Reviews of Basala / Basara (1993)
by Shiseido

I'm editing this because I came across my old review and didn't even recognize it. Unfortunately I can't fully edit because I sold my bottle. I remember it being a good sized fragrance with pleasant sillage, a dry-herbal-fruity-woody-tea with big lavender and chaotic blending. It somehow reminded me of the original Monsieur Rochas, and had leather notes distantly reminiscent of Bel Ami. I also remember thinking it would have probably been a lot better if it had been made by Pierre Bourdon. He was originally supposed to make it, and apparently provided some of the design. He made Feminite du Bois and I recall there being some congruence between the two fragrances. The neutral thumb still stands. Not a bad fragrance by any means, but I lost interest pretty fast. I recommend smelling it.

I was expecting smoke and spice and all the other excellent comparisons the reviewers in this forum mentioned. Unfortunately on me I couldn't escape the thought that I smelled like an expensive tea bag.

Too much.
It is an overdose of exotic sensations on your skin. As much as I think the smell itself is brilliant the power and weirdness of it becomes a burden. I would wear it to a one time event or party for that "shock" effect but that is about it.
I bought a bottle used it a couple of time and I gave it away. I don't think is suitable for human consumption, if you know what I mean, better to keep it in the bottle and smell from there .
One last note, it is one of those exotic "masculine" fragrances.

Although this is one of the few fragrances acclaimed universally, it is nothing special in my humble opinion. It smells like a smoky & darker version of Heritage by Guerlain. Since I had had the opportunity of trying Heritage before I tried Basala, it didn't strike me as original nor groundbreaking. This is not to say that it is a bad fragrance. I wear it when I feel like exuding power and I enjoy it extensively.