Oud Ispahan

The old blind soothsayer’s breath fell upon the sands that were spread over the silver plate. The glittering grains moved slowly, almost imperceptibly. The Princess, daughter of the Caliph of Bagdad leaned closer to the shifting sands to see a shape begin to appear, the shape of a perfect rose. “The sands foretell my princess, the one who will win your heart and your hand; he shall be the first to touch the rose.” The thief Ahmed perched in the highest branch of an agar tree that stretched out over the palace walls watched his beloved receive her fortune. She whom he loved from afar since his eyes first beheld her veiled beauty in the bazaar of the silk merchants, she who was so far above him, she whom he dare not dream of. “The rose?” the Princess looked up into the face of the blind man. “Yes the rarest rose in the garden of your father, the Persian Rose of Ispahan.” The Princess glanced across the garden of her father and beheld the perfection of pink and perfume which was the very rose the soothsayer spoke of. There by the palace wall near the old agar tree set in a planter made of sandalwood it bloomed in the sun. Its beauty only surpassed by its magical aroma that filled the garden. “How can that be?” The princes looked back to the old teller of impossible tales. “No man but my father is allowed near his precious rose. It is forbidden to all but him.” “There is one, I see him, and he is very near. Even now my Princess, even now he knows of this rose. The having of it is the key to unlock your love. He will bring the rose to you in the lowly leather satchel of a thief.” The Princess laughed and dropped three silver coins in the hand of the soothsayer. “A thief? You are mad my dear old one. Sweet and full of fantasies but quite mad. Now off with you and come back tomorrow to tell my fortune again.” Ahmed watched as the ancient blind one was lead away by the princess’s servant. He watched as the princess walked thought the garden past the green patchouli and the fragrant labdanum flowers. When she came to the Rose of Ispahan she bent down to smell it and as she did, one tear fell from her cheek onto the perfect petal of the rose. “If only it were true.” She whispered. “Allah, please make it so.” That night in the cover of a moonless sky with only the light of the stars to guide him the thief Ahmed again climbed the agar tree. With the aid of a magic rope he had stolen from a magician in the marketplace he dropped silently into the garden of the Caliph. He easily moved along the shadows of the blue night to where the rose grew. In one swift moment he snatched the bloom from the bush and gently placed in into his leather satchel. “Who’s there?” a voice rushed across the darkness. The Princess stood at the gate of the garden holding a sputtering golden lamp. * * * Oud Ispahan by Christian Dior is a tale from the Arabian Nights. The perfume that Scheherazade might wear to tell her tales to the King and in so doing weave an even more enchanting spell over him. It is also the perfect rose scent for a thief of Bagdad to steal and wear to woe a princess. It is magical. In this floral oriental there is all the beauty and splendor to be found in the gardens and bazaars of the Near East. The rarest and most romantically pungent and intoxicating oud is at the center of this fragrance. For it is all about the oud and the tale it tells here in conjunction with the other notes. This base note is the solid foundation upon which all else is presented. The perfume opens with the lush and overtly sensual labdanum (the very scent Madame de Pompadour used to seduce King Louis XV) it is rich and wonderful and smells of sexy warm flesh. A garden of exceptionally wonderful patchouli comes in to warm the middle and plays counterpoint to the song sung by the labdanum. Up then from the base floats the beautiful Damascus rose and very fine sandalwood. This rose, sandalwood and oud are fantastic together. Out of the bottle or sprayed on a blotter it is beautiful. When it hits the skin it is a perfume of resplendent rose and agar wood oud of the most perfect creation. It is miraculous. The perfume has a wonderful life that lasts on my skin for many hours and even the next morning it lingers close to the skin in the most delightful and inviting way. As if calling you back for one more night in the garden of the Caliph. The projection is good but not overwhelming if you apply it with restraint; which is hard to do since it is so delicious upon the first application. For me this is one of the top perfumes in the truly magnificent presentation by Christian Dior of the Privée line of fragrances. A masterpiece by a house I am coming to love even more with every new foray into each of their perfumes. OUD ISPAHAN FIVE PLATINUM STARS *****

