Black Oud Les Senteurs Gourmandes 2013

Black Oud is a bit strange. On one hand, the namesake Oud is officially not present in the pyramid at all. But that may not mean anything, as it has nonetheless sneaked in olfactorily, even though the website of Les Senteurs Gourmandes does not provide any really clear information about it, instead emphasizing incense, sandalwood, and patchouli.
Yet, every nose witness would bet that Oud must have found its way into this Eau de Parfum.

On the other hand, the aforementioned circumstance is confusing, as for an Eau de Parfum with clearly recognizable Oud, this mixture behaves quite tame and gentle after a thunderous start, cozy soft and subtly close to the body, yet unfortunately too short-lived. It seems that the Oud was used very sparingly.

But let's take it step by step: the first sprays initially promise an exclusive, opulent scent with enchanting woody and sweet notes. Incense, patchouli, sandalwood, and even Oud are excellently perceivable in ascending order. The latter comes across dark, soft, very high-quality, and completely rounded. In this form, no one would claim that it smells unpleasant, barn-like, or stinky. At times, one is even inclined to sniff out a bit of sticky honey.

Unfortunately, the intensity fades faster than one would like. There is not much left of the dark mystique. The beautiful sweet oriental woodiness almost formally dissolves into smoke. What a pity, one might think.

There is still a small consolation: like the other Les Senteurs Gourmandes, Black Oud is offered at a low price, so one can easily add a travel spray and reapply as needed. And I bet: almost everyone around would estimate this scent to be much more expensive than it is offered. With a bit of cleverness, one can quickly achieve a re-investment.