Oud du Ciel

How it Smells

Oud du Ciel opens with a sharp, almost medicinal artemisia blast, like opening a jar of pickled herbs next to a citrus cleaner. The bergamot is fleeting, quickly overtaken by the rose. But this isn't a fresh rose; it's candied and bordering on cloying. That so-called "patisserie accord" translates to burnt sugar with a hint of stale marzipan, creating a weighty sweetness. The oud is present, but lacks depth; it's more like a woody varnish than genuine agarwood. It misses the jammy depth and almost powdery finish of the inspiration.

Conclusion

If Oud du Ciel were a character, it would be a well-meaning but slightly clumsy pastry chef, trying too hard to impress with overly complicated desserts.

Longevity & Projection

Longevity is moderate, clocking in at about 5-6 hours. Projection is initially strong, filling a room for the first hour before settling closer to the skin. It wears best in cool weather. I wore it to an outdoor market and it amplified in the sunlight, becoming unpleasantly sugary after an hour.