“The scent is citrus-fresh.” This quality, which parfumo attributes to Oudh al Misk, led me to order this perfume for the summer. But of course, not just for that. The mostly positive reviews piqued my curiosity. According to them, Oudh al Misk is a fragrance that can definitely compete with big brands in terms of quality, despite its low price. Last but not least, I am fascinated by oud fragrances because of their richness in nuances. I also like the Orient and oriental scent notes - as long as they are somewhat compatible with European tastes.
Rasasi, a perfume manufacturer from Dubai, describes itself on its website as a designer of niche fragrances, but emphasizes that many of its scents also cater to European tastes. No wonder it has become internationally known and popular. It distinguishes traditional oriental fragrances from those that align with European scent preferences on its website. I had heard a lot of good things about Rasasi. So it was time to test one of its fragrances. I chose Oudh al Misk. Misk means musk in Arabic. The scent is suitable for European tastes and is considered a fresh unisex fragrance for hot days.
I ordered it blindly in a 100 ml bottle online for € 11.11 as part of a free shipping promotion. A real bargain.
Of course, I looked at the numerous comments as well as the “fragrance pyramid” beforehand. Oudh al Misk contains many scent notes. In the top notes, there are bright scents like bergamot, grapefruit, and orange, but also galbanum and clary sage. I’m curious to see how they interact with my European skin.
The bottle also deserves attention. It is made of frosted glass in the shape of a slender rectangle. The matte gold cap is adorned with the Arabic inscription Rasasi. The perfume comes in an elegant and very high-quality looking box in black and gold. Even though the bottle itself is quite simply designed, you immediately feel the Orient. I like that the bottle radiates something bright and shining as soon as you take it out of the box. I hope to find that in the scent as well. I have read repeatedly about a gin and tonic note that is supposed to characterize this perfume. I am curious about it and imagine it to be wonderful.
The first impression after spraying is also invigorating freshness, which is largely due to the alcohol. Yes, there are noticeable citrus notes, especially grapefruit and orange, although it seems more to be the bitter peels of these fruits. But only for a moment. Then the bitter herbal scent of sage immediately comes to the forefront, supported by the resinous galbanum, which actually takes away the freshness from the scent rather quickly. Instead, the scent now appears earthier, sweeter, warm, and spicy-aromatic. Here it becomes oriental. But I expected that. Galbanum comes from Persia, after all. The fragrance oil is extracted from the roots and stems of this fennel plant. Initially, grapefruit was supposed to play the main role. I was prepared for that. But in reality, the bitter-sweet herbs dominate. I would have preferred more citrus aroma personally. Somehow the scent reminds me of aftershave from earlier times.
The mix of bitter, sweet, and herbs is “not really my thing.” It seems to me to fit better with men, although I wonder if I would want a companion of mine to smell like this.
I have the impression that this bitter-sweet herbal mix stays very long as it is. Meanwhile, I am already slowly curious about the promised geranium and jasmine. Both can go very wrong in a not very balanced mixture. Geranium is considered a cheaper substitute for rose, although this geranium plant does not resemble a rose at all.
There are numerous types of these scented geraniums with different scents, ranging from rose to pine needles to incense or apple and lemon. Which one was used here is not revealed. Everyone has to figure that out for themselves.
For me, the herbal scent now becomes “brighter” again, which I find pleasant. I think I can sniff something like citrusy pine needles. That seems interesting. I am quite glad that the herbal dominance is slowly fading. Not completely, but more tolerable for me.
I also find it pleasant that the cedarwood finally makes its presence known. Because I like the bitter, dry woodiness.
The musk, which gives the fragrance its name, is surprisingly animalistic for me and therefore somewhat of an acquired taste. It has something wild, masculine, and possesses a bitter sweetness.
I notice little of jasmine, amber, and patchouli. At best, I still perceive sandalwood and vetiver.
And the gin and tonic aroma that so many praise? Unfortunately, it’s a no-show. Where would the gin or juniper come from, and the lemon? Nothing of the sort is present and, in my opinion, not noticeable.
It is striking that the scent does not always appear in the same way. It apparently depends a lot on temperature and other conditions how it develops on the skin. This also affects the sillage, which I sometimes perceive as stronger, then again weaker.
The longevity is not very great, but I do not expect that from a perfume in this price range.
I have used the scent quite often by now. Mostly at home. I wear it so frequently because I am not entirely comfortable with it and want to know why. I liked it a lot when I first sprayed it. Meanwhile, my enthusiasm has waned. I would not order it again - at least not for myself. It seems to me that this oud is more suitable for men.
By the way, oud - the fact that I have not mentioned it until now, despite being an oud fan, has its reasons. It is an oud for connoisseurs. Those who do not know it will hardly notice it, which does not necessarily have to be a disadvantage, considering that some ouds smell harsh, “stable,” too smoky, or “medicinal.” In any case, this oud comes across as quite tame and unremarkable. For me, as I said, an oud fan, it is too weak, too poorly defined. Some call it synthetic. I cannot judge that. I am not such an expert. I can only say that my last oud, from Maison Francis Kurkdjian, convinced me much more. It also has an oriental character, but much softer, rounder, more inspiring, somehow more mysterious, nobler, and more harmonious.
Sure, oud also goes well with herbs and citrus notes, but I don’t think that’s necessary. I am a purist. I like it when oud takes the lead, is of correspondingly high quality, and is only accompanied by other notes like saffron, cedar, and resins to appear even more intense. Kurkdjian has done that wonderfully.
At Rasasi, in my opinion, too many different ingredients are mixed together. Perhaps less would have been more here. But you can’t please everyone. I ordered the scent with great joy and would have loved to love it, but somehow we are not meant for each other. Oudh al Misk is, as mentioned, a men’s fragrance that may suit someone it fits, especially in summer. Unfortunately, it is not my scent.
Top Notes 
Grapefruit
Bergamot
Orange
Clary sage
Galbanum
Heart Notes 
Geranium
Jasmine
Base Notes 
Cedarwood
Musk
Ambergris
Patchouli
Sandalwood
Vetiver
Topfpflanze3
PedroCabral
Peasant
Helena1411
NuiWhakakore
Parma
Schalkerin
Terra
Torfdoen
Couchlock
