The Story
Why it exists.
The beginning
Al-Jazeera's 2022 release Tobacco was conceived as a modern tribute to the house's love of place-driven scent. Perfumer Julien Rasquinet began with plum's dark fruit intensity and lemon's citrus clarity, then layered in frankincense to capture the resinous heritage of Omani incense traditions. The opening establishes a tension between sweetness and smoke that sets the tone for everything that follows.
The note selection reflects a deliberate balance between indulgence and restraint. Plum and vanilla provide sweetness, but frankincense and tobacco prevent the scent from drifting into pure comfort. Clary sage and balsam fir add complexity without competing for attention, ensuring the fragrance reads as cohesive rather than scattered. The result is a scent that feels both rooted in tradition and contemporary in execution.
The evolution
The journey from top to drydown traces a clear arc from fruit-forward freshness to warm spice to deep, smoky comfort. Plum and lemon create an immediately engaging opening that does not overstay its welcome, giving way to cinnamon's warmth and clary sage's herbal lift. Balsam fir adds a subtle evergreen texture that feels grounded rather than generic. As the hours pass, tobacco asserts itself as the true protagonist, supported by vanilla's sweetness and cedarwood's structural finish.
Cultural impact
Wearers often describe Tobacco as the scent of a quiet lounge after sunset, where the spice market’s aroma meets a modern cocktail bar. Its blend of plum and frank incense resonates with those who appreciate a nod to Middle Eastern heritage while staying comfortably wearable in Western cities. The fragrance has become a subtle staple for evening gatherings, praised for its balance of sweet and smoky tones.
