Wild Oud

The Scent Profile

Wild Oud opens with a recognizable burst of lavender and mint, mirroring Le Male Elixir. However, the mint here presents a sharper, slightly more synthetic edge. The heart quickly transitions into a vanilla and benzoin accord. It's sweet but lacks the nuanced depth of the original. The drydown showcases the honey, tonka bean, and tobacco. The honey is quite prominent, lending a syrupy sweetness. While the tobacco note is present, it's a softer, less defined version. Overall, Wild Oud captures approximately 89% of Le Male Elixir's DNA. The differences lie primarily in the quality of the ingredients. It lacks the smoothness and complexity of the original.

Performance Reality Check

Projection is surprisingly strong for the first two hours, radiating outwards at arms length. Longevity is moderate. I observed around six hours of noticeable scent on my skin. After that, it fades to a faint, sweet skin scent. Respraying is certainly necessary for a full day's wear. Those seeking a nearly identical clone will be disappointed. However, if you're after a sweet, pleasant, and reasonably performing fragrance in the same vein, it's worth considering. If the smoother profile and richer notes are paramount, stick to the Gaultier original. But for casual wear, this holds its own.