Oud Royal

Conclusion

This fragrance would be the supporting character; the well-meaning but slightly awkward assistant to the refined lead. Competent, presentable, but ultimately lacking the gravitas and charisma to command the scene.

Olfactory Experience

Ministry of Oud's take opens with a fizzy pink pepper jolt, like sniffing a freshly opened can of ginger ale spiked with lemon zest. The bergamot is there, but it's a fleeting citrus, gone before you can truly appreciate its complexity. The heart attempts a cedarwood reverence, but ultimately delivers a pencil shavings dryness that is almost astringent. Angelica lends a green, herbaceous quality, while the galbanum attempts to bind the middle, falling short and revealing a potent, medicinal camphor note. As it dries, the agarwood emerges, though not the barnyard variety. This leans towards a smooth, almost polished wood, with a soapy, slightly synthetic sandalwood that clings to the skin. The musk is clean, devoid of animalic depth, but present nonetheless. It’s a paler imitation of the inspiration, lacking its opulent warmth, and falls flatter, more linear in its progression.

Longevity & Projection

This one has stamina; I get around 6 hours on skin, projecting moderately within arm's length for the initial 2. Wore it to a gallery opening; it felt formal enough but lost nuance in the crowded space. Also wore it to an outdoor picnic where the breezes carried the scent away too quickly.