The night in Paris is charged with an electric energy, the air thick with mystery and allure. The city’s glow illuminates the shadows, and every corner feels filled with untold stories. You walk through the city’s winding streets, moving with an almost predatory grace, your presence both magnetic and imperceptible. You slip into a dark, sophisticated party held in an exclusive venue, a place where elegance and danger intertwine. The pulse of the music hums beneath the surface, as the crowd, cloaked in black-tie attire, moves with quiet intensity. You are dressed in a tailored Alexander McQueen black wool coat, the fabric heavy, almost like a second skin. It drapes over you with authority, commanding attention without uttering a word. Beneath, a dark Saint Laurent turtleneck clings to your form, the material smooth and rich, a perfect contrast to the sharp, angular silhouette of the coat. Your John Lobb boots are polished, their matte sheen cutting through the dim light with a quiet assurance. Everything about your presence feels like a contradiction—bold and assertive, yet there’s a soft, hidden sensuality that lurks beneath the surface, like the delicate tension between day and night. The fragrance that envelops you is Oud Ispahan by Dior—a scent that embodies the duality of your being, the interplay of both dark and light, masculine and feminine, strength and sensuality. The opening is lush, with a burst of rose—rich and velvety, almost intoxicating in its softness. It’s a rose that feels deeply feminine, its petals like silk, seductive in their fragility. But beneath the surface, there’s something darker, more mysterious, waiting to emerge. The oud begins to unfold—raw, smoky, and powerful. It cuts through the softness of the rose like a whisper in the night, loud and confident, demanding your attention. This oud is bold, unapologetically strong, yet not overpowering. It exists in perfect contrast to the rose, as if the two notes are engaged in a secretive dance—one that moves between the masculine and the feminine, blending sensuality with raw strength. As the fragrance deepens, the warmth of patchouli emerges, earthy and grounding. The oud becomes richer, its depth amplified by the patchouli, while the rose remains, softer now, a mere whisper of sweetness against the fierce power of the oud. There is something almost sexual about the balance—the rose, seductive and soft, drawing you in, while the oud pulses with a fierce intensity, asserting dominance, yet never overshadowing the delicate floral notes. It is a fragrance that evokes a primal attraction—a tug of war between softness and power, an unspoken invitation to a world where the lines between pleasure and restraint blur. The dry-down leaves behind an indelible mark, the scent lingering in the air like the memory of a secret affair. Oud Ispahan is a fragrance of contradictions: the boldness of oud, the subtlety of rose, the earthiness of patchouli. It’s a scent that embodies a modern aristocrat—someone who walks the fine line between light and shadow, femininity and masculinity, strength and vulnerability. It is deeply sensual, almost animalistic, yet wrapped in a layer of refined elegance. The scent remains, like a trace of a moment long passed, leaving an unforgettable impression of power, allure, and the dangerous pull of seduction.

What is this?! What evolution is this?! With each journey that I start in search of a "perfect" Oud, I am extremely surprised and even when the surprises are not the best, I am deeply more in love with the intriguing note that depending on the climate can exude a more indistinct aroma that our vain imagination can try. to reach. I advance that this does not happen here, with Oud Ispahan by Dior, not really! It's been a long time since I witnessed Dior being Dior with all the letters, bringing bold aromatic characteristics in their creations that consecrated some great classics of the House that today were summarily mutilated, losing their immaculate, imposing and respectfully superb characteristics! Oud Ispahan is so special and magnanimous in his way of existing, that I can identify note by note in his evolution, everything very well organized, respecting other people's space and chronologically emerging at the opportune moment. This is synonymous with responsibility in creating and traits of professionalism designed for a select and specific audience, yes. As soon as we leave, we come across a somewhat complex aroma, pure Frankincense and in several stages. Initially I feel the green Frankincense, with the scent of stems and tanned leaves, then it takes on a scent of resinous gum that, hours later, takes on the aspect of oriental incense burning incessantly. It's not just any incense aroma, it's something balsamic, grandiose and that gradually wraps around. After almost a whole day with it being applied, Oud Ispahan closely refers to the honorable footprint of Attar Al Kaaba from Al Haramaim, only in a less medicinal and measured way, I believe that with alcoholic nuances through an Odor of Oud, dry Patchouli and more frankincense. At this stage, even those with asnomia would be able to feel it, due to the fact that it projects a very fine oriental aroma and treated on the edges in such a way as to make even those who do not identify with the Oriental family, have their hearts shaken. I believe that the translucent and intense beauty of this phase is due to Patchouli, which easily emanates its intense aroma and in an unmistakable way. At the base, the fragrance becomes more Oud, much more noticeable, but less "aggressive" because of a woody touch, I bet on Sandalwood, which has this power of at the same time being intense, it manages to be behaved and attract curious eyes. questioners. Patchouli still lingers around here, but with a very characteristic aroma when combined with wood, something that reminds of a stuffy or even moldy environment, but nothing that compromises the perfect evolution of Oud Ispahan! Unfortunately for me, the Roses were supporting actors, I captured their nuances in a shy way and very inseparable from the others; but that didn't make me sad! So, I hope that "everyone" one day, before dying, will know or have a bottle of Oud Ispahan to call mine! As much as the encounter is disappointing, I believe it will be worth it for the fact that I can experience something totally sublime and well organized olfactorily. My ❤ is grateful, very grateful!

