Nishane
Ani
Vanilla · EDP · 2019 · Cécile Zarokian
A vanilla-spice scent with a green opening and a warm woody base. One of the most discussed affordable niche bottles of the last few years. The sweetness stays in check, which is rare in vanilla niche. Per millilitre it beats Tom Ford and Parfums de Marly at a similar volume.
Context
Ani is Nishane’s vanilla-spice scent, named for the old Armenian city. A green opening (bergamot, green notes, pepper) keeps it from turning syrupy, which is what separates it in the vanilla lane. Cardamom and amber sit in the heart. Sandalwood and patchouli close it. The perfumer is Cécile Zarokian.
On skin
The opening is green and spicy: bergamot and cardamom. After 30 minutes vanilla moves forward and stays adult, a warm spiced vanilla with a dry edge. Longevity is excellent, 8 to 10 hours and often longer. Projection is strong for the first 3 to 4 hours. In heat the sweetness shows more, still short of cloying. Cold weather is the best setting.
Value
Ani is one of the better price-to-performance bottles in niche: about €145 to €210 against €270 to €360 for Tom Ford Tobacco Vanille, at a similar volume and longevity. If you want warm niche for less money, this is a strong candidate. Fakes exist (Ani is a hit), though fewer than for Layton and BR540.
Verdict
One of the better entries into niche for cold weather, judged on price and performance. A bottle is reasonable after a decant. Skip the heat. Autumn, winter, and spring are where it works as a daily.
Scores
Notes
Top
- Bergamot
- Green Notes
- Pink Pepper
Heart
- Vanilla
- Cardamom
- Amber
- Rose
Base
- Sandalwood
- Patchouli
- Musk
- Woody Notes
Before a bottle
Ask for 2 to 10 ml. Wear it three times on your own skin. A blotter will not tell you what hour four smells like.
Request a decant
