Outcast Blue

Ex Nihilo, whilst not groundbreaking, do make some quality fragrances, albeit overpriced. On paper, I thought this would be up my street and, eventually, I was right. I say eventually, as when first applied I got a semi-sweet amber scent with slight vanilla nuances and a strong saffron note with its leather facets, bordering on rubber, which I found a bit disconcerting. This wasn’t what I was expecting from the reviews or fragrance accords listed at the top of this page. Fortunately, this aspect fades quite quickly and I’m left with a wonderful masculine creamy amber sandalwood smell with a touch of tobacco that is really quite appealing. It almost has a caramel chewiness without being gourmand. The drydown is quite different from the top so don’t be put off from the initial spray. It’s not overly complex and, as mentioned, not particularly groundbreaking but it’s very pleasing and comforting in a familiar way and yet manages to smell classy at the same time. It’s also versatile and can be used in various situations and in different seasons. I get excellent longevity with moderate projection that creates a noticeable scent bubble, without it having to shout it’s presence. I like this a lot, even if it threw me at first. As always with Ex Nihilo, it’s a sophisticated presentation with an excellent atomiser.

Edit: Oud for greatness and Outcast Blue are both by Jordi Fernandez and Oud for Greatness actually uses real Indian oud oil. Apart from that this is a lovely tobacco patchouli scent for people who love both those notes and want them combined. Good performance, great for autumn days going to work in the city or on an autumn night going out with friends in the city. The extrait version is worth checking out as well. If you want a unique tobacco fragrance then check this one out!

A pleasant happy aromatic woody scent. The scent opens with aromatic notes of saffron and pink pepper before moving to a heart of vetiver and lily of the valley. It settles on a base of cedar, sandalwood, oakmoss, slight tobacco and patchouli. Not overpowering but lingers on forever leaving a joyful aura around you. The masculine leaning scent has moderate to strong sillage and excellent longevity. Enjoy!

Idk what ppl are smoking but this smells nothing like OFG. Just because they both have saffron up top and a patchouli base doesn’t make them the same. This does smell nice but upon the drydown, it gives off this piney Christmas smell. These are not worth the price this brand is charging for these types of scents. Edit: I see what ppl are saying by the OFG comparisons now, but this is basically just a more barber shop type of OFG. I like the smell but again, it’s not worth the price imo. This is a very expensive brand for their lack of originality.

I revisited this and used the last bit of my sample as a full wearing for the day. This is not the same as OFG in fact it’s very different. I would describe it as if Penhaligon’s made their own version of OFG. You know how all Penhaligon’s have that lavender/geranium old school barber shop shaving cream smell like Sartorial & Endymion? That’s literally what this smells like mixed with a tinge of OFG. It’s quite pungent and long lasting. I wouldn’t buy it because I prefer OFG, but if you love shaving cream style scents this is for you.

Leans too masculine for me, but I like it and would like to smell it on a man.

so soft and smooth the notes ingredients are so compatibles, great scent .

Vibe: at a whiskey bar sitting next to a guy in a suit that just put on aftershave, drinking cognac while also holding a huge burning cigar

