Oud Glacial Réminiscence 2019

A few years ago, I drove up to the Kaunertal Glacier in the summer. During this drive, I first encountered green meadows with various mountain flowers and gnarled conifers, then the vegetation became increasingly sparse, and ultimately only rock, rubble, as well as ice and snow remained. Moreover, the air was incredibly fresh and clear. I had imagined Oud Glacial to be such a high alpine scent journey - why not, with a name like that?

Therefore, I dared to make a blind purchase; the listed fragrance notes promised no disaster. I was particularly curious about the combination of almond, mint, and oud. I would certainly outright deny the existence of almond, or the cold breath of mint has already flattened the necessary receptors in my scent center.

In any case, there is initially nothing beautiful, pure, floral, or even pleasant. Later, actually, not much changes, but at least the scent becomes inconsequential.

Unfortunately, I must once again bring up a GDR cleaning product for comparison. This time, it reminds me of the emanations from linoleum floors in polyclinics that have just been treated with a disinfectant or, in any case, a chemical weapon. It has something biting about it, where you have to force yourself to even inhale. If you dare to smell it again shortly thereafter, it reminds you of a freshly broken plant stem that exudes something very green-herbaceous, but you have the feeling that the plant is somehow toxic and causes a rash if you touch it.

As the scent develops further, it gives the impression that you have stored this plant stem in Aunt Hilde's old handbag, where, alongside her lace-trimmed handkerchief, there is also a bag of stuck-together ice candies basically at the bottom.

When the worst has passed, that is, after an hour, it smells like the sun-tanned older gentleman who is still spry enough to consider himself athletic but has obviously long lost his former sprightliness. Like this gentleman after sports, mind you: somewhat herb-woody, a bit limp, and reminiscent of a cheap sports deodorant.

Any similarities with living persons are purely coincidental and not meant to be derogatory.

The longevity is okay, and thankfully the sillage is not overwhelming. The bottle (30 ml) is uninspired or appropriately reflects the supposed clarity of the scent. However, the truly inexpensive sticker on the bottle is a joke.

I definitely do not see this scent on a lady, and certainly not on myself. Therefore, it could safely be disposed of in a glacier crevice.