While classic oud fragrances still command respect in terms of scent categories, modern oud fragrances are turning heads with new captivating blends. Perfumers are recently exploring the potential of oud when combined with citrusy and smoky scents.
What is oud?
Oud, also known as agarwood, is a fragrant resin produced when the aquilaria tree is infected by the mold Phialophora parasitica. This resin acts as the tree's defense mechanism, creating a dark, fragrant substance highly prized in perfumery. Oud is one of the world's most expensive raw materials due to the lengthy process required for its production and the dwindling numbers of the aquilaria tree, largely due to over-harvesting and habitat loss.
Reputable fragrance houses now source oud from sustainable plantations in Malaysia, Cambodia, and Thailand, where the infection process is performed by hand. Synthetic oud bases are also used in perfumery to mimic the scent of natural oud, often blending with other ingredients like cypriol or patchouli. Oud is warm, slightly sweet, resinous, woody, earthy, fruity, bitter, smoky, and animalic, lending a unique and luxurious element to fragrances.
With the direction of modern perfumery, several oud fragrances with unique blends have reached the market. Here are some of the go-to fragrances.
Dolce & Gabbana Velvet Desert
Dolce & Gabbana's Velvet Desert Oud Eau de Parfum offers a captivating blend of incense, dark wood, and deep ambery notes. Priced at $276, this fragrance from the Velvet collection envelops you in a moody sensuality. It opens with a heady wave of incense, leading to rich smoky tones of dark wood and mysterious deep ambery notes. It is ideal for those seeking a bold and mysterious scent, perfect for evening wear.
Tom Ford Oud Wood
This $240 eau de parfum by Tom Ford offers a magnetic allure, blending rare oud with exotic spices and velvety amber. This fragrance is an olfactory masterpiece that exudes confidence and sophistication. With notes of agarwood, Brazilian rosewood, and cardamom, it creates a lasting impression. Ideal for evening wear, it's perfect for those seeking a luxurious and refined scent that stands out.
Initio Parfums Oud for Greatness
Initio Parfums Oud for Greatness is a unisex fragrance that embodies power and greatness. With a price of $430 for an eau de parfum, it is a bold choice for those who enjoy woody-spicy scents. With notes of oud wood, saffron, and lavender, it exudes confidence and sophistication. Just a few spritzes will leave you feeling empowered and ready to conquer the day.
D.S. & Durga Notorious Oud
At $210, Notorious Oud is an exotic fragrance blending Indonesian oud with global notes like Bulgarian rose, French lavender, Egyptian papyrus, and Afghani saffron. Crafted by expert perfumer David Moltz, this scent defies categorization, offering a rich and individualistic experience. Oud, the most notorious ingredient in perfume, is celebrated in this blend for its complexity, ranging from woody and spicy to floral and smoky. This scent is perfect for those seeking an authentic and luxurious fragrance experience.
Clive Christian I Woody Floral
Clive Christian's luxurious fragrance is sold for $395, blending oud with cedarwood, amber, and patchouli. It opens with fresh mandarin and bergamot, enhanced by red fruits and spices. With a complexity of 185 ingredients, including jasmine and muguet, it evolves into a woody floral symphony. The base notes of patchouli and oud add depth and richness that embody a complex and sophisticated scent.
