA.

  • As a fan of Russian Adam and Sultan Pasha, I thank you for the opportunity to be entered in this very generous draw for Civet de Nuit. The animalics, resins, oud, oakmoss, ambergris and tobacco notes are calling my name. Mich USA

  • I have heard a lot about Russian Adam and Sultan Pasha creations so I was really excited to see this review of Civet de Nuit. This review sounds like everything I would expect from this collaboration- unique, complex, mysterious and utterly compelling. I appreciate Ida’s review of this fragrance. I look forward to experiencing and use this fragrance.
    Maryland, US.

  • Ida, you wizard of words! You managed to capture the essence of this perfume in such a voluptuous, enticing way that the fragrance itself might have a hard time living up to it!
    First of all, it was interesting to read that Civet de Nuit is the fruit of the minds of two great perfume makers, Adam and Sultan. There have been wonderful things I have smelled and read about both of them, so I can only imagine the result of their collaboration.
    Secondly, with references such as Tabac Blond and Bal a Versailles, Civet de Nuit can only be legendary!
    The notes sound glorious as well. A classic base with labdanum, civet and oakmoss and then alluring sensual florals on top. I’m sold.
    I live in the EU. Thanks!

  • NituNicolae says:

    Civet is such a mysterious note, especially since it has been pretty banned, and nowadays synthetic versions are used. Dark, brooding, animalic, this what I hope for from this fragrance. From Romania, EU.

  • Areej Le Dore Civet de Nuit as described by Ida is uniquely exquisite. I know I would absolutely love this rare and precious gem. I am in the US.

  • Russian Adam is my favorite perfumer! I love this review, too. Ida nails it. Civet is really a note of passionate feelings (whether you love it or hate it, lol). Not a “safe” or “rational” note, but an instinctual one. Cheers from NC!

  • Love the notes in Civet de Nuit and Ida’s review describes it in her literary beautiful style – I can almost tell who is writing the review by reading a few lines, especially Ida’s style is unique!! Like also how she does home tests on herself and her husband – in case of Civet de Nuit, her husband’s reaction describes everything about this perfume. From USA.

  • Danu Seith-Fyr says:

    well, well the Sultan at the Diva’s mercy, theres a twist!!!! beautifully articulated dear Ida, as ever and whats not to love within the folds of night. All manner of secreted whims and fancies are let fly. Intruigue is the word that springs to mind, and I need to get my nose on that tobacco!! Living in SW Paradise aka France.

  • I enjoyed this article- description, about collaboration of Russian Adam and Sultan Pasha, about which perfumes made inspiration for perfumers.
    USA

  • It’s just so interesting to discover the history of creation of fragrances. By only buying something online, one won’t probably always bother to read why and where the perfume was created. Also, I would love to have something “delightfully seductive” in my collection, as mostly my close ones think that I smell like a Catholic Church 😀 I live in France, EU

  • redwheelbarrow says:

    Wow. This sounds so stunning I don’t even know what to say about this beautiful review. I love the friendship that formed. Would love to smell this one. Thanks for the draw. From the US.

  • goldenswan says:

    This sounds wonderful. Ida’s description of the sumptuous notes of this fragrance really make me want to experience it and knowing that two master perfumers created it, I’m sure it will be an incredible journey. I’m located in the USA.

  • I love that both husband and wife are mesmerized by the scent! It is quite something that this fragrance lives up to the “gold standard” genuine sandalwood. It would be a delight to sniff this creation! I live in the US. Many thanks for the opportunity to win.

  • Unfortunately, it was not any of the notes that stood out to me, as I have misgivings about jasmine, heliotrope and aldehydes. It’s really the Adam and Sultan back story that has me intrigued. From the meeting to the inspiration.
    Philadelphia

  • I’ve got to sample some Areej Le Doré fragrances. Civet de Nuit seems like a complex one. Haven’t tried a civet fragrance yet. I do like the perfumers and the quality of their products. Thanks for the giveaway, Ca

  • I love classic fragrances, complex fragrances, and animalic notes…so a lot appeals to me in Ida’s review. I’m in Oklahoma, USA. Thanks, as always, for the draw!

  • What intrigued me about Ida’s review is the way she describe Civet de Nuit which she said goes into an erotic underworld and Passion over reason. I would love to try this fragrance. Thanks for the giveaway.love! Live in USA.

  • Wowwww Ida, your review is magic, phenomenal … I was dreaming of Le Doré Civet de Nuit while reading your review. I stopped reading “Areej Le Doré Civet de Nuit is an original from the outset, the Night of a Thousand Pleasures” and started from the beginning again 🙂 It seems this fragrance is not just a luxurious niche fragrance but also a unique piece of art in terms of fragrance Notes. I cannot even imagine how these notes are going to smell together. God bless Adam and Sultan for this unique perfume. I hope to be lucky to try Areej Le Doré perfumes. Greetings from Michgen!

  • wallygator88 says:

    Thank you for the great review Ida.

    It’s pretty nice that you mentioned early on that it is not a derivative fragrance, rather an original.

    The story of these two perfumers coming together to fulfill a promise sounds like a story from the Arabian Nights.

    Cheers from WI, USA

  • It’s hard to know where to start on what speaks to me about this— everything! Precious animalics, the reverence for gorgeous vintages, passion rather than reason… I could scream!
    (USA)