Burdel

The Verdict

Burdel takes its name from Romagnol dialect meaning "lively, joyful young people," and that spirit of exuberance runs through this 2020 composition by Paolo Terenzi. Inspired by Fellini's Oscar-winning film Amarcord and the Terenzi siblings' roots in Romagna, Italy, Burdel takes the exotic spice route with a boldness that separates it from safer niche offerings. The community has responded warmly, recognizing it as one of the more interesting entries in the Tiziana Terenzi catalog.

What makes Burdel noteworthy is its ability to deliver a genuinely spicy, animalic experience without crossing into unwearable territory. The cumin is unabashed, the oud is present but polite, and the whole composition manages to be both adventurous and refined. Several reviewers position it as a viable alternative to more hyped spicy-oud fragrances from houses like Xerjoff, often at significantly lower actual purchase prices.

What It Smells Like

The opening is immediately distinctive: Syrian cumin and Guatemalan cardamom create an absolutely unique top note that combines freshness with bold spice. Calabrian bergamot adds citrus brightness while labdanum (Greek cistus) provides a resinous depth. Reviewers note that the cumin-bergamot combination has a creamy quality that is both exotic and surprisingly approachable.

After about an hour, a gentle oud note enters the composition, bringing sweetness through ambergris and vanilla rather than the barnyard funk that many associate with oud. The guaiac wood and gurjun balsam in the heart add elegance and a balsamic warmth, while lily-of-the-valley provides an unexpected freshness that lightens the composition. The base of sandalwood, vanilla, and musk ensures a warm, satisfying conclusion.

When to Wear It

Burdel is firmly an evening and cooler-weather fragrance. Its spicy-woody-oud character reaches its full potential when temperatures drop, and its bold sillage makes it ideal for dinners, date nights, and social events where making an impression matters. The slight freshness from the bergamot and cardamom gives it versatility for fall days, but summer heat would amplify the animalic cumin beyond comfortable levels.

Longevity & Projection

Performance is outstanding across the board. Multiple reviewers report detecting Burdel after 14 or more hours, with sillage remaining at arm's length for 7 to 8 hours before gradually settling closer to the skin. The projection is described as above-average to tremendous, making restraint in application advisable. Two to three sprays should be more than sufficient for most situations.

The Community Says

Fragrantica reviewers highlight the cumin-bergamot opening as Burdel's most distinctive feature, calling it "absolutely unique" in how it combines freshness with heavy spice. Parfumo community members note that the oud is clean and woody rather than dirty, making it suitable for people who typically avoid oud fragrances. Several reviewers compare it favorably to Xerjoff offerings, noting that while Burdel may lack the hype, it delivers comparable quality at lower street prices. The animalic character has been described as "bound to shock many" but "extremely pleasing without being too ordinary."

Who Should Buy This

Burdel is made for the adventurous fragrance wearer who enjoys bold spice and appreciates oud without needing it to dominate. Those who find mainstream spicy fragrances too safe will appreciate its cumin-forward confidence. Budget-savvy buyers should note that despite the 400-euro retail price, Burdel can frequently be found for around 170 euros for 100ml, making it a relative bargain in the niche space.

The Bottom Line

Burdel is a confident, well-constructed spicy-oud fragrance that delivers genuine character without sacrificing wearability. Its cumin-cardamom opening, gentle oud heart, and warm vanilla-sandalwood base create a satisfying journey that lasts well beyond a full day. For those willing to embrace its bold personality, it represents one of Tiziana Terenzi's more compelling offerings.