Year: 2014
Notes: rose, jasmine, Bengali oud, amber, musk
Comment: Realoud Feral is a limited edition release
Realoud Feral is "a mukhallat made from some of the strongest smelling Indian-style agarwood Phoenicia has ever acquired". Macerated for two years, Realoud Feral is a more faecal version of Realoud.
What one immediately notices is how it's initially darker, smokier and more rancid than its predecessor. With a leathery element, Realoud Feral's opening is in some ways redolent of Montale's Oud Cuir d'Arabie. But as the jasmine diffuses this rugged aspect, with a soft floral creaminess, it soon diverges into its own universe.
The animalic properties of the oud are still evident but less vivid, as a touch of amber in the base adds a subtle sweetness to the proceedings. By the mid notes, the composition is more of a subdued floral oud, with notable barnyard facets. Where Realoud eventually reveals a moist vegetal woodiness, courtesy of the vetiver, Realoud Feral exudes darker and drier woody tones instead. However, the musk base in Realoud Feral isn't as animalic as the one found in Realoud.
Both Realoud and Realoud Feral are reminiscent of Ajmal's Al Shams trilogy, but are darker, grittier and slightly more complex. However, the Realouds both suffer from longevity issues and unsatisfying sillage. Now, that isn't to say they are inferior to these Ajmals, as one considers both groups to be in a similar league (albeit with their own unique set of flaws).
If Realoud Feral had a more prominent animalic base, it might have been awarded an extra star. As it stands, it still comes warmly recommended.
What one immediately notices is how it's initially darker, smokier and more rancid than its predecessor. With a leathery element, Realoud Feral's opening is in some ways redolent of Montale's Oud Cuir d'Arabie. But as the jasmine diffuses this rugged aspect, with a soft floral creaminess, it soon diverges into its own universe.
The animalic properties of the oud are still evident but less vivid, as a touch of amber in the base adds a subtle sweetness to the proceedings. By the mid notes, the composition is more of a subdued floral oud, with notable barnyard facets. Where Realoud eventually reveals a moist vegetal woodiness, courtesy of the vetiver, Realoud Feral exudes darker and drier woody tones instead. However, the musk base in Realoud Feral isn't as animalic as the one found in Realoud.
Both Realoud and Realoud Feral are reminiscent of Ajmal's Al Shams trilogy, but are darker, grittier and slightly more complex. However, the Realouds both suffer from longevity issues and unsatisfying sillage. Now, that isn't to say they are inferior to these Ajmals, as one considers both groups to be in a similar league (albeit with their own unique set of flaws).
If Realoud Feral had a more prominent animalic base, it might have been awarded an extra star. As it stands, it still comes warmly recommended.
