Dahn Oudh Al Shams

I use this as a reference point when sampling other oud scents. I've encountered a lot of niche houses that charge higher prices for the particular scent in their line that uses a tiny touch of Hindi oud to add mystery and intrigue. These scents tend to function as the dark, daring, divisive fragrances within their respective lines, and they tend to carry an elevated pricetag as a result. The psychology of those scents is one of "setting yourself apart," from the crowd because first you have to appreciate something that's an aquired taste, and then you have to pay an exclusive price, thus arriving in squarely rarified (read: gatekept) territory. To people unaccustomed to the note, it's easy to say "look how exotic this is, and therefore costly." But this scent profile is only really outrageous and unique from an American/Anglo perspective, and in the interest of not getting high-balled for faux exoticism, it's helpful to remember how affordable a perfume with this scent profile can actually be. For me, Dahn Oudh al Shams is nice to have around for that basic purpose. It's barnyardy for sure, and you could say it's one-note, but that one note is multifaceted in its own right, if that makes sense. I'm surprised there aren't more comments about how fruity the opening of this is. Then, as many have already mentioned, it basically settles into a prototypical funky, smoky oud that balances animalic funk with aromatic, dry woody notes. Having encountered plenty of scents where this basic note exists alongside various other supporting elements, I don't find this offputting, but it definitely may be somewhat eye-opening for those experiencing the note for the first time. If you've smelled Rogue's A'Oud Ancienne, this lands in a similar ballpark. Not worthy of a blind buy if you don't know what you're getting into, but a great example of a perfume that does quality oud at a fair price.

Having tested, recently, a fair number of Ajmal creations around the oud(h) theme, I feel pretty confident to say that they all share the same type of oil. I do not have the knowledge to define this particular oud oil or designate its origin (natural or synthetic), but it is fairly obvious that in its primordial state it is extremely potent and as close as it can get to the real thing. Ajmal, being a true artist, subsequently decides how this oil is morphed in each and every perfume he makes. In Dahn Al Oudh Moattaq, for example, he chooses to use rose, herbs & spices while in Mukhallat Shams his preference lies around floral & musky notes, in order to manipulate the oud's animalic personality. Well, Dahn Oudh Al Shams seems to be all about oud. A sort of "solioud" type of perfume that opens extremely potent attacking the wearer relentlessly with all of oud's badass features. "Fecal", "barnyard", "cow dung", "horse stable", "cat piss", "pigsty", "skanky", you name it ! I cannot even imagine the look on the face of someone unfamiliar with oud actually testing this. It could even be a great idea for those "candid camera" type of pranks. The word "oudh" in Ajmal perfumes is nothing like "aoud" in, say, Montale's fragrances. An entirely different concept. After the initial blast, the oud note starts to soften, retracting its claws much faster than initially expected. As time passes, DOAS starts to gradually turn more woody, earthy, herbal, musky & warm creating a kind of primitive carnal aura around the wearer. It is purely subjective then on, whether this opulence will be perceived as sensual or repulsive. As much as uncompromising & challenging this pungent ingredient may be, it is an olfactory wonder to my senses. 8/10

WOW, I’ve finally graduated in my perfume game lol. This is the real effing deal. After getting hints of oud in Mancera & Lattafah fragrances, I wanted the real deal. My appetite would not chill until I smelled genuine, infected wood!! Finally!! This stuff is funky! Lmao the stank face I had was unavoidable upon first sniff. I tried to remain as objective as possible, but it is absolutely fecal and challenging; straight farm vibes. Even at this stage, so intriguing! Like, who even thought this would make a lovely scent? The peak of perfumery... is smelling like a disease? Lol I digress; this scent is “alive”. After around 45 minutes the barnyard goodness chills out to an extent. On my skin the dry down leans into the leather and continues its beast performance. You don’t even have to move and this aroma finds your nose. It has a powerful projection, & its duration is eternal. My crazy ass wore it to work as a layering weapon, and it worked lol. It’s so strong, you have to tame it by spraying veryy sparingly under layers of clothing. As you’d expect, it’s extremely polarizing (in the long opening). This is not for the gourmand lover, or the blue-scented folks. You have to like rich funk, in any kind of capacity. Blind buy this only if you are mature with an open mind. Superb value for the amount, authenticity, and experience. My Americanized nose just left the country, from the house. This scent makes me feel wise, noble, & patient. Thinking about it...this scent is all about patience, & understanding. I see why it’s spiritual!

A quality oud perfume can be reasonably priced. All of my reviews of Ajmal - when positive, of course - will begin this way. It’s a point that begs repeating ad infinitum with today’s oud craze. Dahn Oudh al Shams fits. Ajmal has been doing this thing for nearly 80 years, which in itself is very noteworthy considering how few Westerners know of them. Originating in India in the early 1950s, they moved to Dubai in the 1970s and have been there since. They are the largest perfume house in the UAE, and they know what they’re doing. Dahn Oudh Al Shams is just an oud. Period. Plain and simple. Nothing else. It opens with crystalline aldehydes and a big, bold, bracing hit of fruity medicinal and oily wood - like rotted tongue depressors at a long-abandoned doctor’s office, or a strange super glue/epoxy type material. You want fecal barnyards? You’ll get it. Hot, fresh manure still soaked with acidic digestive fluids makes the tongue depressor note feel dangerous to your health. As these health and safety warning signs start to depart, a leathery woody aroma breaks free and carries us through to the end. Though not mentioned in the pyramid I’m quite sure I smell some castoreum layered in here to amplify the effect. In keeping with Ajmal’s style for this particular line Dahn Oudh Al Shams wears lightly, smooth, breathable, and effortlessly. Good stuff. Cheap, simple, smooth, and well done. For those wanting a good quality oud that can be worn often without making your wallet worry about it, look here.

There should be a 😳 classification on fragrantica for fragrances like this one. I guess real oud REALLY does make you flinch the first time - i flinched. It is absolutely crazy that our brains actually evolved to adore something that smells like ANIMAL FECES?? Im genuinely intrigued as to why this happens. I own several medicinal and synthetic ouds and i do love them but this is crazy. It is exceptional, of course, im just shocked how something so repulsive by default can be so enticing. THE ULTIMATE layering tool. Might make you want to go back to the comparative simplicity of a Dior, but it shows you the world - a bit like glamorizing a country before you actually visit it and then getting slapped in the face by the reality of the people, the place and the daily life. Usage: one spray for the whole upper torso. Dab it like an attar - trust me. Layer virtually anything on top and watch it explode. Stupendous.