Accord Oud

#1006 in my "Tour de Fragrance" Got this as a decant. For starters, like every Byredo scent I've tried, this has acceptable EDP level performance. Moderate but acceptable. As for the scent, for me the main feature here is the blackberry note. I'm happy to find a blackberry note in a scent a man can wear (there's a ship container load of blackberry options for the ladies), and it doesn't overpower the rest of the fragrance, but harmonizes with the rest of the scent in a way that raspberry notes never seem to do. You know what I'm talking about. If you don't already have at least one of Tom Ford "Tuscan Leather", Byredo "Black Saffron", Bois 1920 "Oro", Kilian "Back to Black", Rasasi "La Yuqawam", or Alhambra, Dua, Oakcha, Alexandria and Fragrance World clones thereof, you must be new here. If you've worked your way through these popular and well-regarded scents you've experienced that overwhelming and unnatural "raspberry" note that your nose identifies as "raspberry" but not like any raspberry you've ever found on a bush or bought at the market. And at first it seems delightful, but after the fourth of fifth time you wear it the charms wears off, and you're thinking, "they could really dial back all that raspberry." Then you realize you don't really enjoy the scent until well into the dry down when the raspberry has stopped being so "in your face." And if you're like me, you eventually can't remember the last time you took any of those bottles off the shelf. What I like about the fruitiness here is it's blackberry like the berries I used to pick from the plants that bordered my family's back yard in Illinois, that as a kid I could eat straight off the bushes. Those virtually unkillable bushes supplied us with enough berries to have blackberry jelly and jam year round. This is that in a scent for me. If this is a synthetic, it's a damn good one. Of course as with all fruitiness in scents, it fades away in about an hour, but what's left behind is very nice mild leather and woodiness. Admittedly it's not as strong as Tuscan Leather, but with the patchouli and mild western style oud it's very pleasant and attractive, and it certainly won't offend anyone. And FYI there are some non-leather scents out there with a blackberry note I like as much as this, like the old formula Amouage "Jubilation XXV" (not the new watered down version). BTW Paris Corners "Killer Oud Jubilant" is an amazing and inexpensive dupe of the old formula. I'd also point you to Vilhelm Parfumerie "Room Service" and Jo Malone "Blackberry and Bay." The latter leans a little feminine for me, but it's nice for layering. So I think this scent is car pool, elevator, small office space safe. You may want to reapply midday or hit your clothing with a couple of sprays, but it holds up as as skin scent for six hours or so. It's pricey, but so is the Tom Ford, and for me this would get worn more often. I haven't decided if this is a buy for me or not. It's a Byredo scent, so there's probably an inexpensive dupe out there somewhere.

EDIT: I had to revisit this fragrance and decided to get a bottle, as part of a swap. I love this... something about it is just working for me, even on par with Jubilation XXV. Definitely requires a long term sampling to appreciate. ______________________________________________________ The first spray of Accord Oud is divine. Take some oud and garnish it heavily with some leather, berries, rum, and sweetness, and you've got a modern, Western fragrance that is very approachable and happens to contain some oud. So delicious that you almost want to taste it. :-) So yes, oud is not center stage here. Some have questioned if there's any oud at all. There is. Not a lot, but it is there. In perfumery, "Accord" means "a balanced blend of notes which lose their individual identity to create a completely new, unified odor impression." So oud is not meant to sit out in front alone. But... What about longevity? Does it linger for a long while or fade off in short order? In the same vein as Amouage Jubilation XXV, it is possible for the wearer to become acclimated enough to not notice it. Sillage is moderate to light into the drydown. I did some longevity tests and found that you can still smell Accord Oud some 12 hours later (a very close skin scent at that point). The patchouli helps temper the sweetness, and adds some dryness that balances it well. The flacon is terrific. In step with Swedish design motifs, it is minimalist, no eye catching flair but yet elegant in simplicity. The crown point is the rounded black dome shaped cap with magnetic closure. The bottle is a nice chunky cylinder, reminiscent of some high quality ink bottles made of ultra smooth defect free glass. The label is plain but nicely done (semi-gloss finish with raised black lettering). Definitely display worthy. From what I see, most people who bash/degrade "Accord Oud" miss the point. Fragrance: 9.3, Longevity: 8, Value: 8

