Black Incense

Exploring Abdul Samad Al Qurashi Black Incense

Black Incense rewards patience. Released in 2015, this EDP from Abdul Samad Al Qurashi does not announce itself immediately — it unfolds. The incense, woody, oud, smoky, amber structure is layered, nuanced, and deliberately uncommercial. For those who have moved past designer signatures and are searching for something more considered, Black Incense is a destination worth the journey.

A powerful and mystical incense and oud creation, embodying the rich heritage of Arabian perfumery.

Black Incense Notes Breakdown

Black Incense opens with Incense, Cardamom and Pink Pepper — an assertive first impression that carries across a room. As the opening settles, the composition pivots to its heart of Agarwood (Oud), Vetiver and Patchouli. The final act — the part that outlasts the working day — is Amber, Leather and Musk.

Strip it back to the bones and the profile reads incense, woody, oud, smoky, amber — the kind of profile that rewards a second and third wearing.

Performance: Longevity, Sillage & Versatility

Longevity (10/10): Black Incense delivers exceptional longevity for EDP. On most skin types expect 12+ hours. A single morning application typically carries through well into the evening without reinforcement.

Sillage (9/10): Black Incense projects at room-filling intensity, announcing itself without apology. One or two sprays is all that is needed — over-application will overpower rather than impress.

Versatility (5/10): Black Incense is suited to a specific context, with a clearly defined personality that not all occasions can accommodate. It thrives in its intended context but may feel mismatched further outside that sweet spot.

Value (7/10): Pricing at around $120 feels appropriate for what you get — neither a bargain nor an overreach.

Climate Performance: Where Black Incense Works Best

Of the five climate zones we score, Black Incense does best in cold (Murree, New York) at 10/10 — it keeps its shape there instead of turning sharp or fading fast. The number to watch is extreme heat (Riyadh, Phoenix) at 3/10, where you are better off reaching for something else.

A powerhouse best reserved for cooler evenings; its intensity can be overwhelming in hot, humid conditions.

Its average across all five zones is 6/10 — broad enough to wear most of the year without second-guessing the weather.

To see how it ranks against every other fragrance for your conditions, run the Climate Matcher.

When to Wear Black Incense

Black Incense is best suited to Evening, Formal, Special Occasion. The projection ensures presence without deliberate effort — ideal for outdoor gatherings and social occasions where you want to register.

Seasonally, Black Incense performs best in Fall, Winter. The climate data supports this range, though performance at the extremes — deep cold or intense heat — may vary.

Often compared to other prominent incense-heavy niche fragrances for its bold statement.

Price & Value

Internationally, Black Incense sits at $120–$250. That puts it in the premium designer bracket — a meaningful spend, but well short of niche-exclusive pricing.

Regional pricing: PKR 25,000–45,000 in Pakistan, AED 450–800 in the UAE. The currency switcher at the top of this page converts every price on the site — EUR, GBP, SAR and more — using current rates.

Where to buy: Internationally: ASQ international stores, Niche online retailers. GCC/UAE: ASQ boutiques, Luxury department stores. Pakistan: Select luxury retailers, Online specialized stores.

Verdict

Black Incense earns its premium through genuine distinction rather than marketing mythology — a fragrance that rewards the wearer rather than impressing bystanders.

An overall 7.4/10 puts Black Incense in solid-but-situational territory: strong where it is strong, ordinary elsewhere. Match it to the right season and occasion and it pays off.

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Still deciding? Put it head-to-head against anything else in the database — scores, notes and prices side by side.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does Black Incense last?

Black Incense has a longevity score of 10/10. On average skin, expect 12+ hours. Performance can vary with skin type, application method, and ambient temperature — heat accelerates diffusion while dry skin absorbs fragrance faster.

Is Black Incense worth the price?

At around $120, Black Incense by Abdul Samad Al Qurashi is fairly priced for what it delivers. Its performance scores, climate range, and composition quality make it a strong value proposition.

What does Black Incense smell like?

Black Incense is characterised by incense, woody, oud, smoky, amber accords. Opening with Incense and Cardamom, the heart revolves around Agarwood (Oud) and Vetiver, settling into a base of Amber and Leather.

Is Black Incense good for hot or humid weather?

Black Incense was not designed for extreme heat (score: 4/10). In genuinely hot climates, reserve it for cooled indoor environments or evening wear.

Is Black Incense for men or women?

Black Incense is marketed as a Unisex fragrance. In practice, its character is better defined by its composition than by any marketing category.