Rhythm of Oud

Rhythm of Oud by Ajmal (launched in 2022) is a fragrance that lives up to its name: it is a rhythmic composition, which plays between spicy warmth and a very modern leathery depth. Although the name suggests a "traditional" Oud blast, the structure reveals a more refined and accessible complexity. The opening is pungent and luxurious. The saffron dominates with that almost "suede" touch, while the spices make it vibrant. Heart Osmanthus, Patchouli, Woody and Fruity Cedar. Osmanthus is the "stroke of genius": it adds a velvety nuance similar to apricot that softens dry woods. Leather base, animal musk and enveloping. The finish is dark and persistent. The leather here is clean but firm, guaranteeing a masculine/unisex trail of great character. Rhythm of Oud fits into the trend of contemporary oriental perfumes. It's not the typical "medicinal" or "manure" Oud that scares newbies. Instead, it is woody, dry and smoky. The contrast: The subtle sweetness of osmanthus keeps the fragrance from becoming too heavy or dark. Performance: As typical of the Ajmal house, the durability is remarkable. We are talking about a fragrance that accompanies you throughout the day with a moderate but constant projection. Versatility: It is a unisex perfume, but leans slightly towards the masculine side due to the leather and cedar notes. Perfect for the cold seasons (autumn/winter) or for elegant evenings. It is an ideal fragrance for those looking for a perfume that communicates authority and mystery without being suffocating. If you love perfumes like Tom Ford's Ombré Leather or niche spicy fragrances, this Ajmal is a gem to discover, especially considering the excellent quality-price ratio typical of the brand. It is a perfume that "dresses" well with a leather jacket or a dark wool coat. It's sophisticated, not for too casual occasions.

First, I want to put the notes Ajmal has for this fragrance, so people understand what they're smelling better (Fragrantica, do better!!!). Top: Saffron, Oud, Rose Mid: Patchouli, Oakmoss, Linalool, Jasmine Base: Musk Mallow What do I actually smell: I do get the oud and saffron. The rose is in the background off my skin. The patchouli isn't dank, more fresh and in the background. Oakmoss is there, but not really strong. The mid notes that I smell mostly are the jasmine and linalool. This definitely gets more floral in the heart. I believe linalool could be the star of the mid because I'm getting a floral nuance that dances from being a bit citric, orangy, rose, and a bit of a waxy texture. This blends extremely well with this leathery presence that's there from the top...the saffron could be the leather as that note is not listed. The musk mallow perfectly wraps everything up with it's ambery, musky floral nuance...this is supposed to be a derivative ambrette seeds and an alternative to musk. So, all in all, I get the oud (moderate to light moderate) and saffron (strong), jasmine (strong moderate) and linalool (strong moderate), and the musk mallow (strong). Today is the first time wearing this in the wild (work lol). Already received a compliment this morning, so for those that's into those kind of things...there you go. I have tested this before today and the longevity is already great (had this for about a week now, so this will improve). Projection is strong for the first 2.5 to 3 hours. Longevity has been for 9.5 to 10 hours right out of the box. For those that care about the presentation. The only flaw I see is the cap isn't snuggly fit, so DO NOT pickup by the cap. Projection: 10 Longevity: 10 Scent: 10 Price: 9.5 (this fluctuates a lot, but getting this sub $35 is a big win) Overall: 9.88

I expected the oriental spices, woody and leathery notes and they are all really well-done, but I'm pleasantly surprised how prominent the wildly elegant note of Osmanthus is in here (I received my bottle this morning so I don't know whether this will change after some maceration). The Osmanthus balances things out really well and adds a fruity (moderately sweet apricot) and citrusy green tea layer to Rhythm Of Oud which makes this blend really interesting and addictive imo. Performance seems very good already and it will probably only get better over time! Gonna spend a bit more time with it, but I wouldn't be surprised if I pick up a second bottle at some point (especially if it's still available for 35 Euros). Bottle and cap are beautiful AND heavy as well, awesome. Based on first impressions a 9.6/10.

I very much prefer this to the highly praised Song of Oud. Rhythm of Oud is a very spicy and woody masculine fragrance without the slight oud skankiness I found in Song. The fragrance itself though spicy has a bit of a citrusy fresh green appeal that adds to its dry woody profile. Add Saffron and nutmeg that gives a naturally dry sweetness and what results is a nice balanced scent.

Unbelievable value for money if you buy it from a discounter. The drydown is a cozy, spicy amberwood blanket, but the opening, wow! Such an intense blast of nutmeg, more nutmeg than in any other perfume I've ever smelled. I'm getting ginger too, though it's not listed. This is doing for €30 what Amouage's more recent perfumes do for €500, and I like this more.