Slight patchouli mixed with vetiver, celery, clary sage and cardamom with citrus notes spiked with safran throughout the life of the fume and Russian leather accord to even the fragrance and give it an depthy aromatic feel and don't tell me there's not aldehyde 7 and 10 all over this. To me this and Oud Immortelle are my two favorite powerhouse fragrances in the whole of the byredo lineup, they both last forever on me. The reason I mention the two together is to save myself another review for the Immortelle. I believe and sense that they share the same structural process to get to what they are with the difference being that the Immortelle is just a bit dryer and has a less pronounced berry note. I own the whole Byredo lineup and I mean all of them and in my experience nothing else from Byredo garners this many compliments from friends and complete strangers. I don't wear fumes for compliments, I wear them to accentuate my mood as is my style,I could care less if I get complimented, just putting that out there. Imagine if you could get oud oil from a piece of driftwood, that's what this reminds me of, like they've come up with a formula to remove the earthy part of the oud and turn it into an aquatic oud and yes I know there's no oud in this but the nuances are there. So we have a citrusy,aquatic,aromatic fire coming off of the skin that lasts for days,on me anyway. A lemon and orange grove while your sipping your rum next to the Pacific northwest ocean are is what this is to me. Beautiful and worthy of the highest praise imo, great job on these two Byredo, pure olfactive imagination and artistry. Oh yeah,completely unisex,just remember if you don't like compliments, you shouldn't get these because they will come in bunches,I assure you, wear it year round all seasons.

Ah, that sweet rubbery leather smell. This one is such a gem to me, but I get the feeling you have to enjoy a very particular set of smells to like it. It has ‘oud’ in the name, but it feels like an artistic interpretation of an oud accord that is very clean and bright. The combination of ingredients creates an accord that doesn’t allow you to identify the individual notes so well, a bit like when standing back from a painting and not being able to see the individual strokes. All I know is that the combination of bright booze (almost like a mead), leather, and a hint of sweet berry, gives this a light, chemical vibe in a good way. I’ve always been attracted to certain chemical smells like rubber cement, sharpie markers, coal tar shampoo, turpentine, gasoline, things of that nature. Accord Oud gives off a very familiar kind of sweet acetate scent, somewhere in the realm of a toned down clear nail polish, as another reviewer pointed out. I love that smell too, though I would never have thought it was something to wear as a fragrance, but that familiar scent is incorporated into Accord Oud in such a way that it creates an addictive rubbery sweetness that I can’t get enough of, which is a bit double edged, because the longevity isn’t fantastic. Add the outrageous Byredo prices on top of that and it’s a pity, because I’d buy a bucket in a heartbeat.

Masculine leathery scent with sweet berry and classy alcohol notes. A bit of incense. The opening is very fruity and a bit boozy, the first thing i always notice is a fruity sweetness. After it settles, leather kicks in but isn’t at the forefront. I get an oud vibe but it doesn’t strike me as medicinal at all. The saffron seems to linger on after most of the other notes pass. Smelling it on my wrists over 10 hours after application is mostly a dark sweet saffron. The scent to me is a successful attempt to make a dark masculine fragrance that is sweet and flowery but classy smelling. However if you’re looking specifically for oud, especially a medicinal oud, you’re probably not going to land on this one. Scent aside, the performances is grand. Almost ridiculous longevity, easily 8 hours noticeable on my skin, to 12 where it’s barely there unless you’re physically smelling my wrist. I’d say it’s highly apparent for 8, then around 10 you need to start getting intimate close. On clothes it lasts for over a day easy. I’ve hung sweaters up and smelled it on next wear a few days later. The scent bubble is basically perfect too, not so large as to be obnoxious but anyone near you will definitely notice. Accord Oud is pretty much perfect for me. It’s definitely on the pricy side but what i get out of a bottle is worth the price.

