Oud Indochine

Maxim Bortnikov loves his Southeast Asian oud. He uses it whenever he can, and, thus far, he displays nothing less than a very keen and unique understanding of how it smells and how to handle it. This said though, Oud Indochine is going to smell extremely familiar to those well-acquainted with the brand's offerings, and then, perhaps, seem a bit repetitive. The oud of Indochine is the exact same one we received in L'Oud Marin for example, however the marine notes are subtracted from Indochine and the chocolate turned down a bit. Additionally, the oud of Indochine has received some gorgeous adornments that when the whole of the perfume is taken-in those adornments aren't readily obvious by comparison, tempting the thought that Bortnikov simply shoved his beloved material into a bottle, gave it a name, and sold it as a fully fledged composition; those little things never distract from the "this is oud, full stop" presentation. However, with close study one realizes just how much time and attention to detail Bortnikov has put into the oud he has reused a few times. That identifiable dedication feels like a labor of love. For all of oud's pushier and difficult elements, I smell love here more than anything else. This theme runs from the top to the bottom of Oud Indochine. The opening is striking and almost blinding in its intensity, but the saffron is exceptional, giving the oud even greater weight and a sense of luxury, and the vanilla is parched and oily but yet adds a gently sweet and nestling quality to the otherwise in-your-face opening. Continue the theme into the resinous heart, chock full of floral and woody labdanum, as incense smoke wafts and caresses to say this is sacred, this is divine. The tasteful sweetness continues with a honey-floral beeswax note that is a warming and golden glow that will make you want to snuggle this character harder and longer. A much-tempered version of the chocolate note of L'Oud Marin begins making its way upwards to help the pleasant sweetness hold, for more luxury and decadence, like handing your someone a Valentine. I'm playing-up the sweeter, snuggly, and compelling finery of the composition but make no mistake that this is still an oud perfume. The striking opening is a convincing stand-in for oud's challenging medicinal-fruity facets; Oud Indochine is quite smoky throughout its life; it brims with plenty of earthiness bordering animalic; the wood is deep, dark, oily, resinous, very serious and seriously prim and regal. This isn't a light-hearted personality, by any means. This isn't an oud perfume for people on-the-fence with oud; as a labor of love for his oud material, this also means that Bortnikov lets the oud be its fully fledged self, beauty and warts and all. I'm quite taken with Oud Indochine. Love, indeed. It puts tiny little butterflies in my stomach and a small smile across my face. Why then am I not sold on a full bottle.... I'm not sure. Yet. It will probably happen. I am surely going to want to revisit this again at some point in the future - probably out of the blue, when some little voice in the back of my head says "mmm, Oud Indochine." Some of this is also just personal preference. I'm not part of the massively growing cult of oudists taking over modern perfumery. As a genre it doesn't make it towards the top of my personal taste preference list. For me then maybe Oud Indochine is less of a loving long-term relationship and more like an affectionate on-again-off-again fling that sort of never ends. It certainly will not be leaving my memory any time soon, that's for sure.

Oud Indochine from Maksim Perfume is masterpiece that will exceed my ability to use words to describe its journey It takes us across many lands via many precious notes that unfold magically over many hours. This experience is not a simple tale to tell. While the experience of moments with Oud Indochine have the linguistic equivalence of a Romantic Ode it also has some epic ambitions in terms of narrative paths that lead to a spiritual journey. It is poetic, mysterious, referential and self-referential, dark, beautiful, playful, delicious, sticky and sublime. It echoes some past creations while also charting its own course in new waters. How can a fragrance accomplish all this? If I knew the answer I would be creating fragrances myself, but I am just a traveler who has set forth and come back from my journeys with this scent over the last two weeks I have owned it. Each time I wear it I discover something new and my admiration grows for the subtlety of its blending. When I put it on before going out for the day, I can know that the scent will still be with me when I walk back in even if hours have passed. In fact, when I walk back in it is as if I am in a sacred space since I can still smell Oud Indochine, but it as expanded and become a gentle mix that is refreshing and almost a bit green. That is saying something since Oud is the big note in this fragrance, yet it changes in ways that I have rarely perceived in any fragrance I am familiar with Oud Indochine is aware of itself as a fragrance. Another way of saying this is that it invokes some of the perfumer’s previous fragrances while also being exceptionally unique. It is also a shape shifter that takes hours to enjoy as it unfolds itself with a long list of notes that are rare and blended to near perfection. There are 15 listed notes for this fragrance 3 of which are Ouds. I love Oud and I must say the blend of rare Ouds here makes this one special for any Oud lover out there. I think there must be well over 1000 Oud fragrances on the market by this point, butthis one needs to be tried to for those looking for something original but also traditional—no easy task for any fragrance. Part of what makes Oud Indochine original is how it takes somewhat a common note like vanilla and lets it interact with Dark Chocolate, Birch Tar Myrrh Beeswax (to name a few) so that what we end up which is a kind of oxymoron: darkly light and lightly dark. The initial few moments basks in its saffron and vanilla and cardamom but the incense and Oud are there but do not overwhelm. This one is not trying to be a beast. It is a refined angelic rather than trying to invoke dark arts. What this means for me is that I feel I can wear it day or night and in throughout the year. Its silage is moderate to strong and it has excellent longevity. I should also mention that the fragrance comes in a beautiful bottle with a wonderful box and a card listing the notes. Nothing has been left to chance with this one. I congratulate Rajesh Balkrishnan and Maksim Bortnikoff on teaming together to create this fragrance which I hope will be nominated for awards this year.