Powdery, Lavender, Fruity, Floral dna Opening: First whiff was a the note of bugspray. :S Oud goes to the top immediately and it's real, a gorgeous crowd-pleasing style of Oud, and a amount just elegantly added. A good amount of fuzzy Musk follows. A touch of Berry fruit lingers in the background to sweeten the frag. The note of Saffron gives the dna an a touch of acidity and 1980's female perfume scent. Labdanum to give it a creamy orange scented white floral note. Touch of Pink Rose oil, it also moisturizes the skin. It's not just Rose, there are other florals mixed within this dna. There is a touch of White Vanilla Absolute to give it some sweetness. Lots of Smokey Incense. Mid: A decent quality Sandalwood and Cedar comes into play, giving the fragrance some backbone. The Pink Rose starts to become stronger to the point of almost taking over the lead role of the dna. Patchouli comes into the scene adding just a touch of earthiness to the scent. Musk still cuts through the middle of the dna. A surprising note of citrus comes out of nowhere, im thinking Bergamot/Yellow Grapefruit. And, also a small note of Powder pleasantly & unexpectingly comes out into play as well! And...lol Spices found in her sister 'Feve' come into play, including that hint of Cinnamon. Bottom Dry-off: Raspberry comes in at the end, and it's most welcomed. The note of Incense smokiness. The note of Myrrh accompanies it also, darkening the frag and giving it a touch of coolness to the nose. This is a crazy technical dna! The nose here is really talented! It's slightly changing & taking me on a journey. I am sooo impressed!! The overall fragrance leans very feminine although has notes of masculine within it, which a lot of ladies out there really enjoy wearing as an option when they are in that mood. This can be Unisex, but the feminine notes in here are so prominent, i would only recommend this to straight guys if they are comfortable rocking that Pink Rose note in fragrances, such as YSL L'Homme Ultimate for instance. Doesn't smell cheap, smells of quality, not the richest in the world but you'll feel like a person moving up in life on their grind while driving their car and out in public. My only complaint is that it doesn't project...Over-spraying is needed. After an hour it's just a skin scent. Gawd! Why does Dior ruin their amazing fragrances?!? This is a really great beautiful, pretty, professional, fashionable daytime fragrance. And because of the above, id recommend testing this first to see if it fits you. If you're a young beautiful woman persuing her dreams, i HIGHLY recommend this gorgeous youthful sexy quality fragrance!! 3.5/5 Woofs!

The rose and oud theme has been explored endlessly, so the interesting part is where this one differs. What often makes the genre tiring is when everything turns into the same Middle Eastern formula: overloaded rose, heavy smoke, thick resin, endless spices. This fragrance takes an entirely different direction. It is unmistakably a French interpretation of rose and oud. The rose here is neither watery nor simply sweet. It is dry, dark, and slightly resinous. The flower carries real weight, but without becoming syrupy or cloying. From the very beginning, the fragrance enters a dense atmosphere, like a dark rose blooming inside patchouli and resin. The overall feeling is mature and composed. For people new to oud, the oud here is very approachable. There is almost none of the fermented animalic character that often scares people away. Its role is more about darkening and thickening the structure while adding a controlled smoky tone. In the drydown, the fragrance slowly shifts away from dense rose toward smoky woods, patchouli, and traces of lingering florals. Projection and longevity are extremely strong. One or two sprays are more than enough. As for what makes it “French,” the materials themselves are not unusual: rose, oud, labdanum, patchouli, sandalwood. The difference is in the treatment. Dior does not turn them into a massive block of rose oud oil where everything competes to be louder, sweeter, dirtier, thicker, and more overpowering. Instead, every material feels refined and proportioned within a carefully shaped structure. The rose remains rich, the woods remain dark, the resins remain dense, yet everything is controlled. The richness comes from balance and construction rather than from excess.

