Oud 31 Kai Porten Parfums Privés 2023

I approached the matter completely neutrally, only the fragrance counts! When I found it here in Munich at Parfümerie Brückner, I was initially delighted to be able to test the fragrance for free, and I found it quite interesting, as it was supposed to contain real oud and this in high quality, according to Kai's formulation. I also wrote to Kai's service department or rather his employees, who replied very nicely and jovially. I was answered as follows:

"Hey Elias, I have consulted with Kai. The quality of the oud is similar to Ensar Oud or Nabeel. However, we can't say where the oud comes from as we don't receive any information from the perfumer. It is a trade secret. I'm sorry we can't give you any more information! :-("

And:

"100%. It was very important to Kai that only the best ingredients go into the perfume. Not just the oud, but also all the other substances that go into it. :-) As a little "proof": The perfumer behind it is already involved in many top sellers of well-known brands. Among others, bangers like Nefs, Erba Pura or Salam. If the quality were poor, the perfumes would not have made it to global success. Whether you can smell the oud strongly depends very much on how "sensitive" or good your nose is. Some people only notice it a little, others find it far too much. Kai and I would say it's just the perfect blend: not overpoweringly strong and not too faint that you barely notice it. If you wear pure oud oil, then you can't go wrong with Oud31. At least then you don't have to worry that you won't like it. You should be an oud lover if you buy Oud31. It's definitely not for beginners - they would clearly find it too strong. For real "oud freaks", the oud might even be a little stronger. As I said, Kai and I find it perfectly balanced. :-)".

As you can see, very nice employees, but I have to be honest and mention that these personalities unfortunately do not have that much knowledge about oud or the quality of the ingredients of Oud 31. Especially the statement that the perfumer has brought out many hits like Xerjoff etc. is absolutely no reference of quality, this is absolutely not the case
Well, I don't want to write another long text about oud, but let's get to the fragrance :

Adequately explained, the fragrance is not bad, no, but the price in relation to a Xerjoff Oud Star, Fragrance Du Bois or even Bortnikoff is a cheek and that as someone who basically sells online himself. Furthermore, I would like to make the assertion - you are welcome to provide me with proof that this is not the case - that the oud in Oud 31 contains a cheap plantation oud, just like in Xerjoff etc.. For me, this in no way justifies the price in relation to the quality of the fragrance. If you compare the fragrance to the somewhat cheaper Bortnikoffs, you can only laugh and Bortnikoff doesn't have the big buyers and you can smell quality there In itself, the fragrance is not bad, especially the drydown knows how to please, because it becomes cuddly, but initially this cheap oud is really bad for me, but of course, I'm used to other qualities it's primarily about the theme and the price and that's just (oud) and that's exactly what I criticize! If it were a subordinate component, my assessment would be different, but the price doesn't justify itself for me!!!

The durability and projection are very strong, I like that!

Overall not my cup of tea!

Read the staff comments, test the fragrance, get into oud and you'll know what I mean!

Kai may be a really cool guy, I don't know, but the fragrance is really not mine, sorry!