Wurood Bois D'Arabie

Scent Breakdown

Wurood Bois D'Arabie initiates with a sharply citric introduction, the mandarin and grapefruit vying for dominance, underpinned by a raspy pink pepper. However, the citrus possesses a cleaning-product harshness, lacking the nuanced zest of natural oils. The heart attempts to evoke richness, the incense presenting as an ashy, almost extinguished ember, while the tobacco note translates as a saccharine, dried-fruit compote. The saffron adds a metallic tang, discordant rather than harmonious. As it settles, the oud emerges, though it's a thin, bordering-on-medicinal rendition – closer to band-aids than aged wood. The leather is rendered as synthetic vinyl, and the amber possesses an oddly plasticky finish, leaving a slightly acrid trail. It diverges significantly from its inspiration, missing the original's velvety depth.

The Performance Stats

Longevity sits around six hours, with projection extending just beyond arm's length for the first hour, quickly retracting to a skin scent thereafter. Tested indoors under controlled climate, it proved fleeting and underwhelming.

Is it Worth It?

Wearing Wurood Bois D'Arabie instead of the original I by Widian yields a simplified, somewhat distorted interpretation. While it captures a vague semblance of the intended olfactory direction, it sacrifices the plush textures and intricate development of the source material. What's gained is merely a hint of the desired aroma; what's lost is the complexity and refined elegance that defines the genuine article.