Oud, explained for people who think they hate it

Why the note has a reputation, and the two ways it is usually blended.

Oud has a reputation in Nigeria for being heavy, medicinal and older than whoever is wearing it. Usually that is a blending problem, not a note problem.

Most people who say they hate oud have smelled it once, at full strength, in someone else's car.

Two ways it is used

As the centre, where it is animalic, smoky and unmistakable. Or as a base, where it adds weight and length under fruit, rose or spice and never announces itself.

Start at the second one

A fruit-and-oud or rose-and-oud blend gives you the longevity without the medicinal edge. If you like it after a month, move toward the centre.

How much to apply

Half of what you would use of anything else. Oud rewards restraint more than any other note we carry.