300

The opening is bold. Cardamom and pepper hit first with a sharp, slightly smoky spice, and the oud sits right underneath. The house says it does not ease anyone in gently, and that directness is part of its appeal. Give it twenty minutes or so. Amber and tonka bean come through and round off the edges, a little sweeter and softer, though the oud is still clearly there. This is where the scent becomes comfortable to wear rather than just striking. The base returns to oud with vetiver and vanilla. Vetiver keeps it dry and woody, and vanilla adds a gentle sweetness, so the finish is warm and weighty without turning sugary. The house says the base lingers on a jumper collar into the next day. This is a woody oriental for men who already have an office scent and want something heavier. It suits evenings, dinners, dates and colder weather, and two or three sprays on pulse points should carry a full night. It can be worn by day, but the spice and weight lean towards after dark. Bottom line: a rich, smoky oud with a warm amber heart and a long, vanilla-touched finish.