Oudh Ma'al Wardh Al Haramain / الحرمين

Oudh Ma’al Wardh by Al Haramain
Literally an eye opener for those who are not accustomed to the pungent odour of some of the wonderful concentrated perfumed oudh oils from the Arabian perfume houses. A mellow and slightly nutty softness will eventually emerge, one that will seem quite warming and could have you surreptitiously burying your nose into your wrist from time to time to see if the metamorphosis is really true. The change that I refer to is immense and absolute. From the shock of a squall to one of stillness and calm, from being aghast to being pleasantly soothing.

Initially the scent seems to all but be a physically attack upon the nose while rushing to rip the throat away, one might not know whether to be brave and stay the course or rush to scrub this acrid fetor away, as none of the promised floral notes seem to make an appearance. This fragrance is definitely one to apply at least ninety minutes before entering the commuting confines of your local metro or any other travel system at rush hour. Spray a little too much and you might gag and keep all others at bay, but then wait … wait. Then wait some more and candyfloss lightness emerges from the white hot, barbed wire assault. A contradicting creamy essence has evolved and one that might remain for the rest of your day. This is an outstanding and incomparable Oudh blend, a mukhallat like no other; an acquired appreciation that could need a revisit or two before a definitive conclusion is determined.

Many thanks to Apicius for the sample.