I still can’t believe a mainstream French house like Dior offers something like this. Very surprised that a lot of westerners enjoy it this much. This is incredibly middle eastern. It is so not for everyone. It is not like other rose and oud combos. Rose d’arabie, black aoud, etc. they are different. It is rose and oud but rose is not obvious, fused with oud so rose is not jammy and out there. Very well mixed. This one is so dense. It borderline smells like a motor oil. This is animalic oud. Not barnyard but still skanky. Not suitable for blind buy and unaccustomed noses. After Islamic pilgrimage, people bring back souvenirs like little perfume oils or scented rosaries form Saudi Arabia. When I first smelled this one, I immediately remember them. This is so typical in a way. It is original. Maybe today there are similars and clones out there but Dior had broken the ground with this one. But also not original at all because it is a well known style in the middle east. And you can find similar and better performing ones for a dime compare the Dior’s price. Interesting scent but as a perfume, it is not an easy wear. It is more masculine. I can’t imagine a women wear this. This is too much. If you can try, go for it and test it. Even if it is for a sniff, test it. So come to know this kind of staff. But don’t blind buy it. I wish it was more rounded so I would wear it frequently. But people around me don’t react to it positively, so I don’t wear it publicly. I wear it at home. 7/10

Classic rose scent... when it settled It's ultra-smooth, velvety rose and warm oud... a very oriental and familiar scent. This profile is widely used in the area where I live... a reminiscent rose scent exists in rose soap bars, rose liquid handwash, rose clothes softener, hand lotions, and incense sticks (in the middle-eastern products)... of course, it gives a more perfumery fine quality in Oud Ispahan, but it still has the typical rose scent of the Middle East... It's not a bad thing btw! I love it so much in winter, it's very nostalgic, like a time machine for me... I enjoy wearing it, and I enjoy remembering many beautiful cold days when I wore it in the last 4 or 5 years between cloudy, rainy days, some foggy mornings, and many quiet freezing nights 🌹❤️🌧️🌬️🌛🌠 Performance wise, It's very long-lasting and beautiful on clothes, warm and sliky smooth... no need to over-spray (less is more) it lasts forever, and the projection is great even outdoor in freezing cold weather. I suggest testing it before buying... I learned how to like it, it's very heavy in the opening but magical later on.....no way in summer it's very strong, it turns my stomach and makes me feel dizzy (0/10 in hot weather)... in cold weather it's quite the opposite 1000/10 🌹❤ weird!

I bought my bottle since early 2018 so I am certain I have the old formulation and not the new one because this perfume is so strong, intoxicating and lasts all day. I remember falling in love with it at first sniff because it was the height of my deep love for everything Oud. I was one of those who absolutely hated Oud when I first smelt it back in 2005 but slowly became drawn to it because of the way it changes with my skin chemistry and becomes very intriguing. This is not a scent that can be easily loved by mainstream fragrance lovers so I can understand why there are mixed reviews. This was the first perfume I tried in the Dior Privee Collection and made me so interested in trying others. I love this perfume so much and it is way better than the new version, so I am treating my current bottle like liquid gold because I won’t buy the new version. I also have Ambre Nuit from 2020 and I love that one too. Hopefully it has not become diluted like the new Oud Ispahan. When I want to mellow it out, I spray my La Colle Noire (I just got it 10 days ago) over it because all I get from that one is roses and more roses. The new range in the collection are not strong performers like the older ones. Shame because they are so expensive.

I managed to find a bottle of Oud Ispahan from 2012 as a blind buy. This stuff is amazing. I would dare say that this is my favorite rose based fragrance. The oud in here similar to the oud in the earlier Leather Oud releases for Dior. It's floral without being very jammy, woody, slightly resinous and very animalic. You can detect the saffron which gives a little bit of spice and a the patchouli gives a little earthiness to the fragrance, but the rose and oud are at the hear of this fragrance. I've never been to Ispahan, but if this is what Francois Demachy had in mind then it's a place I would like to visit. The vision here was phenomenal and I appreciate the artistic expression. Although this has the same oud as in Leather Oud, I believe this is more wearable. I see that some have compared this to Potion Royal Black by DSquared2. I can see some similarities, especially in the rose and the more woody notes. However, this is different and much more opulent. I know it has been reformulated and I would like to try the new formulation to compare. But this is a gem. Easily one of my favorite fragrances in my collection.

