Oud Noir

Scent Breakdown

Oud Noir opens with a blast of fruity incense – imagine dark raspberries simmering in a cauldron with smoldering frankincense resin. It's a potent start, and veers a bit too sharply into cough syrup territory compared to its muse. The heart develops with a woody oud note that's less refined, presenting a pencil shavings dryness. The rose is timid, almost buried beneath the birch and oud. It lacks the plush richness of the original. The drydown introduces a prominent amberwood note that clashes a bit with the sweeter benzoin and geranium, resulting in a slightly jarring, plasticky finish.

Performance Reality Check

I got about 7 hours of longevity from Oud Noir, with strong projection for the first 2-3 hours. It projects initially at about an arm and a half. I tested it on a cool evening walk and during a day at the office. It definitely announces itself, so go light on the trigger.

To Buy or Not to Buy?

Oud Noir is a bold statement scent best reserved for cooler weather and evening events. This isn’t an everyday scent; it’s too imposing for the office. Think a night out at a dimly lit lounge or a concert, where its assertive character can truly shine. It's a choice for times when you want to command attention without uttering a word.