Agar

I love TF Oud Wood. I was excited to blind buy this and try it out. My thinking was “if this falls in the ballpark”, I would be happy for the price. The first couple of hours, this is not even 50% TF Oud Wood. It goes on a bit harsh (peppery). Personally, I think there is another note (pepper) not listed (pepper is a note in TF). TF Oud Wood goes on smooth and masterfully blended right away. TF Oud Wood is bliss from start to finish. Agar goes on a bit strong...I’m not able to figure out what’s going on. It not bad, but it’s definetly different. Although Agar is not the same and a bit strong, I do not dislike it. It might be unfair when comparing it side-by-side to my TF, smelling off of my hand...but it is trying to clone it. After two hours or so, Agar does begin to come into its own and does get much closer to TF Oud Wood. It continues to dry down and come pretty close to TF. I would say it gets to 80/85 TF. Not bad IMHO for the price. Here’s the really good news for Agar. The longevity is better than TF. At some point, I do not pick up TF while I do still smell Agar. Another positive (depends on how you look at it), TF goes on unbelievably great from start to finish...but for me it’s linear. I don’t mind that because it is a masterpiece. Agar, does change from the opening to the dry down...possibly making it more interesting. I just need to figure out the opening so it doesn’t drive me crazy each time I apply it. Final assessment - is it worth the purchase? For me, no doubt! It comes close enough to TF that I would easily pay the money again and again. Once I figure out the opening, I will probably enjoy it that much more. UPDATE (two months later) - moved “like” to “love”. I’m assuming maceration has taken place. The harsh opening is no longer there. This opens much smoother similar to TF’s Oud Wood. This is now 85/90% TFOW from start to finish. Kind of crazy that some of AFs fragrances need to sit for awhile.

I've decided AF will be supplying any future needs I have for fragrance (unless someone can recommend another "house"). I appreciate their energy as a business, their artistry and the fact that I can get any or all they offer in a "sample pack". Thereby I can "freshen" my home, car, clothing or body with the "highest quality" (designer) fragrances without being enslaved to expensive, full bottles of fragrance.( that I might grow out of or tired of or not in the "mood" for.) So my "system" for rating is based upon a) am I "taken" by the fragrance, b) endurance c) projection in that order , 0 to 10 (as I compare them to other AF fragrance I have........around 30, from "sample packs".) This fragrance a) 9, b) 7 c) 6 (b, endurance..some AF offerings I can still detect the next day, one I could still detect after showering...that's a 10. Projection is can I smell it in the next room if I sprayed it in the bathroom and walked away, that's a 10.)

My wife got a sample of TF Oud Wood from Sephora years ago and gave it me. Oud Wood is what started me down this addicting path of fragrances. It was hands down the most amazing scent ive ever smelled (at that time). Although the scent was godly the longevity was abysmal. I could not bring myself to fork out the $$$$ for that kind of performance. I heard good things about Agar from Alexandria so I ordered a sample. After sampling I ordered a full bottle. Its pretty spot on in terms of scent but the longevity is what sold me on it. Although I think Agar is more "wet" compared to Oud Woods dryness. All in all I think its a great clone and rebuy worthy. I think Agar will fair better in fall/winter but to me its a 4 season fragrance and possibly signature classification.

I love this fragrance so much. As for similarity to the original Oud Wood, I think it's pretty close, but this has something of it's own going on. Just a little sweeter, a bit less spicy, and brighter. There is almost a kind of fizziness to this on my nose, I love it. I wear it almost daily, even if I'm just at home. I spray a pillow with it. I want to be surrounded by this beautiful fragrance all the time. I want it in candles, incense, shampoo, everything. If I had to pick a negative on this, it would be on the longevity, but, the original doesn't last that long either. If you love Oud Wood but can't stomach the price, this is a pretty good choice. As far as dupes go, this is on the higher end on the price range, but is still much less expensive than the original.

This smelled very synthetic and sharp when I first received the bottle but after a month it smells clean and smooth and extremely close to Oud Wood. Is it exact? No, Oud Wood smells a little deeper and richer. Is Agar a beast? No, it really never projects that strongly and it more or less is gone after 6 hours. However, Oud Wood has about the same performance and is priced like 5 times higher than this Alexandria inspiration. if you are smelling up close, side by side, Oud Wood is better but in the air they are virtually identical. I don't know why anybody would pay those ridiculous Tom Ford prices.

There is a clean aspect of this wood scent which is not quite fresh but is uplifting, unlike Oud Wood Intense (and Agar Intense) which is pleasant but harsh with no redeeming softness. Agar has moderate projection at best, thus requiring multiple sprays. Bring a decant as you will need to reapply after 4 hours. Overall, I love this fragrance and would purchase again. Apparently TF oud wood suffers from same performance issues, so no point in paying 5X price for comparable fragrance and performance. Psalms 45:8

I purchased several samples from the house of Alexandria Fragrances. So far, this is by far the best from start to finish. It is a nice Oud fragrance with hints of sandalwood, cardamom, birch tar and patchouli mixed with some sweetness. Absolutely amazing juice. Longevity is nice with projection lasting about 3 hours. For the price and quality a with a nice sample pack (7 samples of 5 ml's each, total $50 US for all 7) this is a house worth checking out, in my opinion. Enjoy!