Had nothing to do today. Decided to spray Dior's Oud Ispahan on my left arm and MFK's Oud Satin Mood on my right. It's noon, windy and this perfume decided not to sing. While on the other day I was visiting a night wedding and this perfume sang like crazy for sure. I live in a tropical country, most of the days and nights are... hot and humid. And this perfume performs better on those days. When your body heats are on the rise or sweaty days. The opening is strong, attention grabber, not for beginner noses. Feels like the Oud gives you a slap on the cheek, but the roses kisses you right after. The dry down? I love it. It's like a grandma smell, in a good way. Smells of a wise person and someone you respected. But it can be too wild and animalistic for some. Would I recommend this perfume? Totally. It makes you stand out. A narcissist like me loves the attention. Just prepare to offend some people with your fragrance and be proud with it.

They don't say what type of oud is in here but this is exactly the type of oud that i LOVE. It's not the dusty dry antique store vibe kind of oud that you find in 90% of designers nowadays. It's the rich skanky bitter type of oud, the type that you feel like it's dynamically alive on the skin. The rose here smells like rose water as opposed to a real rose and i wouldn't want it to be any other way because it mixes perfectly with the type of oud accord they used here. Just gorgeous and addicting. This is not for everyone, if you're blind buying this expecting a natural luscious rose with a bit of oud to balance it out, you're going to be disappointed. It's actually the other way around: Rich skanky oud with sweet rose water to balance it out...but not by much hence the oud is pretty dominant here. As much as i love frankincense heavy scents, shower me with Oud Ispahan(s) all day and i'll be a happy man :)

a very well blended oud & rose fragrance. this was my first time smelling oud and i’d say it’s a bit of an addictive scent. it doesn’t smell grandma-like and i’m someone who is quite afraid of a rose & patchouli mix since it always comes out smelling old fashioned. i find it very hard for a rose scent to impress me but the rose in this is not too sweet or cloying. it’s beautiful and the oud adds a nice warmth and depth to the fragrance making it sensual and sexy. the projection is really nice, because it’s not exactly beast mode, i don’t think it fills up the entire room (depends on how much you spray ofcourse) but it makes sure that others can smell you. it’s not an offensive scent in any way and even though it’s pricey, i think the price is justified because you can tell that it’s made of high quality ingredients and you’ll definitely smell wealthy when wearing this.

My favourite rose oud scent - this has a wonderful leathery, deeply red wine rosey vibe that’s juicy with a refreshing sweetness and chewy and yet somehow feeling lighter than a feather and transparent. There’s a simultaneously watery / yet has a fluffiness to this as well. No ponginess, no insect repellant or screechy amber woods to my nose on my skin...it’s elegant, ageless and very refined. My most complimented oud scent. My nose craves this and I’m waiting on winter arriving. I have noticed a difference between old and new batches. Mainly in longevity. But the base fragrance is near identical to me. Perhaps the older is more dense? Completely unisex and it seems it shows differing facets to everyone. My experience is very rosey (thankfully not a gourmand) over beautiful aged dry woods with a leathery and lightly spiced finish. Looooooong lasting 😍

People have to be cautious when reading reviews here since there seems to be a lot of stubborn trolls trying to discount other people's opinion on this scent. It definitely is an acquired taste, and you really don't have to like it. Always sample before buying. With that said, this is one of the best ouds I've smelled so far. I own Oud Palao and I want to try Oud Ispahan out once I finish this bottle. They're very similar, but Oud Ispahan seems to be cleaner and a bit classier. The issues with Oud Palao is that it could smell very very dirty to other noses. I personally am in love with that scent, but the rest of my family abhors it. Oud Ispahan seems to be the better option for those who can't stand the dirty smell in Oud Palao. This one is really pleasant and I could tell people would like this one a lot more.

I was born in Ispahan and I have to say, they've captured the Persian rose/middle eastern oud wonderfully. I don't know how much of it is placebo but this definitely smells like home and teleports me back with its familiar notes of rose and saffron which in this perfume are of high quality rather than sickly which these particular notes can often be. The sillage and longevity are amazing. I would wear this in the summer, fall, winter spring day and night! I got a rose oud perfume from an independent perfumer in Egypt which this reminds me of a lot, but this one is softer. The oriental notes are so well balanced, it's one of those perfumes that takes you on a journey and in this case it takes me back to the gorgeous flower gardens of Ispahan. A strong and elegant rose oud - perhaps my new favourite!

