I always try to connect my travels with my now over 10-year-long olfactory passion. Especially in the more artistic fragrance sector, one can often discover one or another unknown treasure.
In 2023, I spent a significant part of my year in Norway. Fascinated by the landscape, culture, and life there, I then set out to search for interesting Scandinavian niche perfume brands. While a comprehensive perfume tradition is not necessarily an aspect associated with the Nordic countries, there are indeed some incredibly beautiful and interesting fragrance houses to be found. One that immediately caught my eye was Pana Dora Sweden. The inspirations behind the perfumes, the exciting and promising combinations of different notes, as well as the elegantly designed bottles prompted me to subject the house to a closer olfactory examination.
A scent that had to immediately find its way into my collection after this was "Oud Republic".
Scent Development
Oud Republic starts immediately after spraying with a tangy, slightly fruity grapefruit, which is complemented by the spice of saffron. After a few minutes, this combination expands to include floral notes and a slightly herbal thyme. As the scent develops further, a warming amber note gradually unfolds, which, together with rose and lavender, forms the transition into the mid-stage of the fragrance. The aromatic, subtly green qualities of lavender are additionally complemented by the use of a cypress and fir resin note. These aromatic notes are embedded in a continuously unfolding rosy and warm-spicy foundation, which is contrasted by woody notes, primarily that of oud.
Performance
Longevity:
Skin: 14-18 hours
Clothing: 24+ hours
Sillage/Projection:
up to hour 3: very strong
up to hour 7: strong
up to hour 12: moderate
after hour 12: weak
Occasion/Season
Due to its complexity and aromatic properties, I see this scent more suited for semi-formal to formal occasions and for an age group of 25+. Its underlying warm-spicy fragrance DNA makes Oud Republic a perfect choice for winter and generally colder days.
Packaging/Bottle
The perfume comes in a sturdy and high-quality cylindrical packaging. The bottle is made of solid glass and is adorned with a gold-metal deer head.
The quality of the spray head is also excellent. It creates a mist with an incredibly fine texture, allowing for precise dosing of the intense perfume.
Conclusion
Oud Republic is a complex, cultivated, and at the same time incredibly pleasant and wearable scent. The subtly bright start, its floral yet also aromatic-fougère nuances, the inherent spicy-amber warmth, and its woody, depth-giving foundation make it a constantly evolving olfactory work of art.
