Executive Aoud

I only have a sample of this one, the first time I tried it I thought not for me, it's been sitting for months. I recently sampled journey man from amouage and saw people compare it to h exclusive aoud (the inspiration for executive aoud), so I pulled this out again and wow. This is definitely a winner. Journey man has some elements of this within it, but not a direct comparison. When I revisited executive aoud I was reminded of something similar I just had tested also that just blew me away, Frederic malle, promise. I sampled Frederic malle promise a month ago and it's been at the top of my want list, I had no more of the sample left to compare it to executive aoud, but I ordered promise last week because it's just such a remarkable scent and I got it in the mail today. I have promise on one hand now and executive aoud on the other and they definitely have strong similarities. Promise is a but sweeter with that strong apple note, undeniable quality and enormous projection and longevity. Executive aoud really is making me step back at how excellent the quality is in comparison to a Frederic malle fragrance. It doesn't fall short in any way. The difference here with executive aoud to me is it's less sweet, the rose is not as pronounced, there's more of an aoud smell although I get a bit of that oud like smell in promise even though it's not listed as a note. But what really sets them apart is that valerian root. I Know exactly what valerian smells (and tastes) like because my mom used to always have it, she would always make teas or give it to me to chew on if I was sick or also to help fall asleep as a natural medicine. I even remember the first time she had me try it she said, I'm warning you "this smells like dog sh#t". Yes it's not pleasant on its own but executive aoud doesn't smell like dog sh#t but I can definitely detect the subtle unique smell it's bringing to this fragrance and it works so well. Really glad I came back to revisit this sample and even though I have promise now and being similar I still want to pick up a full bottle of this one especially for the price, it's a really well made fragrance.

I have been searching for a frag like this all year. This is what I've hoped oud cologne would smell like. All of the notes in this support the oud to smell like it is intended. The bergamot is bright and bitter and makes the oud punchy, the rose and jasmine make the animalic notes funky but pretty, and the woods keep it grounded as a woody frag. Like many Alexandria frags, it gets more beautiful when it warms against your skin. it's kinda rich for summertime maybe, but if you don't mind, I don't mind. Lasts forever and maintains its beautiful complexity. Projects well, but isn't going to blow away your coworkers. 10/10 will reup

Opened up very strongly of nagarmotha, wonder why it’s not listed. The scent slowly got blended with patchouli and vertiver (also unlisted). After about ten-twenty minutes beautiful fresh rose-oud scent entered the picture and it was quite the opposite of the dry beginning. Overall it’s a good scent, very likable. Rather similar to FM Promise from the nagarmotha and rose content. Strong silage. The longevity can’t possibly compare with the eternal of FM Promise which stick to you well even after shower, or to your clothing even after laundry, can it? Can’t compare it to Harrod Exclusive Aoud since I don’t have it.

It has a "vibe" of H Aoud by Roja, and i know this might be a felony to say, but i'm getting a hint of Amouage, maybe a mix between Overture and Journey (maybe Covid screwed my nose) but overall, is a nice fragrance elegant and dirty.