Year: 2011
Notes: oud, Indian sandalwood
Dark Aoud is supposed to be an exploration of just two accords – sandalwood and oud. Personally, one is able to discern at least three in this Montale creation.
Comprising of a nutty and smoky opening, the oud is resolutely bone dry and austere. The sandalwood reveals its smooth and creamy undertones much later, providing a little sweetness and warmth during the drydown. As for any additional notes, a spicy cedar-like accord runs throughout of the composition, leading one to conclude the inclusion of some Norlimbanol (a dry woody-amber aroma chemical) and a hint of saffron.
Yes, it's relatively sombre (as well as impressively long-lasting) but it's nothing more than a darker and smokier version of Original Aouds, with a spicy Norlimbanol undercurrent. To be honest, one doesn't consider this to be such a terrible realisation because Dark Aoud is actually more satisfying to wear. Yet, it's becoming ever more apparent that Pierre Montale is scraping the barrel for new oud combinations.
Overall, it's a respectable but predictable offering that's been done better by other niche houses, both with more finesse and complexity, such as Serge Lutens' Serge Noire.
Comprising of a nutty and smoky opening, the oud is resolutely bone dry and austere. The sandalwood reveals its smooth and creamy undertones much later, providing a little sweetness and warmth during the drydown. As for any additional notes, a spicy cedar-like accord runs throughout of the composition, leading one to conclude the inclusion of some Norlimbanol (a dry woody-amber aroma chemical) and a hint of saffron.
Yes, it's relatively sombre (as well as impressively long-lasting) but it's nothing more than a darker and smokier version of Original Aouds, with a spicy Norlimbanol undercurrent. To be honest, one doesn't consider this to be such a terrible realisation because Dark Aoud is actually more satisfying to wear. Yet, it's becoming ever more apparent that Pierre Montale is scraping the barrel for new oud combinations.
Overall, it's a respectable but predictable offering that's been done better by other niche houses, both with more finesse and complexity, such as Serge Lutens' Serge Noire.
