Oud for beginners

Oud has a reputation: smoky, animalic, expensive, a little intimidating. In the West it is used most often softened with rose, vanilla or incense, which makes it one of the most beautiful and wearable notes in perfume, once you meet it in the right company.

What oud smells like

Deep, dark wood with smoke, leather and a faint sweetness. On its own it can be wild; balanced, it gives a scent depth and warmth that nothing else does. Start with an oud that is wrapped in something you already like.

Start with an oud wrapped in something you already like

Three to begin with

Oud is strong, so one spray is plenty, and it rewards cool evenings. Wear it for a week from a 5 ml before you consider a bottle: you will know by the third day whether you have found a new love or a beautiful curiosity.