Cigar Oud Azha 2022

The brand Azha is likely unfamiliar to most.
A sub-brand of Rasasi from which I have now treated myself to the first fragrance.

Cigar Oud is supposed to be a dupe of Oud Tobacco.
This naturally piqued my interest.
I have never tested the original, but I read the opinions about it on Parfumo and decided to go for it for a small price.

What can I say?
I found the opening unpleasant and was therefore immediately disappointed.
Quite bubblegummy, sweet, earthy, and somehow everything but "Cigar" or "Oud".
You just have to give the fragrance a little time to unfold.
In the dry down, I then perceive the tobacco more.
However, it is not a smoky tobacco.
The smokiness from the tobacco/incense is hardly noticeable, maybe just a hint.
Honey-sweet bubblegum and tobacco are more in focus here, with a certain freshness and earthiness.
All of this in this combination is something I have to get used to, I must say.
Towards the end, it becomes warmer, sweeter, and more pleasant, thanks to the amber.
Nevertheless, you will never get rid of this bubblegum note.
You have to like it; otherwise, it can be quite bothersome.

As for the performance, Cigar Oud impresses.
Longevity on my skin is 7-8 hours.
On clothes, probably until the laundry goes into the washing machine.
Sillage was good to strong in the first 2 hours.

The fragrance definitely has its
rough edges and will not appeal to everyone.
I would definitely advise against a blind buy here.
I personally liked it in the first few days, but then I got annoyed by the scent, and now I am indecisive.
I find it neither great nor bad.
But as a plus point in conclusion, you have to give Cigar Oud credit for being quite unique in its scent.
I have tested/worn a few hundred fragrances and have never smelled anything like this before.