Byredo Accord Oud is a strange one. It's oud wearing a lab coat, floating in space. The listed notes suggest a very warm, thick, stereotypically middle eastern powerhouse, but it just doesn't behave like one. It completely subverts your expectations. To me, Accord Oud is a ghostly, industrial take on oud & leather. It's completely devoid of the ruggedness, the depth and the volume you'd expect from these notes. Instead it conveys a sense of cold, unforgiving austerity in a way that feels in line with Byredo's minimalist, scandinavian aesthetic. Those who've called this a mix between Oud Wood and Tuscan Leather aren't wrong, but this isn't the full story. The leather is light and transparent, the oud is clean and medicinal, the raspberry is unripe, vegetal and piercing, and the rum isn't warm, instead it's more of a cold, sterilizing agent. The saffron adds a metallic resonance and pushes it even further into the medicinal direction. Up close it smells slightly sour and astringent but oddly, I've been told that I smell like tea a couple of times while wearing it. I might sound like I don't like it, but it's actually one of my favorites, it smells incredible in the air, it's very unique, and something about it just resonates with me. I should get a backup bottle.

The perfect mix between Tuscan Leather and Acqua di Parma Oud? It starts out strong with a very alcoholic rum and bitter oud, then it becomes shortly flowers and blackberries and lingers finally to a strong saffron with a suede note and a touch of skanky oud sitting on patchouli (patchouli being the only bummer for me). The patchouli is typical byredo – very bitter. Tuscan Leather suede but more green and sharp. Plus I prefer the blackberry note over the raspberry (which I find to sweet). AdP Oud because it shares a similar earthiness, but without the beast mode (for me this is a good thing because I want to wear it during the day and in the office!) as well being less skankier. Overall a more bitter and medicinal smelling TL-AdPOud Mix, with booze included. In general more complex than those two (who are amazing scents hands down). Accord Oud is just a little bit more capricious. Having this fruits and booze obsession right now, paired with a curiosity for oud and of course my forever leather love. I think we have a match here!

This is the most "delicious" fruity leather fragrance I've tried yet. Byredo hit a great balance of notes here, despite the fact that oud is not in the forefront. Blackberry and plum have similar roots and go well together, making for a fruity sweetness that is not cloying. The saffron is a nice accent as well. The agarwood (oud) is perceptible, but I have a feeling it may be a small amount just to be able to put "Oud" in the name. Byredo made "Oud Immortel" which has NO OUD in it whatsoever, so... I rest my case. The leather and musk is understated but much more prominent than the agarwood. I barely pick up on any cinnamon (thankfully). I really like this for what it is, not what it is trying to be. I just wish it would project a bit more. I find that after an hour or two, it settles down to a skin scent within 2". Frankly, if I'm going to wear a luscious fragrance like this, I want to smell it! So given the price point, I'm reticent to buy a full bottle (I have a sample). $2/1ml is rather high for this.

While I am Swedish and my desire to love this brand and perfumes oozes through my veins I am disappointed in the quality of the line. I picked up this scent in Stockholm, Byredo HQ, I loved the scent from the first whiff of it, Rum, Saffron & Blackberry, heaven. But although it is priced with a price tag on par with the exquisite close to perfection Tom Ford Private collection scent Byredo lack the quality. Not only I but friends alike cannot get past that the scent quickly fades. And by that I mean quick, a couple of hours or so on the skin and like Houdinini poff gone.. I recommend it for the scent but would not be able to motivate the price tag for the low quality (20% according to a very poorly, about perfumes in general, informed staff) scent this is. That said go check it out and spoil your nose for a few moments the top notes are remarkable.

Beautiful!!! I never heard anything like this before! is a perfume Dark,mysterious,resinous,and melancholy ... his openness could displace at first .. it's very powerful at first, wait a while before they evolves leather, oud, and sage in the base notes become .. something fantastic, strange and hard to explain .. is a perfume of character, elegant but mysterious ... note blackberry is really something unique and wonderful in this composition !!!. The Oud is not feeling a lot .. I think it's there to give support and character to the fragrance. In me it evokes the autumn woods where you can walk peacefully, while the sky starts to get dark, and get a light rain. This fragrance embraces you, it slowly reveals .. is really fantastic! Thanks Byredo. Recommended!ϟ Sillage: 7.5/10 Longevity: 8.5/10 Scent: 9./10 Overall: 9.5/10

When I first got this perfume I was unsure if it smells too manly or not, considering I'm a woman. But with time, my love towards this smell just grew stronger and stronger and now I absolutely LOVE it. I have to say that I'm not a fan of sweet parfumes in a way that the sweetness reminds me of candy and I think that's why I especially like the oud and rum in this one. The sillage is so powerful and it is enough with one or maximum two sprays. If you spray this in your hair, you can sense the parfume the next day as well, which I find luxurious. Because it is so powerful I believe this is a late fall/winter parfume. I think it would be overwelming in the summer when it's hot outside. On top of that it reminds me a little bit of christmas. It is an expensive perfume but considering it's performance it is worth the money.

