Velvet Rose & Oud Rich Extrait

I have a somewhat lukewarm relationship with Jo Malone due to poor performance, although this, now discontinued, Rich Extrait line, is stellar for me. Mega-powerful stuff for all titles. Now, on to the specifics of this amped-up Velvet Rose& Oud, which for me is ten steps up from the regular, original formula (much darker, more interesting, a lyrical, sophisticated oud): I blind-bought this, having found it at a discount. I should have bought more bottles, I am *kicking* myself now. It opens with a blooming, jammy rose. I am not the biggest fan of the note, but I do adore it when it's paired with Oud (hence the blind buy). I waited for the oud to appear and I was disappointed when it stubbornly stayed pure rose. I went on with my day. Meh, another one I'll pass on to my mother, I thought. After 20 minutes, it hit me like a tornado. This divine Oud Siren filled the room. She is centre-stage and prances on the rose petals, that are now on the ground. It is strong but never crude, equally sweet and fougere. For me, it is smack in the middle of unisex, although my husband thinks it leans feminine. On him, this smells very differently than on me. On him, it's sharper with very clear pepper notes as well as citrus (bergamot), which do not appear on me at all. Absolutely recommended, although definitely not for its original retail price. Now that it's discontinued and reduced? Run, don't walk.

So. Good. I first came in through the cologne intense. Loved the scent profile. Then I found this. This is stronger. The extrait concentration makes it slightly more dense than the cologne, which is a little brighter initially. That said, this stuff is magic. At like the 4 hour mark it will smell like you just sprayed it. It opens up more and more. It has a smooth blend, very clean, and I would wear this in any season. It is a full rose with the green stem surrounded by a fog of subtly nutty-sweet praline. To my nose, I don't really get a distinguishable wood note. The praline accord, and the scent in general, shines in the blending. What a blend. I don't detect oud. The rose is rich but also a bit airy. The scent has a mild, nutty sweetness, and there is a green component that blends in with that nuttiness. If you have smelled the cologne intense, this is very similar profile, a touch darker/weightier. All in all, this is up there with my favorite rose scent profiles I've ever smelled. Its not beat, only tied with as a different and equally pleasing scent profile. Its magic in a bottle for me, and I feel so fortunate to have a bottle. Anyone know if the Rose is real?

When i bought this, The velvet rose graced its presence right away. but the moment it dried down, you start to embrace the ooooooud... which is lovely, and elegant. It does kind of lean towards being feminine, but the oud keeps it unisex. I'd put this one in the family with Bond number 9 Hamptons or Louis V Turbulences. My only issue with this one is that about an hour or two in, I become nose blind to it just like most Jo Malone fragrances. It's there, but it takes someone else to certify it. Compliments? YES, Amazing scent? of course, Long lasting? EH... But definitely worth adding to your collection. 7/10

This is so much better than the cologne. The cologne just wasnt strong enough for me. Where as the rich extract is so beautiful and vivid. One pump is enough to feel its presence, the extract is more rosey and more aoudy than the cologne. Its perfect. After Rose d'Arabie, this is what I will buy next but at duty free lol.

This is noticably more oudy than the original with the praline slightly toned down; it also has a very faint resemblance to Rose Nacree du Desert from Guerlain.

Rose and oud using high quality ingredients this must be truly magnificent cannot wait to sample this beauty.

We need a helpful review here!! Plz if anybody has tried it, give us your feedback!