The world of fragrance is an ever changing one, ruled by trends and ideas, with few scents holding firm as timeless classics. The current allure of coffee inspired fragrances is at that crucial moment where we will see if it will stand the test of time or be a passing fad. At the forefront of this discussion stands Khamrah and its coffee-infused counterpart, Khamrah Qahwa, and the question on everyone’s lips: Khamrah Qahwa vs Khamrah - which one is best?
Let’s delve into their similarities and differences and see which one will come out as the ruling fragrance.
What is Qahwa?
Qahwa is the Arabic word for coffee, and specifically the deeply traditional preparation of it. In the world of fragrance however, Qahwa refers to Arabian coffee perfume. While this will obviously mean fragrances that contain the aroma of our favourite drink, it may also include other notes associated with coffee, such as cardamom and cinnamon, and sometimes even the sweetness of dates or tonka beans. Now that we understand what we are talking about with Qahwa, let's get back to the main event - the battle between Khamrah Qahwa vs Khamrah.
Khamrah: the original superstar
Let’s begin with the fragrance that started it all: Khamrah by Lattafa. Popular from its inception, Khamrah went on to become the reader’s favourite in 2022 for the Fragrantica Reader’s Choice Awards, winning the Best Middle Eastern Fragrance
category. But what is it that makes the scent so compelling? First of all, it is a fragrance that evokes a sense of warmth and luxury, characterised by notes of dates, cinnamon, vanilla and praline. There is a richness to the smell, with a sweetness that lingers, making it an opulent choice for those who appreciate a gourmand touch to their daily wear. It continues to garner high ratings and positive reviews across the board, and is constantly heralded as a good alternative to expensive niche scents, especially in colder months when the warmth is the most appealing.
Enter Khamrah Qahwa - one of the best coffee scented perfumes
Then Lattafa decided to introduce a new contender: Khamrah Qahwa, and this only built upon the success of its predecessor. But this was not merely Khamrah with a bit of coffee added to it - it became its own vibe. While arabian coffee may be at the heart of the fragrance - bringing with it a roasted, slightly bitter edge- it transforms the original scent into something truly unique. Much like an affogato combines the best parts of a dessert with the kick of a shot of espresso, Khamra Qahwa became the Arabian coffee perfume that everyone was talking about: it went on to win the best niche perfume in the 2024 Fragrantica awards in 2024. The balance of sweetness and an almost earthy depth, makes it a good alternative to those who found Khamrah’s sweetness offputting.
The Scent Showdown - Khamrah or Khamrah Qahwa?
If you want to get down to the specifics of this duel, then we need to look at the exact variations to the blends. While we can list the exact notes found in both perfumes, it cannot be overstated how much the role of coffee has in the changes found in the khamrah qahwa. The exact same notes will smell utterly transformed when coffee is introduced.
Lattafa Khamrah features top notes of cinnamon and nutmeg, combined with evocative bergamot that begins a fresh, intriguing profile. The middle notes include praline, tuberose, mahonia and dates - introducing the sweetness that this fragrance is known for. Then the base notes lay the foundation that will settle and take hold: Vanilla, tonka beans, amber and benzoin all level out to a sweet, warm and powdery scent that lingers.
Khamrah Qahwa turns this beloved scent on its head and becomes its own thing. With similar top notes of cardamom, cinnamon and ginger - which introduces a spicy opening, there is a less overt sweetness found in the middle notes. These may include praline, white flowers and candied fruits, but the coffee found in the base notes transforms them. Then we skirt back to a rich sweetness in the accompanying base notes of vanilla, musk, benzoin and tonka beans, rounding out the blend with a soft sweet warmth that comes off as reminiscent of the cosy roast characteristics of a hot cup of coffee on a cold day.
So, going on scent alone we would describe it as thus: The original Khamrah is a sweet, spicy treat. Khamrah Qahwa - that is the same sweet treat, but with a jolt of aromatic coffee. Which one is better is down to personal preference.
Longevity and sillage - the other side of the battle
When choosing a scent, its success does not merely lie in what it smells like when first applied. You want to smell good for as long as possible. So, what is the staying power and lingering personality of Khamrah and Khamrah Qahwa? Let’s find out.
Let’s pull no punches - both of these are powerful scents. As with many fragrances by Lattafa, they are known for impressively longevity and sillage, and both will leave a lingering scent trail wherever you go.
Khamrah’s sweetness tends to linger the most, creating a warm, friendly aura, while Khamrah Qahwa creates a dense, clearly-coffee aroma that can be equally as captivating. Whether you go for a sweet treat or a coffee infused scent, you’re going to be looking at a long lasting scent.
When to wear Khamrah or Khamrah Qahwa perfume
Of course, you can - and should- wear your favourite scent whenever you feel like it. But there is a rising fashion for pairing the right scent with the right situation, in a similar fashion to choosing the right clothing.
First of all think about what atmosphere you want to create about you. Khamrah has a rich warm sweetness that cannot be ignored, and it truly shines in the cooler months. The comforting notes of cinnamon and vanilla make it the perfect fragrance for outdoor walks on autumn and winter nights, or can add a luxurious warmth to romantic dinners and gatherings.
Khamrah Quahwa offers up a bit more versatility, due to its complex blend. It’s clearly sophisticated scent lends itself well to evening events, elegant dinners and coffee dates. The coffee elements add a depth that will make it stand out, perfect for when you want to make an impression. It too works well in cooler weather (what says cosy better than hot coffee?) but the coffee notes also add an invigorating quality that works well in Spring evenings too.
And the winner is….
Khamrah Qahwa vs Khamrah - the ultimate question. But we have to be honest - there is no one right or wrong answer here. It will always come down to personal taste. If you adore sweet, warm fragrances that linger, then the original Khamrah is a clear winner. If you’re a coffee lover or veer more towards complex scents, then the Khamrah Qahwa is the perfect scent for you. Both are fantastic options and will do you no wrong when worn alone, or as part of a layering routine. Instead of thinking Khamrah Qahwa vs Khamrah, think of it as Khamrah Qahwa AND Khamrah as they are ideal examples of high-quality, long-lasting scents that are sure to turn heads, and as such, both deserve a spot in any fragrance lover’s collection.
Final Thoughts
Can’t decide on which to choose, or want to test both out for yourself? Luckily, we have both available in a bundle so that you can stage your own Khamrah Qahwa vs Khamrah battle at home.
If you’re looking for other options for the best coffee scented perfumes, we’ve got you covered with our collection of Arabian coffee perfumes here.