This is my favourite smell from byredo and also my favourite oud fragrance. Its very unique, and dosent smell like all the other oud scents out there. Its completly unisex in my opinion. Its very sophisticated but in a relaxed and delicious way,😅 the rum and blackberry blends beautiful with the oud note and makes it very interesting. I usually dont like to wear oud scents because feels a bit too maculine and harsh on me but this fragrance is really smooth on my skin and makes me feel so elegant and sophisticated. It has great longevity and and a very plessant sillage (depends how much you spray, ofcourse). This rewiev was for the old formulation, i have not tried the new one but i hope it is just as good, overall my opinion is that this is a masterpiece, because of its uniqueness and great smell!

It’s woody, it’s musty, it’s earthy, and it’s spicy, and it’s wonderful. It’s not oud, and I don’t even think it contains any oud, real or synthetic, but it’s an excellent fragrance nonetheless. It’s strong and assertive, a little sweet and fruity, but not too much so, and as it dries down it takes on a rich, resinous cedar-shaded note that I love. I know there are a lot of people who hate this type of strong, non-floral perfume, but it’s right up my alley. Sillage is tremendous even with a tiny dab. It lasts and lasts, 6-8 hours on skin, longer on clothing. Instead of a realistic depiction of oud, the Byredo interpretation is more of an abstract representation of something vaguely oud-like and dripping with warm resin. I enjoyed it a lot and would wear it on occasion.

I have resisted the concept of a signature scent, but must concede here. Accord Oud is the perfect all around men's frag. The oud/leather accord is less offensive than a tuscan leather, balanced/tamed by the dry blackberry in the background. If you were to swap the citrus accord for blackberry in ADP Colonia Leather, you would come very close to this. At first sniff, its a "like", but after 5 or 6 committed full days, its a "love". On my skin, it lasts a full work day, and I do get complimented, more frequently than aventus?! lastly, as masculine as this gets, it can definitely be easily pulled-off by a classy women. If you are looking to buy one, and only one perfume to wear for all occasions, this would certainly be my recommendation.

This is a straight up masterpiece and the best thing to come out from Byredo in my opinion. It doesn't smell like anything else out there (except perhaps Amouage's Jubilation 25). To my nose it smells of a very boozy rum with a strong note of blackberries, and oud in the background along with a hint of leather. It smells masculine, Middle Eastern, boozy, and powerful. Imagine Tom Ford Tuscan Leather but with blueberries instead of rasberries, and added notes of rum and oud. Blackberry is one of my favourite aromas, and this is probably the greatest blackberry fragrance in my opinion. Also it projects like a beast on my skin, while longevity is also strong. Overall it's a really fantastic masculine blackberry and leather fragrance. 5/5

After several wears I am writing my latest opinion on this: Smooth Oud, fruity and leather scent. These are the main notes I get. May be a hit of Rum on my skin. The best part is it so airy and light, though the base notes are generally know to be brutish. Great composition, fit for elegant settings and also casual. One thing I do not get is, if any fragrance has OUD, it termed as Middle eastern (mentioned in the Pros). Oud comes from all over the world, more from the rest of the world than ME. ME is not the temple of perfumery by any stretch. People who believe so need to do some research on ancient civilizations how perfumery started.

this is a great one. one of the best ouds ive smelled. its not too overpowering or funky like most but the oud is definitely there. it projects like a beast and this may be the 1st one that ive worn, taken a shower, and its still projecting. for me amouage interlude set the bar for performance and this is on par or maybe even better. i have nothing bad to say. the boozy note and light blackberry smell work wonders. if i want oud this is the way to go. it smells smililar to something else though but i cant think of it. if i do i will update. overall 9/10 this is in my top ouds right now. still have to get my nose on mfk satin mood though

I absolutely love this beauty. I think this is easily one of the most complimented perfumes I own. I love the first couple of minutes after spraying - I get the smell of smashed berries and green leaves on a wooden board with something vaguely medicinal in the background. To me there is also no "middle" and "base" notes as they mix and merge together to form a homogeneous blend. that contains oud that is sweeter and less medicinal here. There is also an accord of sweet dried fruits and resins. I definitely get rum undertones, the lighter, less spiced version. Lasting power is tremendous. Very pretty fragrance.

