Oud Perfume Guide: What It Smells Like & Why It’s So Addictive


Oud is more than just a perfume note. Oud is an experience.


Oud is the "liquid gold" of the perfumery world and is derived from agarwood. Agarwood is one of the rarest and most precious natural materials, and it is produced when an Aquilaria tree becomes infested with a fungus that allows it to secrete a dark, aromatic (defense) resin, which is then distilled into one of the most revered and longest-lasting perfume ingredients known to mankind.


But how does oud really smell?


Oud is rich, deep and has complexity. You can generally describe the fragrance of oud as:


- Woody

- Smoky

- A little sweet

- Resinous

- Warm and mysterious


Some oud perfumes may come across as being dark and heavy while others tend to feel light and elegant, based upon an inspector's treatment of the ingredients used in blending the perfume.


For example, with Dawn Eau de Parfum, you will smell the agarwood, rose, and other notes that combine to create a smoky/floral richness and this perfume has an opulent and bold application.


With this perfume, the incense and saffron notes add dimension to the blend and while the composition's overall effect is warm, benzoin resin helps to soften the composition and form a warm and long-lasting dry-down.


On the other hand, with Oudh Eclipse Eau de Parfum, you can expect to be met with an olfactory surprise; the aroma will be an expression of sweetness, with caramel and raspberry blended with the perfume's overall composition including rose and amber, creating a seductive, romantic and slightly "gourmand" interpretation of the oud note.