The more time I spend with this fragrance the more I appreciate it. The oud and rose notes are magnificent and balance one another beautifully. The sandalwood and cedar are less noticeable but do seem to smooth out any harshness which might otherwise be present. Overall a masterpiece. There is something very sexual and animalistic about this fragrance. Very primitive, very confident, but also highly developed, sophisticated, and civilized. A well constrained beast. This is the fragrance that should be worn when a message is to be sent. You are confident and potent, but you do not want to scream it. It is a non-verbal communication of quiet strength. With good or better longevity and sillage, the message will be received. Rarely do I find back up bottle fragrances, but this might be one.

Oud Ispahan is such a shock to me. I did not expect Dior to make something so complex and delicious. Maybe i shouldn’t be so surprised, i mean Dior has produced Poison, Fahrenheit, and Homme Parfum. However this fragrance has an animalic facet that reminds me of my vintage Opium. It also has incense and patchouli which are also in Opium. Just to be clear i’m talking about the Opium EDT and my bottle is from the 1980s so is not the modern formula. This fragrance is beautiful, it’s a heavy one tho so is not for everyone. Pretty animalic, rose-y, oud-y, spicy, it’s a lush fragrance. But it’s not perfection, i only wish it was stronger. I know, i know for many it’s already strong enough even too strong, for me it could be bolder and even more intoxicating. 9/10.

Pretty potent with a single spray to the back of the hand. Scented filled my home office and could get overwhelming. But it’s gorgeous. Very rosey like the top of Oud Touch but more resiny, a juicier rose and less dry woody notes. Leathery notes kick in with a chewy amber feel...sweet but not sickly (meaning not like oud satin mood). It’s unisex but to me leans more masculine. Very much for winter or lightly sprayed for evening. For me this is huge and oh so lovely. Update: Post several wears I’ve fallen completely under its spell. Complex, non-gourmand and deep yet so wearable. Absolutely one of, if not the most beautiful rose oud I’ve ever smelt (that’s a lot but so many left to sniff). I must have some of this after my decant ❤️

as a middle eastern woman i never loved oud as it was something we smell since childhood and all grandmothers use it for themselves and as incense to the house , so oud for me was not something i was interested in as a perfume, but this all changed when i met oud ispahan , oh this perfume is so me , oud and rose heaven that is classy and sexy and unique , i bought my first 40ml bottle in Amsterdam , then i bought my Large bottle here in Baghdad , i still remember when i was wearing this in Oxford 2 years ago and an English friend told me you smell like Arab ! haha i told him well because i'm actually an arab! it is beautiful scent that looks like my culture and mix well with my skin . i will always keep buying

Dior oud ispahan is the strongest fragrance in my collection. It's smokey,woody and incensey and powerful. This is definitely not a crowd pleaser and absolutely not for the weak hearts. Do not blind buy this thinking it's something like oud wood or oud for greatness. Oud ispahan sh*ts on oud for greatness and it's not even close. Projection is so enormous that it fills of the entire building and sillage is so monstrous that it will make people question what the hell is that smells. This will either make you the best smelling person in the room or the most annoying person in the room. Scent -9/10 Longevity - 10/10 Projection - 10/10 Sillage - 10/10

The longer I have this beauty the more I love it. I’m also clear now that I prefer a non-jammy rose and an airy and woody composition for rose oud scents. I really don’t wear this enough due to my shelving situation and need to dig this out to wear. However, after receiving a decant of LV Les Sables Roses I caught the lighter and stripped back echo of Oud Ispahan and had to apply a spray. Aaaah such a pleasure. Airy, dry, woody and with this crisp sharpness I adore on my skin. What a projector! We’ve just kicked into spring in the SH so this will be perfect for the weather at the mo (gusty and cool) when I apply again, full wear, tomorrow ❤️

I sampled this yesterday in Selfridges and I can still smell it on my coat this morning, so that takes care of longevity. I think this perfume is stunning!! It’s well balanced, has a beautiful opening which is creamy labdunum flying with roses and lovely things. The dry down, which for me is SO important is gorgeous! Rich. Aromatic. I can detect the saffron and the beautiful rose, a great combo, the oud which is a good one which has so many facets, the laudanum and the cedar. I love this. I missed the previous formulas which I don’t care about, this is today, available, not a vintage, accessible in Selfridges and beautiful. I will get a fb!