I feel the smell of fuel in the output, similar to the Tuscan Leather. Probably a combination of leather and red fruit, but here it is more discreet and smoother, and different from the Tuscan Leather, where the smell of fuel last to the end. The oud appears in after a few minutes, and make a beautiful combination with the leather, making it more woody and leaving the fuel tone in the background, getting weaker with each passing hour as a beautiful reminder of what outside the opening. Finally it becomes more dry and woody, with a slight dusty floral tone. Long lasting on the skin and with good projection.

WOW!!! At first there is a lot of leather and smoke notes but after 30 min the notes settle down and it becomes a wonderful blackberry, iris and saffron scent with oud more in the background. Very nice blend. It`s sweet like most other Byredos but still suitable for a man. However it`s not a blindbuy. This is not a ”safe” scent. I only have a sample of this one but considering getting a 50 ml bottle for the fall. ( update; i got a 100 ml. bottle and enjoyed it 2-3 times per week the entire winter. ) Good longevity of approx 7-8 hours on my skin with a rather soft projection.

testing right now and I, unfortunately, love this. I say unfortunately because it is a little out of my price range, and I want a bottle immediately. The first 20min of this wasn't my favourite, but then came this mouthwatering, dark berry oud. so good, I actually groaned aloud and said, "oh no, not another bottle!" after an hour or so, this is spicy, fruity, leather, woody perfection, with a touch of rum. I sprayed this ONCE from a crappy atomizer this morning, and it's still going strong 7 hours later. Kijafa (Polish cherry wine) in a perfume bottle.

This one is my new love. I`ve been wanting it for quite a while. Finally bought it. Love it even more now that I actually own it. It`s a woody, boozy, fruity love affair for me. Another love for me is Tom Ford Oud Wood, Accord Oud is like a much more casual and eccentric version of Oud Wood. Almost a love child of Oud Wood and Tuscan leather, but as I said, more casual. Say what you want about Byredo, but they are the king of casual, modern niche fragrances with a personality. On top of that, Accord Oud has great projection and longevity.

Wooow such a beauty!! This is one of the best winter scents I have ever come upon, specially the Swedish winters. The oud and the leather is always a good combination but here together with blackberries it takes the scent to a completely new level. The longevity is awesome (minimum of 5 hours on my skin) and the projection is also not bad. It doesn't offend but it doesn't stick to the skin. The price might be a bit high but it is definitely worth each cent you pay for it. The most pleasant winter scent in my collection!

A well blended Oud Perfume suitable for any occasion , It is not overpowering and do not offend others , No matter how many spray one may apply , It settles to the skin very quickly , The silage is great and arouse curiosity. One may find them self still smelling this wonderful creation for an estimated 12 hours on skin; A few days on clothing . The bottle is very beautiful,With a magnetic cap but the sprayer is very cheap,The spring will sticks as mine did. Fragrance 10/10 Long lasting 10/10 Silage 10/10 Thanks,

This a lovely departure from skanky middle eastern style ouds. This one is pretty refined, with major players being leather which is slightly animalic, obviously the Oud and hints of flowery fruitiness. It is enveloped by patchouli which is not overbearing. It is blended really well, and no note sticks out and takes occupies the entire stage. I consider this more of an office scent which can also be worn casually, but definitely not a night out scent. Overall, pretty good scent to have.

Great Spring scent. Brings to mind images of a cool spring day, sitting on a wooden bench, surrounded by trees and eating cold berries. Quite aromatic and stays true to the name - it is not an oud heavy fragrance but creates a cloud of oud accord around the wearer. One of the best from Byredo in my opinion and one that deserves more attention. Projection and longevity are just right for the type of character that this fragrance has. Subtle yet intriguing.

Wow! The opening of this fragrance is something else. An amazingly unique and astonishing blackberry and rum combination. Sadly, the opening doesn't last too long, but it dries down into a smooth, light and more fresh oud and leather fragrance. One of my favourite fragrances, that's truly unique. Due to the in some way 'fresh' opening and smooth and light drydown, this fragrance is quite versatile regarding occasion and season. Rating: 8/10 - Great!

