Top Notes 
Taif rose
Heart Notes 
Cambodian oud
Ambergris
Nocturnal Concrete
Base Notes 
Indian oud
Sandalwood08/11/2025
ClaireV
969 Reviews
ClaireV
1
Fierce Syoufi
Despite what the fragrance notes may say, this is almost all Syoufi or Hindi oud in all its sheep cheese-y, fetid feet glory. Don't get me wrong - I like it. But I've grown accustomed to it. I suspect that many Western noses might be initially put off by the hot, sour "blue cheese" aroma that swells up on the skin the minute you dab it on. That's just Syoufi oud for you. Its hot, Hindi, stinky breath is what most people in the Arabian peninsula feel is the real smell of oud. Personally, I prefer the smell of Cambodi oud, which is fruitier, sweeter, and less animalic, but there are no two ways about it - Syoufi oud is the oud smell that keeps my nose going back to the wrist over and over again. There is something deep and compelling about that odd sourness, something a little mysterious and even more interesting overall than Cambodi oud. It gets rounder and warmer (but not sweeter) as the day progresses, and the sourness of the oud becomes tempered with the creamy, salty twang of a nice ambergris reconstruction (or who knows, maybe real? Doubt it though) and woody basenotes. Masculine-leaning.
Fascinating, though, especially for those interested in getting a hold of real Syoufi, considered to be the definitive oud smell in many areas of the Arab world. I am considering buying a small 1ml decant of this to have on hand, even just to sniff it occasionally. It's really good.
Fascinating, though, especially for those interested in getting a hold of real Syoufi, considered to be the definitive oud smell in many areas of the Arab world. I am considering buying a small 1ml decant of this to have on hand, even just to sniff it occasionally. It's really good.
Hermesh
