Hermessence Oud Alezan

Oud Alezan demonstrates to the rest of the market what a western Rose-oud combo should be. Most rose ouds are sadly a weird and unbearable mix of heavy synths that satisfy the common misconceptions that performance = price and smells foreign= luxurious. Instead Christine Nagel has chosen to focus on creating a scent where the notes work in unison instead of having a screaming match with each other. The rose note is well done and the use of rose water gives it a layer delicacy that is rare in this genre while the oud is just the right balance of animalic and dry woody. Thankfully there is very little if any of that fake unconvincing arabian vibe that so many western brands try to put in their ouds in an attempt to be exotic. Overall probably one of the best western rose ouds out there along side Nicolais Rose Oud

Christine Nagel never fails to leave a trace in the history of artistic perfumery of the Hermès maison. His personal inspiration “The impression of immersing oneself in a very intimate and sensual subject revived in me the disturbing memory of a chestnut horse and the smell of its neck. In fact, Hermessence Oud Alezan embodies the magic of great cornerstones of Middle Eastern perfumery: the Damascus rose, rose water and Agarwood (Oud) which enveloping and contrasting duets in a magical olfactory triumph. Rich, sumptuous fragrance, which opens on almost balsamic notes of very refined and precious oud immersed in echoing notes of rose of the highest caliber. Warm, inebriating and sensual fragrance, the olfactory sillage is refined and present. For me pure love

Oud rose perfume. You know what it smells like, it isn't going to surprise you. By the deep dry down this is all sweet roses. If you compare this with the goat of oud rose frags (ombre nomad) this is a much lighter, sweeter scent that's in the same ballpark. Honestly I prefer it, LV ON is too much for me. I actually like that this one doesn't last till the heat death of the universe. You get about 2 hours of oud/rose projection and then a much closer sweet rose. My least favourite thing about this is that during the opening I get a strange damp wood / damp garage note. Projection: 7/10 Longevity: 6/10 Quality: 8/10

So short notes breakdown, so powerfull and captivating. I tested it today and fell in love. On the test strips the rose is strong and dominant while on the skin (mine at least) it kinda steps back and the oud kicks in. It is not the kind of oud most ppl don't like. It's opulent, it's sexy and definitely unlike other rose oud accords. Very expensive but I see why this price tag is so steep although part of it is of course down to the name.

At this point people should realize that oud/rose isn't going anywhere. Instead, think of it as another category (i.e. white floral, leather, aquatic, rose-oud). This one is really nice, but not long lasting, I don't mind it though because the opening is so delicious, so you can spray again later on and it can be worn in warm weather. Perfect combo of the two ingredients; the rose is truly floral/botanical, must be the rose water.