My first niche encounter. I bought this after using a small sample first. Didn’t like it too much in the beginning because I was new to niche. But I decided that I wanted something different and unique to me. Always used designer perfumes up untill then. But the Accord Oud Grew on me after several days of trying it - certainly not the everyday scent. Powerfull, clean, edgy, youthfull and Swedish! (Whatevervthat means;)

Very solid scent. Unique and with good quality. First it is all about blackberry and rum. then after 20 minutes comes very good oud and leather. not harsh and bitter, very soft and sensual. after an hour it is more powdery and little bit warm. Sillage is good. longevity is more than 10 hours. Fall/winter days and nights. Unisex but I think women will enjoy it more on men.

I believed I hated oud till I tried this...on one hand I tried Montale black aoud and on the other one this...this was heavenly and the oud note just lingering in the background...for me a really smooth and sophisticated fragrance and the only oud I have liked from the more than 10 ones I have tried...pricey but a great fragrance in my opinion....at least a 9/10

This stuff is great. The opening is sweet leather and medicinal/rubbery oud with a fruity vibe, after a while the saffron really comes out and it just becomes this delicious composition that's just super intoxicating. I get a Tuscan Leather vibe from this one even though they smell very different. This very much unisex compared to something like TL. 8/10

The more I smell it, the more I love it. Fruity, buzzy, medicinal and leathery. There ́s a major fizziness that makes this perfume a really uplifting experience. It is easily noticeable, but not overly strong nor heavy. Elegant, sexy and easy to wear. I find it to be much more interesting than Oud Immortel.

Simply breathtaking. I went to try Roja fragrances in our local store and didn’t like them personally, so I asked the lady in the store to give me some samples and one of them was this gem. I honestly felt in love with this, its boozy, spicy, vibrant but really well balanced. Try it!

Really like it! At first I thought it smelled like Black Saffron, but no, it doesn't. What I smell is a lot of leather, wood and something which turning it soft at the edges. Imho, a lot of wood perfumes are pretty sharp, but this one is not. More blunt. Better! Really love it!

This is great. My first impression of this is like oud wood mixed with a well done leather and boozy yet fresh vibe. I really like this and will be sure to edit my update and thoughts after more time with the scent. Very well done byredo!

I like Accord Oud, It smells like a mix of Bronze Wood & Leather Jo Malone, and Oud Wood Tom Ford. Sweet but not to sweet, leather mixed with cardmon oud. Great office / Signature scent. Not offensive in anyway tbh.

This is a pure class. Its comes as if you layers tomford Oud Wood with Tuscan Leather, in a good way. It is not a beast mood or room filler but it is strong enough to be noticable by everyone.

Hands down my favorite take on oud. The blackberry gives it a zest and the rum gives it a full bodied flavor. Tang, spice, oud and a hint of sweetness. Addictive and unique! 8/10

Light beautiful blackberry with a leather base with slight scent of rum, no Oud in it. Must be applied on skin, it smelled flat on a strip. 8.5/10 very beautiful.

I get a lot of compliments with this, plus its my favorite Oud type fragrance out of all the ones I have tried. My top 5 list for performance and smell is great.

This is a "wet" fragrance to me. Leather, damp wood, and blackberry leaf. Like an English hedgerow in autumn with a sexy, musky twist. Really like this one

It's a very subtle scent, a bit of a toilette, but it's great. Something that reminds me of a swimming pool. I love it

Most unique oud blend out there. Great projection and long sillage. Confidence booster.

This is being discontinued! Sad... it’s a great fragrance.

very cosmetics powdery bathroomy vibe, but ok. unisex

@Olfa, Swedoft X Oud is pretty similar.

