Bohemian Oud

Scent Breakdown

Bohemian Oud opens with a pink pepper and orange blossom accord; a decent, if slightly sharper, rendition of By the Fireplace's initial smoky sweetness. The clove adds a spicy warmth. The heart leans heavily into a roasted chestnut note, similar to the original, but with a noticeable addition of juniper. This creates a slightly more coniferous and less purely gourmand feel. Guaiac wood provides a smoky backbone, though it lacks the nuanced depth of Margiela's birch tar. The dry down features cashmeran and vanilla, aiming for that cozy, slightly powdery effect. Peru balsam adds a resinous quality. However, the vanilla leans synthetic, missing the smooth complexity of the original. I would estimate the similarity to By the Fireplace at around 84%. The added juniper and slightly synthetic vanilla are the key differentiators.

Wear time & Sillage

Longevity is moderate. Expect around 5-6 hours on skin. Projection is moderate for the first hour, then settles closer to the skin. A second application might be necessary to get you through a full day. While the juniper note and synthetic vanilla give away its clone status, the overall impression of roasted chestnuts and smoky woods is present. If you enjoy the *idea* of By the Fireplace but find the price prohibitive, this is worth a try. However, if you crave the refined nuances and higher quality ingredients of the original, save your money. This is for the casual enthusiast, not the discerning collector.