Iskander (2006)
by Parfum d'Empire

Iskander has a lovely lemony-citrus opening which is fresh and crisp. There are green herbal (even a bit minty) notes from the tarragon, yet this is a restrained treatment compared to that in Ortigia's Coral Shell. There is a bit of peppery spice from the coriander, and faint woody-fresh notes from cedar. The citrus notes are commendable, in that they are not only attractive but persistent. The white musk is light, and a good compliment to the other notes. Thankfully, the amber is restrained. There is a very satisfying drydown, a bit salty from the moss.
This is an excellent Mediterranean-style scent, a worthy occupant of the garrigue category. It is a bit like Borsari, but fresher and more subtle. I like it a lot.
(I deleted my previous review and inserted this one. I did a 180 on Iskander, now I love it.)

I enjoy citrus scents very much. This is likable and I bet my 17 yr old son would wear this with style as I dab it on his clothes in his closet and drawers all the while he doesn't know it.

It's not for me personally but it is likable.

This reminds me a bit of Penhaligon's Douro. (I am not comparing them side by side, but Iskander brought Douro to my memory). I like a lot about Iskander: it has a classy citrus opening, a large measure of warmth, and a chypre-like dry down. What I don't like about Iskander is how it stays so close to my skin that I literally have to put my nose on my wrist to enjoy it at all. Not near my wrist, on it. If I didn't allow for that, I would fail to note its presence at all, but for a minute or two. Again, a nice scent, but one I find impractical for myself. Hence, a neutral rating.

Well, it's simple. One of the finest citrus frags I have ever had the pleasure of wearing.
So niche, I'd never heard of it--my thanks to a fellow BN'er who I won't name for fear of trespassing on his modesty but to whom I am indebted for turning me on to this gem. Yes, there are hidden gems--even among niche scents :)

As other reviwers have observed, it is perfectly balanced and possesses that rare quality among citrus frags, longevity.

Yes it is indeed elegant, and sophisticated, to which one can add: very clean and yet with a surprising musky undertone. It is a brilliant composition.

Iskaner is not dramatic like Eau d'Orange Verte the 1812 Overture of citrus scents, ( cannons required). Instead, it is delightful-- like Mozart Sonata in--Aw, hell, for crying out loud, already, you get the idea.

Sorry to be so effusive, people. But this one rocks!

Wear it for formal events if you will, or for any time that the sun is shining, the breeze is soothing and life is good.

Ambiguity: Iskander’s take on citrus is a bit ambiguous to me because I get a slightly different reaction every time I apply it. Most often I get a beautifully sophisticated citrus / herbal opening – rich and full… at other times it seems a little artificial: citrus furniture polish. The tarragon (estragon) is probably responsible for this ambivalence: It has long been an iffy note for me. When the citrus responds well, it more than makes up for those few times that it balks, because it is an entirely engaging accord that puts this fragrance at or near the top of my citrus fragrance preference list. The heart notes are strong in floral – orange blossom to be specific. It’s a luscious accord that keeps a hold on masculinity because of the remarkable balance of the components within the heart accord. As others have said, the citrus accord has excellent longevity. I had noticed traces of the moss almost from the beginning, and by the drydown the moss has established a firm position: The moss – as well integrated as all the other notes in Iskander – provides that special sharp, slightly sweet, musty woodiness which considerably warms the base. I don’t get much musk or amber.

Citruses tend to exist near the bottom of the list of my favorite types of fragrances. I am not easily impressed, but I find Iskander quite impressive.

I sampled two fragrances with big citrus openings today: this and Nicolai's New York. Though not necessarily all that similar, Iskander somehow reminds me of the old Tuscany Forte per Uomo. Iskander is very much about citrus for me, but its resinous cedar and spice underpinnings lend it a complexity rare in the citrus category.

Interestingly enough, as robyogi points out, the citrus note persists far longer than most. The spices, woods, and citrus are in almost perfect balance here - this is a beautifully integrated scent. And though it's not listed I find a distinct cardamom component to the midnotes.

I haven't had much interst in citrus scents of late, but this is one I'd recommend to anyone who does! On me, it suggests it might work for women, too. Thumbs up for it's sheer quality