No 08 Oud & Spice

Acqua di Parma's Oud & Spice pairs an unusual barbecued rose and raspberry opening with a warm clove, pink pepper and cinnamon heart over a resinous oud, labdanum and patchouli base. No 08 opens with a genuinely close rose-raspberry contrast, capturing the fruity-floral surprise that makes the designer version stand out from typical oud fragrances. The heart and base fall short of the original's richness: Acqua di Parma's spice blend builds a warm, almost smoky intensity that lasts deep into the drydown, while this dupe's clove and cinnamon fade earlier, leaving a simpler oud-patchouli base that doesn't hold the same resinous warmth. Projection is respectable at first before settling to skin. It's a solid affordable way to try the rose-oud spice combination that makes Oud & Spice distinctive, without the full staying power of the original.