Art of Wood

Olfactory Experience

Art of Wood opens with a bright bergamot, though it lacks the effervescence of Initio's Oud for Happiness. The ginger is present, adding a spicy warmth, but it reads slightly less refined, more of an artificial ginger ale. The heart introduces the key accord: licorice and oud. Here, Lattafa comes close, achieving perhaps 91% similarity. The licorice is prominent and sweet, balanced by a woody, though somewhat synthetic, oud note. The cedar provides a dry counterpoint. The drydown shifts to a vanilla musk, with lingering herbal undertones. The vanilla is less nuanced than the original, leaning toward a simple, slightly powdery sweetness.

Performance Reality Check

Longevity is moderate, clocking in around 5-6 hours on skin. Projection is initially strong for the first hour, creating a noticeable scent bubble, then gradually fades to a skin scent. It won't fill a room, but it is noticeable up close.

Final Thoughts

Art of Wood is a decent approximation of Oud for Happiness. The synthetic edges are present, particularly in the opening and the oud accord itself, but it's a worthwhile alternative. If you crave the Initio DNA but balk at the cost, this gets you close enough. For budget-conscious fragrance enthusiasts, this is a solid choice.