In The Mood For Oud theme

You can order all perfumes featured in this theme as a pack of samples.

In this theme

Oud originates from the Aquilaria tree, native to tropical Asia but also found in Cambodia, India, Vietnam, Thailand, and even the tiny Moluccan archipelago. Oud or agarwood is in fact medicinal, formed by the tree to combat fungal infection. The process results in the formation of a dark and smoky resin within the tree. This is carefully collected and transformed into the rare, expensive, and highly renowned oud oil, while the wood chips are often used as incense.

Oud is one of the most polarizing and misunderstood ingredients in perfumery. With an aroma resembling a refined blend of tobacco, incense, amber, leather, and wood, high-quality oud is revered by those who appreciate its scent but can be sniffed at by more sensitive noses. Loved by the Middle East, its largest consumer, for its traditionally strong and intense fragrance, there is now a new oud movement where the complex ingredients are distilled and blended to create a mere delicate scent. In this selection, we will showcase stinky animalic ouds, the classic rose-oud duo and examples of this new neutral approachable oud.   

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CUIRS CARNER Oud adding to the leather effect

Oud lends its leather tones to labdanum and violet, bringing an inviting sharpness. Saffron and patchouli combine to perform spicy, musky tones as a sumptuous and warming backdrop. While the gaïac wood and tonka beans offer sweet woods that balance the leather effect beautifully.

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Oud Imperial Perris Monte Carlo Earthy and fermented

An intentionally contrasted fragrance. The perfumes juxtapositioned the clean aspect of out (the aroma of the elements fighting the infection in the tree) and the earthy smell of wood fermented by the fungi.

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Cambodian Oud SweDoft The model oud

Featuring the heady charms of Cambodian in all its glory as its fruity nature mingles with smoke giving it a leathered edge. The oud is sharp but perfectly balanced giving off an aura of cool sophistication.

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903 Le Privé Bon Parfumeur Animalic sophistication

At its centre is an oud that delivers animality, eroticism, and mystery. Fresh exotic berries and warm saffron opens into comforting clean musk adding a contrast to the woody oud. Patchouli, sandalwood and cashmean bring a honeyed yet peppered diffusion. Beguiling!

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Alfa Mendittorosa Sensuous and spicy

The elegance of oud shines here. Harmonized with dustings of deep yellow saffron and fragrant cloves layered on top of incense highlighting the rich intricacy of the diffusion. Sandalwood and white musk vibrate gently in the background giving a woody clean resonance.

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UNHOLY OUD BORNTOSTANDOUT Aroma of Bakhoor

This perfume’s character reminds of the bakhoor aroma. Bakhoor is the Arabic name given to oud wood chips – which can be used as incense. When heated they effuse warm woody aroma, with a clean nuance, like dry driftwood hot in the sun.

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Nerosa Laboratorio Olfattivo A rose and oud affair

This is a rose where a leathered oud brings its empowered perfection. Ylang-ylang, amber, and castoreum mix to craft sweet, musky vibes that are effortlessly sexy. Spices, labdanum, and patchouli join the party, adding a rich, well-rounded finish.

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Oud Magnetique Molinard Elegance in leather

Violet and ylang-ylang combine to perform a gently sweet but indolic act for the empowered oud here. While the rose and smokey saffron meld against shimmering bergamot the oud’s leathered tones are enhanced. As sensual as it is addictive.

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Hautbois Elisire A beast

An example of what an oud fragrance can be, animalic, intense, challenging. Hautebous features Bengali oud in a company of spices.