Ilham Al Oud

How it Smells

Ilham Al Oud opens with a stark incense note, reminiscent of a Catholic church during a particularly dry summer. The raspberry is present but manifests more as a candied coating, bordering on cherry cough syrup, rather than fresh fruit. The heart introduces a medicinal oud accord paired with birch that leans heavily into a creosote nuance. The rose attempts to cut through the smoky haze, but is ultimately subdued. The base presents a somewhat discordant blend of benzoin, offering a balsamic sweetness, alongside an abrasive amberwood that introduces a harsh, synthetic edge. Where the original presents a layered complexity, this iteration exhibits a more linear and slightly muddled composition, lacking the refined nuances of the rose and the smooth integration of the resins.

Bottom Line

If Ilham Al Oud were a movie character, it would be a supporting actor in a historical drama, someone attempting to imitate the lead, but lacking the inherent gravitas and complexity.

Performance Reality Check

Longevity is impressive, clocking in at 8+ hours on skin. Projection is assertive for the first two hours, easily reaching beyond arm's length before settling into a more intimate sillage. I wore it during a day of errands, and later during a temperature controlled environment.