Pur Oud

This is an astonishingly great fragrance, but before going any farther, I better address the elephant in the room. The elephant: right up front, the price asked for this product, even considering the limited 2000 bottle production and the 10% oud content, is exceptionally high. True. Acknowledged. At this price point, cost necessarily colors all judgments about this fragrance. The room: beautiful, breathtakingly sublime oud from Assam revealing all of the celebrated facets of oud as the scent warms on your skin--woody, medicinal, camphorous, animalic, fecal and spicy. There is nothing rough or harsh in this fragrance. There is some petrol, barnyard and skank, but it never gets out of hand because this oud is well chosen, beautifully blended and carefully controlled. Underneath the amazing oud is a shimmering, slightly metallic musk that smooths, brightens and extends the duration of the oud facet and that elevates this fragrance to the highest level. As I write this review, I am at a birthday celebration for one of my brothers-in-law and there is exceptionally high quality oud smoking on a Japanese, mica plate burner at the end of the couch on which I am sitting. This unique experience--wearing Pur Oud in a room where actual premium quality oud wood is releasing its deep, complex smoke--reveals the truly amazing and transparent exposition of the smell of oud that this scent presents to the wearer. Verdict considering the elephant in the room: probably worth it for connoisseurs of real oud only. Not for folks who buy luxury goods to show off (there are better choices for lovers of flash, flex & bling--almost no one will recognize this fragrance as you wear it and you are hardly likely to walk around a club carrying the bottle label side out). In a market where scarcity coupled with high demand have driven the price of tiny chips of good oud wood sky high, even the price of this concentrated oud fragrance is understandable, if still high. Like a great, rare, bottle of a a superior vintage wine, Pur Oud is a delightful indulgence for folks with the knowledge and experience to savor and appreciate the oud on display here, especially in the context provided by this knowledge and experience. For anyone else, there are surely better ways to spend your cash. In my case, this bottle was a gift from an overly generous relative and I happen to have a pretty considerable experience of oud to draw on as I savor this scent. Unsurprisingly, then, I absolutely adore Pur Oud. Pur Oud is a triumph for Louis Vuitton; a very, very pricey triumph.

Been wearing this for a good 2 months and I can certainly say that this is my best buy ever since I started wearing fragrance. While I’m not exactly a fan of LV, I’m very thankful for the brand to allow Jacques Cavallier to make such a discerningly bold move. The line got me hooked in with Nuit De Feu in 2020, I took it as a very promising signal towards a step-up from Ombre Nomade or Les Sables Roses, and was very hopeful for the 2021 edition. When I received the news on Pur Oud (which was btw very under the radar), I was totally mind-blown. It was a perfect launch for me from the abstract to the formula, to the preservation of the raw material’s integrity, and to the actual execution of the launch - a very well done job! Now I’m having a very high expectation for 2022. And I hope LVMH will make refill available for this one too :) — Regarding the scent, Pur Oud lives up to its name - raw yet very refined oud: balanced, realistic, minimalistic yet nuanced. The opening is pretty animalistic and provocative, which then dries down very gracefully into agarwood in its most desirable form. I prefer wearing it alone underneath my garments as I enjoy the lowkey intimate sillage. It lasts till the next day.

Back for an update after having this bottle for over 2 years! It's still my favorite, and also my signature. I wear it almost every week and surprisingly, I've still got half a bottle left! I used to find the opening a little skanky when I first bought it but nowadays I don’t get that dirty aspect anymore, perhaps my nose has grown to love it, or because of the maceration... I only use 2 sprays max each time – it's got really great staying power and nice intimate projection. This is legit the only scent that actually brings me peace whenever I get stressed out! Oh and I’ve heard about layering it but honestly I prefer wearing it alone as i really enjoy the simplicity of it! People may hate on it, but I don't really care, as long as they don’t discontinue it (LV has a history of discontinuing frags that don’t sell!!)... I'm just hoping I can still do a refill when this bottle runs out.

I must express my deep disappointment with some of the recent comments, which seem to overlook the very essence of this fragrance. This is a pure oud, and its price reflects the exceptional quality and refinement of the raw material , not a typical designer-style composition. It is intentionally crafted for layering, as clearly stated in the collection’s concept: “The Art of Layering.” I personally own "Pur Santal" and "Pur Ambre"as well, and I’ve been layering them to create some truly breathtaking, gatekeep-worthy fragrance combinations. This line isn’t about instant mass appeal — it’s about artistry, nuance, and olfactory craftsmanship for those who appreciate fine perfumery.

Gleefully price grabbing novelty created for the Middle Eastern market by one of my favorite noses Jacques Cavallier. Ten percent of this scent is pure Assam Oud oil. To this is added two synthetic Ferminich molecules which produce very exaggerated visions of musk and amber. The result is a show stopping woody extravagance that must be worn to be believed. Lasting on skin and clothes for over a day and if sprayed generously enough to fill rooms with its smell. Not for everyone, and at a price and limitation that few can afford. Enjoy!