#sotd Oud Indochine by Maksim Perfumes - The Aromatic Alchemist Oud Indochine, crafted by the young and talented Maksim, is a fragrance that will genuinely leave you enchanted – I'm not kidding! As someone who's long admired Dmitry's work, I was excited to dive into Maksim's creation, especially given his collaboration with the renowned Dr. Rajesh Balakrishnan, whose expertise I deeply respect. Thankfully, my high expectations were exceeded. The journey begins with a striking blend of cardamom and saffron, evoking a sense of mystique and strength. The spices are elegant yet bold, making a statement. But just as you're absorbing the initial impact, vanilla swoops in, softening the edges and adding a touch of sweetness to an spicy opening. This introduction is merely a precursor to the magic that unfolds. As the fragrance evolves, the warmth of frankincense emerges, mingling with the rich, resinous labdanum and earthy dampness of myrrh. Beeswax brings a subtle honeyed nuance (a masterstroke), while guaiacwood introduces a woody character which is not only smokey but gives a hint of raw tobacco (which isn't listed). This complex dance of notes creates a truly unique and sensual experience. When Oud Indochine reaches its dry down, the oud really takes over – and it's absolute heaven! The blend of Kinam, Thai, and Hindi oud, wrapped in rich cocoa, is ridiculously addictive. You'll find yourself lost in the scent, wanting more. This fragrance would surely be appreciated by oud enthusiasts and fragrance connoisseurs alike. What truly impresses me is how Oud Indochine continuously unfolds, revealing new facets that cater to diverse tastes. Whether you crave gourmand, oud, spices, or smoky notes, this fragrance has something for everyone. Its remarkable versatility and complexity make it a standout. Plus, its monstrous projection and longevity – 10+ hours on skin and days on clothes – left me stunned. IG-loveforfragrance

At this point, if Rajesh Balkrishnan is involved in a perfume, I will make it a priority to get my nose on it (and I suspect I’m not alone in this thinking). From sought-after grails like Aranyaka and Keman to more recent, but no less distinctive offerings like ARC and REA, Raj has a bit of a Midas touch when it comes to partnering with perfumers who are very talented in their own right, honing in on what they do best, and creating enchanting one-offs with them that go on to become some of each house’s most revered offerings. Oud Indochine finds the Virginia-based perfumer working with Maksim Bortnikoff, son and apprentice of well-known perfumer Dmitry Bortnikoff. It’s a complex, oud-centric perfume with a beautifully nuanced top, evocative heart, and delectably gourmand-leaning base. Upfront, I'm greeted with an articulate blast of the listed top notes: spicy, mysterious cardamom; warm, honeyed, ineffable saffron; cozy and indulgent vanilla. Shifting into the mid, I get a striking interplay between frankincense, guaiac wood, and myrrh that brings to mind aspects of TCM and temple incense, as well as a unique and addictive balsamic/caramelized note. Really quite a lovely heart here – outstanding blending. Various facets of oud are, of course, present throughout the full wear, but the monolith that is agarwood really blooms in the base. I find some overlap with ALD Russian Oud in the dry down, though with a more restrained chocolate/cacao character. I think perhaps the sticky cocoa sweetness is offset by the grounding rustic/leather character of birch tar. Oud Indochine is a bold and engaging wear, and a worthy entry in the fast-growing Balkrishnan oeuvre. Importantly for me, I don’t find it redundant with other ostensibly similar perfumes in my collection – the uniqueness of the top/heart and the quality of the blending overall renders such a concern moot. Review from a graciously provided sample.

