Oudh Jamal

I came across this a while back when I was buying a bottle Fakhrul Oud (an awesome Al Aneeq oud/leather/vanilla type fragrance by the way). The heady concoction of notes although not exactly the same as Tom Ford Black Orchid were a selection that together seemed to create a similar character. I bought a 3ml roll on sample thinking that my wife might like it. It turned out to be too rich for her taste and she even commented on the dense heaviness being a bit too masculine. She definitely 'liked' it but didn't think she could find a time/place to wear it. I tried it and immediately recognised the Black Orchid style from this. There are some slight differences - Black Orchid is darker, woodier. Ard Al Zaafaran's Oud 24 Hours captures that character more accurately. Oud Jamal is still quite dark but with more luxurious fruity florals and spice. I wore it a couple of times more that winter then somehow the sample bottle gravitated to the back of my collection until yesterday when I rolled on a bit to the back of my hand and wow the extra maceration time in the bottle really has added some richness and character to this perfume oil. Still the same very slight differences from TFBO but very close indeed and it definitely seems to have a clever unisex behaviour to it - more masculine on a man, more feminine on a woman. Currently available on ebay in the UK at £24 for 100ml EDP - incredible value. A must have if you like the Tom Ford Black Orchid dna.

Absolute banger for the money. This is very rich, deep and luxurious with a fresh top. I get the comparison to Black Orchid TF but this is without the plum, truffle and bitter chocolate. Great projection and sillage - you will get compliments and it smells better than the price suggests. I love Al Aneeq and their Oudh Maliki is in my all time top 5 fragrances. I am going to be wearing this a lot over the winter and into the spring.

Oudh Jamal by Al Aneeq: -Incredibly deep and rich oud scent, with complex notes touches of warm spices, citrus and florals. -So well blended and done perfectly, especially for the price. Top: Bergamot, anise, pimento Mid: Ylang-ylang, rose, jasmine sambac Base: Synthetic oud, patchouli, vetiver, musk 5/5

Can't go wrong. You aren't married.