Outcast Blue by Ex Nihilo: A Rebellious Symphony in Blue Outcast Blue by Ex Nihilo is not just a fragrance; it is a daring manifesto for the nonconformist soul. With every spray, it unveils a complex tapestry of spicy, woody, and earthy notes that defy expectations and celebrate individuality. This scent is for those who walk their own path and embrace the unpredictable beauty of chaos. The Olfactory Journey Opening: The fragrance greets you with a vibrant burst of saffron and pink pepper, their fiery energy softened by the grounded spiciness of black pepper. It’s like stepping into a room where sparks of creativity fly, unpredictable and exhilarating. Heart: As it settles, the richness of cedarwood emerges, wrapped delicately in the floral nuances of lily of the valley. The interplay of wood and flowers creates a refined complexity, embodying both strength and vulnerability—a poetic reminder of the beauty in contrasts. Base: The dry down is where Outcast Blue reveals its true rebellion. Earthy patchouli and smoky vetiver merge with the sweet, rugged allure of tobacco and the smooth warmth of sandalwood. The addition of oakmoss brings a vintage sophistication, grounding the composition in timeless elegance. The Season and Temperature Ideal Season: Outcast Blue thrives in the cooler months—autumn and winter—when its warm, spicy heart can envelop you like a luxurious cashmere scarf. The interplay of woods, spice, and tobacco resonates best in crisp air. Temperature Range: • Best worn in temperatures between 7°C and 18°C, where its depth unfolds gracefully. • In warmer weather, the intensity of its spices might feel overwhelming, making it less suitable for summer. Longevity and Projection Longevity: On skin, Outcast Blue lingers with a tenacious hold, offering 8 to 10 hours of wear. Its woody, spicy dry down remains a constant companion, subtly evolving throughout the day. Projection: The projection is moderate, creating an intimate aura around the wearer. It is present enough to intrigue without overpowering, making it ideal for both social settings and personal reflection. What It Conveys Outcast Blue whispers of intrigue and self-assurance. It is both bold and elegant, appealing to those who embrace duality: the dreamer and the disruptor. For those around you, it communicates a sense of depth, mystery, and sophistication. It is a scent that invites curiosity and leaves an unforgettable impression. Occasions and Styling • Formal Settings: A bold choice for evening events or elegant dinners, perfectly paired with tailored suits or structured coats in deep blues or charcoal grays. • Casual Sophistication: Works effortlessly with a leather jacket, dark denim, and a confident stride for a night out. Conclusion Outcast Blue by Ex Nihilo is a fragrance for the fearless, those unafraid to explore the edge between order and chaos. Its rich, spicy, and smoky elegance makes it a standout choice for cooler days and introspective moments. Whether you wear it to captivate others or simply as a reflection of your complex self, Outcast Blue ensures you leave a lasting impression. It is not just a perfume; it is a statement.

Nice dry warm woody amber greeting me like the hug of an old friend. The aromatic smell of warm books and first editions, just like the smell of a library, the tobacco, earthy/woody and vanilla nuances mixing with the labdanum and amber. I get a slight dry tangerine feel, hints of pineapple, some incense and a slight smokiness. Quite wearable though some will find this better as a room scent. Satisfying with a manly edge, possibly a fragrance for an intellectual type that loves the smell of old books and wants a cologne which fits that description. I could also see one of the guys in Mad Men wearing this, as it has a bit of that classic edge to it. As an amber dominant scent there are more interesting things I’d rather look into over this though, for example some of the DS & Durga line. I got a different note breakdown than outlined here, but I’ll give it some further wearings and update this review accordingly.

If Oud for Greatness and Ganymede had a baby, it would be Outcast Blue. Based on previous reviews this fragrance has been interpreted through many noses with varying opinions, some I would personally view as misunderstanding this fragrance. Does it remind you of OFG?...yes, but the oakmoss gives a light aquatic impression and the saffron brings in the sophistication of Ganymede. This is a lighter, less sweet version of OFG, with blushes of the ocean, that's not nuclear and overwhelming. It can be an everday/signature scent that exudes class and a pleasant aura.

Opened as a fougère, but within 10-15 seconds, showed itself to be a dupe of Oud for Greatness. At first, it has a little less sweetness, but I do begin to pick up on that as you give it another 10 or so minutes so it's a very accurate dupe, likely in the 90% range. Sillage is weaker than Oud for Greatness, longevity is also less (around 8-10 hours on this). But there's no value proposition here - this is 100ml for €260, OFG even after the two price hikes is still 90ml for €295.

Very good fragrance that could have been less interesting if not for the way it develops. It starts with a punch of safron and cedarwood that makes it lean masculine and sharp. It softens at the dry down to a creamy and sweet tobacco with a more chocolaty patchouli. A little dark peaks through but I guess the it is the Lily-of-the-Valley that keeps it a little lighter. I see this on a sophisticated man or a powerful woman alike. I would reserve it to the cooler days.

this is elegant and mature, no oud listed but it does have that oud smokiness to it, prob from the oak moss and tobacco. spicy and smooth, this is a well put together fragrance. you gotta be a certain person to pull this off daily I could see this being signature scent worthy for some people. i personally wouldn’t wear this often, maybe special occasions. 8.6/10

Very aromatic and woody, moss, saffron, vetiver galore. I also perceive something like cypriol ...something like oud... Not my favorite kind of scent but this likely can be nice on a man. A sample is enough.

This is a masculine fragrance to my nose. A generic male woody scent that you will smell a lot from the male body care isle in any supermarket. I dont hate it, just not what I was looking for.

This has nothing to do with Oud for greatness!! Lovely saffron freshie.

Dry down smells like petrol or diesel