Maksim Perfume Review by Goran @perfume_and_style_addict Oud Indochine by Maksim Perfume Oud Indochine by Maksim Perfume is a journey through time and scent this creation is Pure and Perfect. Oud Indochine by Maksim Perfume is a refined fragrance that captivates the senses with its masterful blend of exotic ingredients. The fragrance is crafted by the gifted perfumer Maksim Bortnikov in collaboration with Rajesh Balkrishnan. The extrait de parfum with a high concentration of 25-30% delivers a rich and long lasting fragrance experience that pays homage to the opulent voyages of the 19th century French Indochina trade routes. Oud Indochine opens with a luxurious burst of saffron, cardamom and a hint of vanilla. These top notes create a warm and inviting aura reminiscent of the spices that were traded throughout Asia. As the scent unfolds the heart reveals a complex blend of frankincense, beeswax and myrrh layered with the smoky richness of guaiac wood and labdanum. The middle notes create a smoky, resinous and almost syrupy depth that perfectly balances sweetness and warmth. The dry down is incredibly beautiful and magnificent. The base is an intoxicating blend of Indian, Thai and agarwood oud. These 3 Ouds are interwoven with ambergris and a surprising dark chocolate sweetness. This beautiful gourmand nuance is combined with earthy birch tar and cocoa pod. The scent lingers on the skin and leaves a lasting impression that is both mysterious and refined. Oud Indochine is a tribute to the timeless elegance of Eastern and Western cultures seamlessly blended to create a unique, complex and beautifully balanced scent. Ideal for the true perfume connoisseur this fragrance is a celebration of high quality and honest ingredients that evoke an atmosphere of nostalgia and adventure. @maksimperfume @maksimbortnikoff

Oud Indochine Maksim Perfume (First Impression from 4 sprays of my 9 ml. falcon, December 23, 2025). Perhaps, my real question for a while is, what the deal with Oud? Is it richness of Arabian material or the cultural legacy passing over. In Perfumery language, Oud might be only ingredient that openly adopt. By traditional western style perfumery, I would personally call it Florental. Combination of this, I was dig deep in this. Oud Indochine change my perspective that of Oud. Is really a very sweet and gentle oud side of perfumery. It is rendered like an easy spectrum of natural perfume. Lately I am not really dawn to beautiful scent that heavily enhance. By aroma chemical. I mean engineer perfume. I enjoy real oud scent in private as it convey stronger message of grounding. Oud Indochine, while it is very balsamicly sweet. The Oud side co-exisited soundly. The dark, smoky tone of Oud with soft benyard effect, standing as pillar, to hold. Honey, Saffron and Soft Floral - almost like Ylang-Ylang and Soft rose. Mingle. Quitely, beside the middle of place, Oud. And it is, very coexisting environment. I think softly of Xerjoff Aurum and perhaps tint of Oud Satin Mood. (well at this point, Artisan lover might indigestible face). Actually, the powdery feel and sweetness remind me of both Oud Satin Mood. and Rahat Loukoum, something like that. But.. perhaps above statement may not justify the quality of beeswax. And decay natural OudWood under, natural page, still sweet still perfumery. Perhaps, giving Benjoin Boheme. vibe, the water with nice smell. Fun in Sanity. === Extension 1 10:51 on next day : the first ride was and fun, the thickening beeswax integrate to decay of oud. easy, powdery and sweet. well that kind of innocence, why don't I fall in love with.

Gorgeous spiced, aromatic oud scent that will be sure to please fans of both Bortnikov and Balkrishnan. The oud is front and center, but it is seemlessly integrated with the rest of the ingredients and doesn't register as overpowering. This is a very smooth, balanced, and wearable experience that places its central ingredient right on the edge of gourmand territory without tipping over into full-on food-centric indulgence. This gourmand aspect seems due mostly to the ever-present chocolate note in the composition that provides a sense of familiarity among the rest of the exotic ingredients used here. There’s also a subtle aromatic lightness at play here that I wouldn’t have expected from the note breakdown, but which I assume might be attributed to the interplay of the ambergris, cardamom, and frankincense. Something that struck me as soon as I smelled this was that I get a similar pleasant vibe from Oud Indochine that I get from L’Heure Exquise, an offering by Dmitry Bortnikoff (not to be confused with this scent's co-creator, Maxim Bortnikov). The fragrances each employ an oud note, ambergris, myrhh, cardamom, and cacao, and I’m not a hundred percent sure how this works, but somehow those notes together register in my brain as “high quality chewing gum.” I want to stress that this is in no way a negative observation– the result is stunning in both contexts. But, if you enjoy that aspect of L’Heure Exquise and are interested in a fragrance that takes the general vibe in a bit of a new direction, this might be just the thing you’ve been looking for. Recommended for lovers of oud who are looking for a unique and wearable take on the ingredient.

