Royal Oud Creed 2011

A characteristic opening in the style of Creed. Clear, sharp, bright - making one receptive to what is yet to come. Within seconds, the explosive sensory stimulus dissipates, and the citrus bitterness transitions into a close-to-the-skin chapter.

While the receptors are still in tense anticipation, trying to sort out the rapid transformation, a new image begins to take shape before the inner eye. Gentle clouds of steam caress the olfactory organ with delightfully fruity aromas. What rises steaming from a copper kettle is partially marked by alcohol (the association with mulled wine is close at hand), then again memories of spiced tea are awakened.

After about ten minutes, Royal Oud reveals its full potential, and what is offered can rightfully be called a small masterpiece. Subtly held spices create a delicate tension: anise, licorice, myrrh, and sage are joined in the base by comfortably warming sandalwood. Silvery incense barely makes its presence felt and merges with a gentle chocolatey note. All of this must be imagined as drawn with a sensitive stroke; the theme of oud is only skillfully circled and never brought to the forefront. Like a finely tuned veil, the scent oscillates on the skin. This is exciting, this is stimulating.

Creed has given us a fragrance with Royal Oud, in which agarwood is understood as part of a greater whole. The role of the otherwise not modestly impressive ingredient is here limited to contributing a tactful sharpness. Royal Oud consistently prefers soft tones and is therefore excellent for business meetings or a relaxed evening for two. With its slightly smoky, woody-earthy, dark brown hue, the fragrance pleasantly stands out from the usual medley without ever pushing itself to the forefront. How wonderful that such a thing exists!