Year: 2010
Notes: frankincense, oud, woods
Originally created especially for a Royal Saudi wedding, under the name of Aoud Cadesh, Taj (a name possibly derived from Taj Mahal) is specifically a woods and frankincense affair.
Throughout its rather linear development, there's a persistent and unidentifiable creamy accord. It's not exactly the same redolence one has encountered in Original Aouds and nor is it saffron. It's both strange and beguiling, leading one to conclude that it could be the oud paired with some type of gum, resin or balsam. In addition, the frankincense is confined to a supporting role, while the drydown distinctively possesses some cedar.
In comparison to Montale's other oud releases, especially from the last couple of years, it's certainly one of the better and more interesting creations, and should be of interest to anyone with a preference for their earlier (and superior) oud offerings. However, it should be remembered that it's also an acquired taste, which is both devoid of any florals and leans slightly towards the masculine side.
With very good lasting power and sillage, one hopes there are many more personalised Montale compositions stored in their vaults, which will one day officially join the Montale line.
Throughout its rather linear development, there's a persistent and unidentifiable creamy accord. It's not exactly the same redolence one has encountered in Original Aouds and nor is it saffron. It's both strange and beguiling, leading one to conclude that it could be the oud paired with some type of gum, resin or balsam. In addition, the frankincense is confined to a supporting role, while the drydown distinctively possesses some cedar.
In comparison to Montale's other oud releases, especially from the last couple of years, it's certainly one of the better and more interesting creations, and should be of interest to anyone with a preference for their earlier (and superior) oud offerings. However, it should be remembered that it's also an acquired taste, which is both devoid of any florals and leans slightly towards the masculine side.
With very good lasting power and sillage, one hopes there are many more personalised Montale compositions stored in their vaults, which will one day officially join the Montale line.