The first time I smelt this was off of my sisters wrist, it was very barnyardy, oud forward, I wasn't used to this, but have since adjusted myself to oud fragrances and have learnt to understand their complexity, I like this off of my skin, the rose radiates class and the oud brings a darker edge to the perfume, the contrast is outstanding and very well balanced. Reminds me of halfeti but less complex, the rose in oud ispahan reminds me of more authentic Turkish delight without being overly sweet. If you didn't like it at first, do try it again, your taste can change over time. :) Longevity - 8/10 Sillage - 8/10 Price 6/10

I was born in the middle east, This Fragrance is Middle Eastern kind of fragrance, Amazing, warm and sensual, Old modern perfume, when I smell it I have to close my eyes and all I see is red, Red roses, Red skies and red air. warm on the verge of Hot, if that makes any sense. I just love it so much. when i smell it the time stops, and I'm not here. Sillage is AMAZING I don't know about reformulation, my bottle is June 2016, and it is so strong, I don't think anyone would need more than that, stronger than this might get annoying. longevity is for days. Try before you buy.

This fragrance is definitely not everyone's cup of tea. For me the labdanum in the opening is very rich, and can be headache inducing to some. However once you get past the opening, the oud is extremely rich and it works really well in conjunction with the rose. However it is a strictly winter and fall time wear, and I find it works best at night, perhaps at a formal event. the oud here also isn't animalic, it's very smooth, and in conjunction with all the other notes, almost creates a warm, inviting feeling. Definitely try it if you're an oud lover.

This is a really nice oud blended with an earthy, sweet rose that definitely doesn’t give off that dated “grandma from the 80’s” vibe. The opening has a slight gasoline-like edge, which I actually enjoy and think adds character. Performance is solid, and the scent feels unique, definitely something frag heads will appreciate. While it isn’t a pure oud, the accord is very well done. It really grew on me as I worked through my sample. 9/10 — full-bottle worthy if you enjoy oud accords paired with an earthy, sweet rose.

As a big fan of Dior perfumes, Oud Ispahan has truly impressed me. When it comes to Oud fragrances, both Oud Ispahan and Parfums de Marly's Haltane stand out for me. I absolutely love Oud Ispahan; its longevity is remarkable, lingering on my skin and clothes for an exceptionally long time. The blend of oud, rose, woody, and amber notes is simply amazing and works wonderfully with my skin chemistry. It’s a standout fragrance in my collection and one that I always reach for when I want something special.

Oh my Lord... what can I say about this scent? I feel like being a queen in another country. I have had the chance to get a hold of the old batch, and the new one as well. I won’t even bother getting the new bottle, but i am DESPERATELY looking for a 2012-2015 Oud Ispahan perfume. My beloved brother and sisters on this thread, please, i beg of you, if you can sell me, or know someone who wants to sell me a bottle, please do get in touch, send me a message. I won’t give up on this quest!

One of my best oud perfume (maybe just after Oud Wood from TF). The scent is intimate and mature, but it smell better on a man because of a slightly spicy taste. The price is absolutely affordable for an oud bottle, comparing to Oud wood. Projection and longevity can be rated 10 out of 10, plus the base notes can be mixed with another freshie-woody fragrance really well. You can blind buy this, coz it's pleasant, not as intense as other famous oud lines of other brands.

This is such a beautiful quality composition from Dior. Of all the similar 'niche designer' lines such as Louis Vuitton, Armani, Tom Ford, Le Labo, or even Creed... This is the best value quality oud out there. Incredible sillage and longevity, high-quality ingredients that are on par with Tom Ford Private blends yet reasonably priced... You get 125ml or 250ml of juice as well. So it's a no-brainer to have in any fragrance wardrobes... I hope it's available forever!

I'm currently using the Ard Al-Zaafaran version of Oud Ispahan and it's quite challenging at first but likeable. It's a heavy scent so be careful with the sprays. You really have to love oud to enjoy this. My version has a really good saffron note that's quite evoking. I usually like to spray this on sweaters, jumpers and 🧣 then it lasts forever. I'd give this a 9/10. Dirty, alluring, dark and very mysterious with some Middle Eastern vibe.

Very, very good. This is the most aggressively Hindi oud that I've encountered in a Western designer perfume. Dior Ispahan scratches my itch for Malle's Promise or The Night at a fraction of the price. This will be misunderstood and hated by many, but for those who appreciate a real rose/oud combo, Ispahan is a must-try. One can only pull this off with a fresh haircut and a suit. Medicinal, woody, with crisp, watery rose. A real treat.