I liked Byredo's Oud Immortel very much, so I was eager to try its sibling Accord Oud. And I did end up really liking this one as well, although with some reservations. It took me longer than usual to form an opinion of this one; I've been wearing it on and off for at least two weeks. Maybe that's part of the problem, because my sample was only 1.5 ml and I don't think I should have made it last that long. But this one has that pattern typical of all Byredos I've tried so far, that makes it prone to underspraying: the first blast is so strong that it makes me back off immediately, afraid of being THAT person in the office, and then two or three hours later I can't smell anything except when I press my nose to my wrist to sniff forcefully (and that's also not the image I want to project in the office, by the way). It also doesn't help that that first blast is such a pungent mix of true leather and woods (as for the quality of the oud, I really can't say, because these Byredos are my first experiences with the note and the opinions seem to be divided about whether they actually smell like it or not). It's definitely more masculine than feminine at this point, although still unisex. I can appreciate this opening now that I'm used to it, but at first it startled and dismayed me with its strong, almost rubbery sharpness. After only a little while the boozy/fruity notes kick in, as does a little bit of patchouli, although the leather/woods combo stays dominant all the way. These other factors do mellow the scent quite a bit though, and this is the part I really like: earthy and just a bit sweet, an interesting but pleasant scent, perfect for autumn. It's too bad it starts fading so fast so soon after it reaches this highpoint, becoming too vague to be really enjoyable pretty much immediately. But as I said, that might be resolved by spraying a bit more boldly. All in all I find I'm reluctant to part with my little sample now that fall is starting, so I'm going to get a little decant if I can. I doubt whether it'll ever turn into a full bottle purchase though, even if I do find I can overcome my reservations with more sprays; the price/wearing has to be taken into account as well...

Byredo Accord Oud is another interesting interpretation of oud, much like Oud Immortel, in which oud is a key aspect but certainly not the whole story. Accord Oud reminds me of Tom Ford Oud Wood in terms of the final result, though admittedly the ingredients are a bit different. Oud Wood relies upon, as its name suggests, oud and wood, but Accord Oud thrives more from the leather/oud pairing in concert with some interesting additions, like blackberry for a tangy sweetness that's tart as well, and the cardamom provides a spicy/tart edge to it as well. So in both respects, Accord Oud has more nuance than Oud Wood, though I'd argue that Oud Wood is a bit easier to wear and more refined overall. Still, I've not seen this comparison made before so I'm curious if it's just me, bu that's at least my initial impression, not having tested them side-by-side. Performance-wise, Accord Oud is strong, certainly more fitted for cold weather wearing and for men, though it could probably be a little flexible with respect to both climate and gender based on traditional norms for each. As with most fragrances, it is what the wearer gets out of it, and I get Oud Wood, mostly, say, 80%. It seems to be available on the secondary market so pricing is likely a lot better than Oud Wood, anyway, so I'd recommend fans of that to check this out, as it might suit you better. 7 out of 10

Accord Oud was definitely an acquired fragrance to me. My first initial impressions were that someone may have initially poured some type of fossil fuel into my bottle. Really, it’s definitely heady and boisterous - I wouldn’t have been surprised if someone had poured this into their gas tank and gotten better mileage. However, over time, I began to appreciate what I consider to be a really nice (but heavy), leather fragrance that you will likely still be able to smell when you wake up the day after. Initially, I get saffron, blackberry and rum. The saffron gives the overall feel to AO. It’s a softness that is a nice counterpart to the heady leather. The blackberry and rum mix nicely as well, offering a sweet, but boozy opening. The rest of the fragrance isn’t so easily distinguishable to me. As I said, I basically get mostly leather and some other notes, but they’re hard to pick out individually after the top notes fade. But it’s still very nice. I’m still debating whether it’s worth the price. At first, I would’ve said a definite ‘no,’ but now I’m not so sure I’d stick with that answer. I would say if you have the money, then it’s definitely worth trying. A decanted sample would be a great idea.

Warning, don't sniff this before a meal. I spritzed one spray on the wrist, took a large whiff close up and can actually taste the bitter, dry, medicinal, "oud" and tar-like leather first notes in the back of my mouth and tongue. Unlike Tom Ford's Oud Wood in which the oud and other notes come out in a well-integrated, contained, lush, and spicy blend; the ultra dry oud here seems like it can escape the perfume in bitter dust particles that end up in your throat so that when you swallow it dries out your mouth. It's a very strange and yet interesting sensation. It reminds me of my childhood drinking various medicinal herbal tonics that my mom whipped up to ward off illnesses, they were invariably bitter and medicinal. I am a woman with fairly cool body temperature and dry-ish skin so maybe the fruity notes don't bloom well on me when sitting at the computer. I shall try this when more active to see if the other notes especially the fruit and rum become more apparent as on my skin it went straight to the heart notes. Edit: Yay a very nice black currant smell showed up next day on my sleeve.