Swiss Arabian Essence of Casablanca: Apple Over Iris

A bite of crisp red apple and a handful of dark grapes come first. Then the fruit sinks into powdery iris and earthy patchouli, and the whole thing ends on warm amber and vanilla. That is Swiss Arabian Essence of Casablanca, a 100ml extrait de parfum for men and women.

Behind it is Isabel Gil Trujillo, a Master Perfumer at the Barcelona fragrance house Eurofragance. Here is how her composition smells, how strong it is, and one buying detail worth checking.

Swiss Arabian ESSENCE OF CASABLANCA Fragrance Notes:

• Top Notes: Grapes, Apple.
• Middle Notes: Orris, Patchouli.
• Base Notes: Vanilla, Musk, Amber, Balsamic Notes.

Essence of Casablanca at a glance

• Format: extrait de parfum, 100ml.
• Made for: unisex. Perfumer: Isabel Gil Trujillo.

Put simply, the fruit sits on top, powder and earth fill the middle, and warm amber holds it all underneath.

Red fruit, then iris and patchouli, then amber

The opening is juicy and bright. Apple gives a clean, crunchy sweetness, while grapes add a darker, almost wine-like depth. So it smells ripe rather than candied.

Then the mood changes. Orris, the dried root of the iris, brings a soft, powdery, slightly suede-like texture. Patchouli adds an earthy, chocolate-dark shade, which keeps the fruit grounded.

Finally the base glows. Amber and balsam are warm and resinous, vanilla softens the edges, and musk makes it feel close to the skin. This is the stage that lingers on clothes. 

In short, this is a fruity-woody amber. It moves from fresh fruit to soft powder to golden warmth, without turning heavy or sugary.

Extrait or eau de parfum? Check the box

Swiss Arabian's own US and UAE stores sell Essence of Casablanca as an extrait de parfum. However, some listings, including one regional store, call it an eau de parfum.

The difference matters. An extrait holds more perfume oil than an eau de parfum, so it usually feels richer and wears closer for longer. When you buy, look for “Extrait de Parfum” on the box and the full name, Essence of Casablanca.

The perfumer behind it

Isabel Gil Trujillo joined Eurofragance as a perfumer's assistant more than two decades ago. After years in Barcelona and four years at the company's Singapore office, she was named Master Perfumer in January 2025.

Swiss Arabian credits her with Essence of Casablanca on its own product page. That matters for buyers. It means a named, senior perfumer built this composition, not an anonymous brief.

Essence of Casablanca or Echoes of St. Moritz?

Both are Swiss Arabian extraits, and both open on apple. Yet they head in opposite directions.

• Essence of Casablanca: apple and grape turn powdery and warm, with iris, patchouli and vanilla. Cosy and rounded.
• Echoes of St. Moritz: apple meets iced citrus and berries, then goes herbal, woody and leathery. Cool and crisp.

So pick Swiss Arabian Essence of Casablanca for warmth and softness, and Echoes for a fresher, mountain-air feel.

Who should wear Swiss Arabian Essence of Casablanca

Swiss Arabian Essence of Casablanca suits someone who likes fruit with substance, apple and grape over something soft and woody. Because it is unisex and not too sweet, it works for men and women alike.

Cooler months bring out the amber best, along with evenings, dinners and the office in winter. Then in hot weather, one or two sprays are plenty.

Still, it is not for lovers of sharp citrus or pure florals. The iris and patchouli give it a powdery, earthy middle that fresh-scent fans may not enjoy.