Oud Velvet Mood Maison Francis Kurkdjian 2013

I really like some fragrances by Kurkdjian, but I absolutely do not understand Oud Velvet Mood. The scent smells to me like 98% of a monotonous Oud note. This static impression reminds me very much of an Oud synthetic that I recently tested. If real Oud was used here, it is either nothing special or Kurkdjian knows how to olfactorily ruin a good Oud. Because from start to finish, the Oud note is simply oily-smoky, without showing any other facets even once.

At the beginning, a matte-powdery-leathery note joins in, which reminds me more of a violet note from some fragrances than of saffron. Oud Velvet Mood at least does not smell like the typical saffron-Oud combo, has nothing medicinal or adhesive bandage-like.

After several hours, one notices a slight softening with a hint of dry cinnamon and a bit of warm-sweet balsam. But overall, Oud Velvet Mood remains oily-smoky. One certainly gets an impression of a typical Oud smell through Oud Velvet Mood, but all the beautiful aspects that make this fragrance interesting for my nose are simply missing. Otherwise, unfortunately, there is not much development.

I'm sorry for all those who like the scent - but I just don't understand what it is supposed to convey to me. Even aside from the fact that I personally do not find Oud Velvet Mood great, I do not understand the statement, the intention, or the craftsmanship behind it.