Portfolio Imperial Oud

My first comment on Fragrantica. And here, about Imperial Oud. Since I didn't read Samasama's comment in time, I ended up ordering the perfume from Deloox. :) I also received batch 210924011166 and can confirm that it has nothing in common with the note pyramid above or the older comments below. There is absolutely nothing animalic about it now. I tested the perfume on a blotter strip and immediately recognized the scent—it felt familiar, something I had smelled not too long ago. Then it hit me: it's exactly the same as "50 Years Golden Oud" by Al Haramain! I checked the fragrance pyramids of both perfumes on the official website, and as of February 11, 2025, they are identical! I find it unfair that the manufacturer has released a completely different perfume under the old name. And repackaging the old fragrance in a new bottle while doubling the price? That’s just a dirty game! As for the perfume itself, it is undoubtedly very good. I don't know the old version, but I can't describe the new one as "bland and mute as stillwater". It is a deep, dark, rich, Middle Eastern-style scent with a powerful "oudy-woody" character, where the oud takes center stage from start to finish, never allowing the other notes to overpower it. It’s a long-lasting fragrance with strong projection. More than 48 hours later, I can still smell it clearly from the blotter, and just 2-3 sprays were enough to fill a room for hours. To my nose, there is nothing animalic or fecal about it. I think the new Imperial Oud may appeal to those who enjoy Montale's "Dark Aoud" or "Oud Essentiel" by Guerlain.

Tested this monster two times. First time on a blotter and second - on my skin. The opening is fire - it has some sharp, bitter and even sour spikes which I assume is reminiscent more to an indian oud. The blotter did sucked and kept only this challenging and maybe off-putting initial pungent smell which made me think that this one is not for me. Maybe after a week or so I did tested again Imperial Oud, but this time on my skin. Again the opening was an adventure, but I kept my spirit and determination. I am pretty confident oud fan but must admit that the first hour or so is/was a challenge for me. But let's talk about the secondary stages. After the initial blast the fragrance starts to evolve and develops to a pretty interesting and intriguing product! It is rich, complex and captivating smell. As some other connoisseurs here mentioned it is well balanced, dark, a bit animalic, woodsy and smoky monster. I personally do not get any fecal notes here. For me the overall dominant in Imperial Oud is the smoky incense with dry resinous sweetness which makes it almost sacral, ritualistic fragrance. It is definitely bold but captivating and makes you sniff your hand again and again. From repulsion to must have - that is how this perfume evolved for me!

#1066 in my "Tour de Fragrance" I apparently got a better batch than the previous two reviewers as this is an absolute beast that's been going strong for twelve hours. We all get a bad batch now and again. I do wish that instead of wasting a ridiculous amount of money on an unrecyclable leather and plastic display case, garbage that will just end up in the landfill, that they would have provided a magnetic cap. This scent isn't for everyone. The closest I can come to naming something similar is Amouage "Opus XIII Silver Oud", which also almost put me off with an animalic opening. But give it a few minutes and improves to an oud, incense, patchouli scent with just enough musk to take the edge off. Still leans to the wildlife side, but doesn't come off like deer scat. This is cold weather evening wear. Very masculine. I wouldn't wear this in a car pool, but otherwise you could get away with in the office if you have an open floor plan. It will not go unnoticed wherever you wear it. Projects a good six feet in all directions for hours. I would wear it on a date, but I'm an outdoorsy guy and the women in my life are used to me smelling like it. For me this was a successful blind buy.

The infamous clone house is at it again, this time the Portfolio Imperial Oud is their take on the Laudano Nero from Tiziana Terenzi. The Portfolio Imperial Oud is heavier on Myrrh, Incense, and throw in some faux Oud for good measure, with musk and amber playing a supporting role. This is dark, inky, incensy, and give an impression of Oud, smells a bit stronger than the Laudano Nero. On my skin, the projection and sillage go for 2~3hr, with 8+hr longevity, which is respectable. If you like Black Afgano or Laudano Nero, you'll like this one. Make no mistake, at this price point, this is an entry-level synthetic faux Oud, if you want to know what real Oud smells like get some samples from Feel Oud or Ensar Oud. Real quality Oud oil cost a few hundred of US dollars for just 3ml, Don't kid yourself thinking you're smelling real Oud from this mass-production stuff.

This is without a doubt one of the best oud fragrances I've smelled. The difference in quality as compared to the other affordable middle eastern ouds is unreal. It opens with a blast of an animalistic, slightly fecal oud, that isn't for the weak hearted. To me, it's not an unpleasant oud, just a very smoky, tartness with a very earthy facet. It reminds me of the same oud/muskiness in Electimuss Summanus. I haven't tried Luxor, but this makes me happy knowing I probably won't get a replacement bottle of Summanus when it gets low. The resins and amber in this are very warm and comforting. If you love dark, intense ouds, this is a no brainer. I still can't believe the presentation and quality. I would have thought this was a $250+ fragrance had it not been from Haramain. I managed to snag this on Jomashop for $55ish and now I'm hooked on this line!