Narcotic Venus Nasomatto 2008 female 344

The Verdict

Narcotic Venus, now officially renamed Narcotic V., is the feminine offering from Alessandro Gualtieri's Nasomatto line, launched in 2008. Described by the house as the result of a quest for the overwhelming addictive intensity of female sexual power, it arrives with provocative expectations that the fragrance itself does not entirely fulfill. What it delivers instead is a polished, creamy tuberose that is more refined than raw.

The community response reflects this disconnect between marketing and reality. Those who approach Narcotic Venus on its own terms find a lovely, well-crafted white floral that earns compliments and wears beautifully. Those who expected something truly narcotic or overwhelming tend to walk away underwhelmed, finding a fragrance that is pleasant but hardly intoxicating.

What It Smells Like

Narcotic Venus presents a well-rounded tuberose at its core, surrounded by jasmine and lily that flank the star note harmoniously. The tuberose here is upfront and confident but never reaches the heady, indolic excess that the name might suggest. Instead, it reads as clean, pure, and almost innocent in its sweetness.

The powdery white floral character dominates throughout, with a tame sweetness and a slight woody musk base note providing grounding. There is a subtle greenness detectable on skin that prevents the composition from becoming cloying. The overall effect is of a well-edited tuberose bouquet rather than a wild, unbridled floral explosion.

When to Wear It

Narcotic Venus works well across three seasons: spring, summer, and fall. Its creamy, floral character is particularly flattering during warm evenings when its smooth projection creates an alluring aura. Dinner dates, cocktail parties, and social events are ideal settings where the fragrance can work its subtle charm.

This is a versatile enough composition that it can also be worn during the day, though its romantic, feminine character is most at home in evening settings where its creamy warmth can be appreciated at close range.

Longevity & Projection

As an extrait de parfum, Narcotic Venus delivers above-average longevity. Wearers report more than five hours of detectable scent on skin, which is respectable if not extraordinary for the concentration. The projection is moderate, creating a pleasant sillage that invites closer inspection rather than announcing the wearer from across the room.

Multiple reviewers report receiving two to three compliments when wearing Narcotic Venus to events, suggesting that while the projection is not aggressive, it is sufficient to be noticed and appreciated by those in the immediate vicinity.

The Community Says

The fragrance community is meaningfully divided on Narcotic Venus. Admirers praise it as the cleanest and most pure tuberose, finding it sensual yet innocent, and appreciate its smooth, wearable character. Some declare it one of the most compliment-worthy fragrances in their collection.

Critics, however, are pointed in their assessment. Comparisons to Fracas and other iconic tuberose fragrances tend not to favor Narcotic Venus, with reviewers arguing it is unworthy of being mentioned alongside those pillars of tuberose perfumery. Some note that it smells nearly identical to more affordable alternatives, making the Nasomatto price tag difficult to justify.

Who Should Buy This

Narcotic Venus is best suited for someone who wants a beautiful, approachable tuberose without the intensity and complexity that more experienced tuberose lovers seek. If you are new to tuberose fragrances and want an elegant introduction to the note, this is a refined starting point.

However, if you already own and love fragrances like Fracas or Carnal Flower, Narcotic Venus may feel like a step backward in terms of depth and character. Its appeal lies in its smoothness and polish, not in the narcotic intensity its name promises.

The Bottom Line

Narcotic Venus is a well-crafted, creamy tuberose extrait that succeeds as an elegant white floral but falls short of the intoxicating, addictive experience its provocative name and marketing suggest. It is beautiful on its own terms, but those terms may be too tame for the audience its branding attracts.