Noir Oud

Olfactory Experience

Noir Oud opens with a citrus accord dominated by mandarin, but unfortunately, the grapefruit veers towards a pithy, slightly bitter chemical note, a deviation from the smoother radiance expected. The pink pepper is present, adding a needed prickle, but fails to fully integrate. The heart reveals a clash: the incense is a dry, woody ash, almost like extinguished charcoal, while the tobacco presents as a sweet pipe tobacco extract, lacking nuance. The saffron provides a metallic tang but the three don’t harmonize as they should. The base presents a muddled accord. The oud is a prominent woody aroma, but lacks depth. It sits atop a leather that smells like a new car interior, and the amber possesses a syrupy sweetness that borders on cloying. It lacks the sophisticated development of its inspiration.

Projection Power

Longevity hovers around 6-7 hours on skin. Projection is initially strong, reaching about an arm's length for the first hour, before settling closer to the skin. I tested this in a controlled indoor environment (office) and a more humid outdoor setting, with minimal difference in performance.

Is it Worth It?

Wearing Noir Oud offers a semblance of the original's intended complexity, but the execution falls short. One gains a similar opening salvo of notes, but loses the nuanced transitions and refined ingredients. The overall effect is a flattened, less articulate expression. The synthetic edges and somewhat linear development prevent it from reaching the sophisticated experience found elsewhere.