Year: 2015
Notes: Calabrian bergamot and lemon, saffron, lavender, flowers, Sumatran patchouli, amber, oud, Mysore sandalwood, powdery notes, white musk
Aoud Lavender opens with an astringent citrus and lavender blast. The lavender isn't as floral as some lavender essential oils, yet exudes some of the green nuances of lavender absolute. Possessing both dry and aromatic properties, the top notes soon give way to the saffron and florals.
As the lavender subsides, a faint floral sweetness gracefully emerges. The woody aspect of the composition is discernible (especially the patchouli), as faint floral and aromatic traces continue to persist. And what started out as loud and quite abrasive quickly transforms into a soft floral oud scent. Towards the drydown, a little extra sweetness is derived from the amber, as the sandalwood provides a woody creaminess. And the final moments on the skin result in a powdery trail of woods, amber and musk.
After the seemingly never-ending regurgitation of rose-ouds, one gives Montale some credit for trying something new. However, it does have some shortcomings. Firstly, the lavender accord is too short-lived, and almost acts as a deceptive smokescreen for what is yet another woody-floral effort. And, secondly, its performance doesn't match up to the older Montales, with moderate diffusion and average lasting power.
But, regardless of these reservations, it's certainly one of the more interesting recent releases from this niche house.
As the lavender subsides, a faint floral sweetness gracefully emerges. The woody aspect of the composition is discernible (especially the patchouli), as faint floral and aromatic traces continue to persist. And what started out as loud and quite abrasive quickly transforms into a soft floral oud scent. Towards the drydown, a little extra sweetness is derived from the amber, as the sandalwood provides a woody creaminess. And the final moments on the skin result in a powdery trail of woods, amber and musk.
After the seemingly never-ending regurgitation of rose-ouds, one gives Montale some credit for trying something new. However, it does have some shortcomings. Firstly, the lavender accord is too short-lived, and almost acts as a deceptive smokescreen for what is yet another woody-floral effort. And, secondly, its performance doesn't match up to the older Montales, with moderate diffusion and average lasting power.
But, regardless of these reservations, it's certainly one of the more interesting recent releases from this niche house.