Really beautiful rose oud; airy, a touch sweet, with a deep yet comforting oud base. Soft little hints of spice waft in and out. This is mellow enough to serve as a beginner's intro to the rose/oud scent profile, yet complex enough for an experienced fraghead to appreciate and enjoy. Lasts for ages (12+ hrs), the sillage is around arms' length, creates a cocoon that invites you in. Perfect for autumn & winter.

Omg this is such a sophisticated oud fragrance, for me it is *the* perfect oud. It sensually mixes rose and oud, and is not overwhelming. The sillage and projection are incredible! My personal favorite in the colder months to wear over a sweater. The dry down still has oud, but becomes more powdery clean and rosy. So so so so good! Do not blind buy, she is a powerhouse and needs to be tried on first!

I love this fragrance, I've already reviewed it so this will be left as a comment more than anything, as nice and well performing as it is, this does offend many western noses, I only have to apply half a spray and dab it and I'm making people look at me like I did a shit on their lap. I don't think it smells bad but be careful in the UK, I'd call it jealousy but apparently it makes people nauseous.

it's been two years since I got this, whenever I apply it, I regret it. the quality of the oud is not the best here and the rose is a bit sharp, and of course you're getting a very designer level perfume for the price of high end niche houses. I recommend Diptyque's Oud Palao over this (if you can find a bottle). of course if you're looking for sillage and longevity, it's diffidently there.

I own this since 2016, used it regularly in colder days & nights and I can confirm that, it was made to last for a lifetime. The blending art is what makes this perfume stunning. Every time I spray it I feel like I’m opening 150 yrs old bottle of red wine (dark fruits, pungent & syrupy sweet wine). Perfume enthusiasts loved it, even for untrained noses, this smells luxurious.

I finally bought a bottle of this after receiving several samples of it from Dior with online purchases of makeup and other perfumes from their online boutique. I love it, it's warm and alluring in a very refined manner, there is nothing loud or 'in your face" about it. It just epitomises class and elegance. Definitely one I always want to have in my collection.

This one makes me feel like a very wealthy businessperson. Creating an economic crisis in New York, closing an arms deal in Monte Carlo, colluding with a foreign power to influence an election; that kind of person. Anyway, a very distinguished smell, not for everyone I guess, but worthy of sampling it and in my case, incredible for special occasions.

Oud Ispahan is my new obsession. I wear it to work (I spritz very lightly since it's pretty strong) and pretty much any time I don't feel like wearing anything else. It smells sexy and grown-up. I especially love the way it smells in my hair after I've had it on all day. I will definitely add this to my regular rotation.

FOR ME, this is one of the best and versatile oud smells made, the oud is not to dark and te rose is kinda soapy clean, and for that reason i find it super versatile. The perfomance dont need any review i dont think, its a BEAST especially before 2018 formulation but even after this is still nuclear

So I got a tester of this ispahan and wasn’t really sure about it at first so I played around with it until I got the magic combo that worked for me. Try TF Lost Cherry with this and see if you like it. Both very strong so use 2 sprays of each below your breast and on your wrist.

Has a majestic and beautiful sillage and a smoky dry down dancing with the ispahan rose back and forth, a literal masterpiece of a fragrance. Dont blindbuy, not for everyone but if youre into the niche strong and heavy fragrances this is signature fragrance worthy 10000%

A VERY long lasting complement getter with great projection, spray ye not too much as for this fragrance projects quite well. Some may get overwhelmed by this scent, shower well since it can remain on skin for a while. My advice is to wear this on special occasions.

I think all these new reviews are reviewing the wrong fragrance... This one's discontinued long time ago the new fragrance is the one stating it's after 2018, which has a new 2025 formula already. Both had their own dedicated fragrantica.com pages

My favorite oud scent. I feel so sexy and rich when I wear this, like an Arabian princess. My boyfriend LOVES it on me. Rose and oud scent, perfect for special occasions, definitely not an everyday perfume.

Got a sample Vial with Dior Intense. Those who call it "stinky" i gurantee they never smelled it ,pure fake reviewers . This is one of those frag makes you sniff it again & again👌🔥

I need this ! 😍 I am not a massive fan of patchouli but I don't detect much in this at all, like it's not overpowering to my nose like narciso rodriguez in the pink bottle 🤮

I love this scent very mature scent I used this in my fresh man year of uni and I got a mix of you smell Arab or you smell so amazing and women really loved it .

What a rich, entoxicating scent. It's dirty but the slight hint of rose keeps it in check and adds a beautiful balance. This easily lasts 10 hours on the skin.