I tested Oud Wood and Agar at the same time. One on one hand, the other on my other hand. Opening: 90% similar to Oud Wood. OW is softer with less projection. Dry down: 90-95% similar to OW. OW is a nicer, more sophisticated smell, but it's not worth the premium. No one would EVER be able to tell the difference if they smelled you out in public. Even the most die hard Oud Wood fan.

Wooow this is awesome. I love this one just as much as oud wood. To me, they are similar or at least they can be placed in the same category and very close to each other. The longevity is good (6-10h) but it does not project that good (more or less like oud wood). Scent: 10/10 Longevity: 9/10 Projection: 7/10

Purchased this about 2 months ago and I really enjoy it. This is a soft Oud, considering that I’m into all things Montale and the harsh Oud. IMO it’s a great year round fragrance. Pretty safe blind buy. Also, I haven’t tried the inspo for this by TF, so i can’t compare the two at this time.

Smells terrible at first, then starts to smell pretty good ngl

The dry down is excellent. Actually rlly like this

Agar, inspired by Tom Ford’s modern classic Oud Wood, is a dry, serious and insistently male scent based on a mature wood note coupled with a subtle, stately oud. The Alexandria take on Oud Wood makes itself more inviting with a softness that contrasts with the dry distance of OW thanks to a sense of moisture in the woody notes that gives Agar a more leathery impression than the decisively wood-oud-parchment aura of the original. While this causes Agar to have less of an “expensive” smell, the more artisanal presentation of the notes is really much more wearable and resembles a manlier take on Hermès’ Agar Ebène as much as a clone of Oud Wood. Pleasantly and classically masculine, present and weigted but never overpowering. Not a scent that would grab attention for itself but at the same time its pleasing gentlemanly vibe won’t go unnoticed or unappreciated. For a man with presence and understated importance in himself, this is the scent of the problem solver rather than the adventurer. Performance, like its inspiration in Oud Wood, is moderate but truly aromatic in how you sense it around you, still near full strength, at times late after first spraying. Agar’s longevity is surprisingly impressive but the long period that follows the two hour robust opening is a perfectly pleasant wood-leather-oud skin scent. Agar is the scent a man grows into when he wants to be the one to end an argument with one sentence rather than shout himself dry.

This is is a sweet wood scent with ambery blood running through its veins. This fragrance reminds me of PR Black XS. Similarity is coming from the rosewood, cardamom and amber but mostly the rosewood. Black XS is much sweeter and less warm weather friendly with that sweet praline and warm strawberry undertone. I have a couple other fragrances with rosewood in the base and it's very fragrant, distinct, dry warm and sweet which is mostly what I get from Agar. Sandalwood is also noticeable but more so in the backround, adding a sharper, brighter, woody facet. As far as the woods in Agar, I can barely detect any oud, mostly rosewood to my nose. if you like black XS but find it too sweet/dark or want something similar but more versatile try this.

Finally some Alexandria Fragrances are appearing! It's an incredible house. Unfortunately, this is the only entry so far and it's one of the 12 that I have that I don't love. I don't dislike it, in fact, it smells great. A nice, placid, safe scent perfect for work. It reminds me of Reflection Man in that sense. The oud is very soft and subtle with a 'mossy' type vibe underneath. My issue with it is that it is a skin scent right off the bat. One spray or 15 sprays, this doesn't get away from my skin at all. But if you want a classy, manly scent that's perfect for work, this a great one. 7 out of 10

Ordered discovery set from AF with Agar included. Similarity to TF Oud Wood is about 70-80%. Not as sofisticated, deep and rich as OW. Anyway was my favourite from discovery set, yet I won't buy FB because of the bad performance/longevity. If you really want to get sth similar to OW but cheaper maybe it will be worth for you. I decided to get Afnan Supremacy in Oud (supposed to be a clone of Initio Oud For Greatness) - yeah, it's not that similar to TFOW (Afnan is much sweeter, less distinct etc.) but I decided it's best what I can get for a cheapie. Try it for yourself. //Edit: After testing hand to hand I think the similarity is more like 80%+ but actually I prefer this clone to the OG in terms of smell and performance. It's more vibrant, almost playful. From like to love! When I will get FB I will probably get rid of Supremacy In Oud. //edit 11.02.23: Oud Wood DNA is rubbing my nose in bad way, not interested anymore.

As with many of Alexandria Fragrances' offerings, I greatly enjoy this impression of TF Oud Wood. Not nearly as natural or refined but equally worthy of being worn. Save your money and give this one a try first. Keep in mind that this is a niche scent so don't expect it to be a compliment monster. It is also very mature so don't expect a youthful energy from this one.

A synthetic cheap smelling version of Oud Wood. I have a 30ml bottle for a few years now and I keep trying to like it but I can’t get there. I prefer the Lattafa clone which is half the price and you get a 100ml bottle.

The difference between Agar and TF Oud Wood is quite easy to discern - Oud Wood is smoother, richer and of superior quality. After multiple wearings I am disappointed by the very poor longevity and projection of Agar, Oud Wood itself is a poor performer but Agar is worse. Perfume Parlour in the UK make a cheaper dupe of Oud Wood which outperforms Agar in every way. AF frags can be very hit and miss, there are some really great dupes, but this is not one of them.

Very bad clone of oud wood..similarity 60%.. longevity and sillage is poor