I think I might make it my life's mission to try every male Oud fragrance on the market to find the best one out there. In the mean time though, I've tried all the above and can definitely recommend ALL of them.Just to fill you in: Oud has long since been an institution - if you can describe it as that - of Middle Eastern culture. Almost everything is scented with the potent, strong ingredient. Then the perfumeries in the West started using it, and in the last few years, it has become a 'trend' of the beauty and grooming industry. Many people think it comes from the wood of aquilaria trees, but it is actually the resin formed by a fungus that grows on them. Gross, I know.And then there's all the varieties, or strengths, of Oud. Smoky, sweet, citrus-y. There's many. In order of strength, the Jo Malone Oud & Bergamot cologne (1) is lighter than the other two, and the tangy orange of the bergamot makes it a fresh scent. Versace Oud Noir (2), my favourite and actually my wedding aftershave, is an oriental take on the ingredient. Leathery, wood and spice all in one. And then Tom Ford's Tabacco Oud (3), a blend of herbs, flowers, and spiced-laden tobacco, is the most 'manly' of all three. Strong, rich and lasts all day.So, there's my top three (for now). I'll keep you informed if I find any more goodies!
Yours truly, The VSG x