Good Lord this is strong and oh so good. Going through the Maksim discovery set in order and this is the first taste of real, untamed oud. The opening is almost gourmand in nature, strong oud surrounded by extremely bitter chocolate, beeswax and myrrh. Smelling this up close on skin during the opening minutes is so addictive, the blend of those four notes is done so well it's almost like alchemy, it's unbelievably good. Despite how good these notes are, the oud is the center of attention here. Forget Royal Barn, forget any other oud fragrance you might think smells like a barnyard, this is *the* barnyard, down to the stuffy thickness of the air, the stale wood, hay and perhaps touches of dry feces. There's a small farm area at my local zoo where you can see horses, goats and donkeys up close, and as you might imagine you can smell this area from a distance, especially when it's windy. As a kid I didn't like going there because of the smell, but as it turns out I grew up to enjoy wearing a fragrance that smells identical to the stench of that mini farm. This will inevitably be "too much" for a lot of people, but if you're into oud you definitely need to try this. There's still a few more Maksims I'm looking forward to trying but so far I can say this is my favorite of the house. I said I'd stop commenting on these fragrances' performance but this puts Cafe Mystique, Amber Balsam, Cologne d'Agar and Musk Couture to shame, this is very potent and will make itself known to everyone in a radius of several feet. The bottle having a pressurized atomizer is just overkill.

Better than any Bortnikoff that has been released in the last few years, yes; even Better than Russian Oud 2. Oud Indochine by Maksim Perfumes and Rajesh Balkrishnan A beautiful “choco oud” what makes it stand out to me is the beautiful mix of spice and resins. Cardamom is green and cooling plus the piney frankincense it just gives it a lot of lift and appeal, adding a nice contrast with the other heavier, oriental notes. The sweet resinous and uplifting combo of Myrrh, Labdanum and a beeswax touch are always present making everything feel smoother and weighty, but it’s never too much, very balanced. Finally, the oud is always present from top to bottom.. Is clean, woody and and a bit spiky, I don’t think the oud itself has kinamic qualities, but the other elements on the composition try to mimic some aspects of that style with the cooling spices and fresh resins. All of the mentioned elements here are always sprinkled with a generous dose of dusty dry cacao with almost some coffee like nuances, ( probably the birch tar mixing with the cacao creates that coffee accord) and the end result is just what I really like in this composition.. warmth and light. We don’t have mind blowing ingredients here, but everything is blended with a ton of care and expertise, and the end result is just so good! Stands out from others in this style, has it’s flow and unique factor... it’s not too dark, not too resinous, not too Smokey, you get it a this point, balanced with the oud factor always present.

Below is my thought Initial Impression: Creamy oud with a soft barnyard nuance — gentle and slightly sweet, blending with creamy, floral, amber-spicy, and a hint of fresh balsamic undertones. There's a touch of smokiness in the background. After a short while, the barnyard note becomes more prominent, but it still feels soft and smooth. The creamy woody oud intensifies, and the balsamic aspect becomes more noticeable as well. Floral and amber notes linger as a base, with a faint trace of animalic nuances in the drydown. There's also a subtle "full-bodied" undertone adding depth. 22 minutes in: Creamy, slightly sweet oud leads the scent now, followed by a mild barnyard oud nuance. A sharp, spicy note reminiscent of hot pepper and black pepper kicks in, alongside dusty earthy ash, amber, and creamy floral elements — overall leaning into a drier tone. 43 minutes in: Soft, warm spicy oud emerges — powdery, creamy dry notes with a hint of pepper. The floral-ambery-sweet mix continues underneath. The peppery spice becomes more noticeable here. 1 hour 12 minutes: Sweet creamy oud blends with hot spices, musk, floral tones, and a trace of incense-like ash. Smoky amber rounds out the drydown. --- Personal Notes: I remember it smelled different on skin. The creamy oud has a soft character — the initial barnyard hint is present but smooth and easy on the nose. During the settling phase, the scent leans more toward amber and spicy tones.

This is a dark chocolate bomb out of the gate. There is zero barnyard/animalic scent at all. I get a tobacco note that is sweetened by honey. Its obvious that this is made with the highest quality ingredients available, and they are masterfully blended. This makes a great introduction into real oud if you are scared of barnyard accords. I am a huge fan of Cuban cigars and their trademark barnyard funk so I am a fan of animalic ouds, which usually smooth out in 10 minutes. Anyways... its really thick and I sprayed one spray on my wrist and it puddles so I dabbed my other wrist with it. Its sillage is much stronger than the few other ouds that I have tried and this smells fantastic in the air. After a couple of hours, the scent mellows out and it sits really close to the skin which is a bummer. I decided to do a little spray on my shirt. Its really strong, but you need to bring it up to your nose. It smells better than smelling my wrist. To be honest, I am a little bummed that it sits so close to the skin only 2 hours in. Im gonna have to remove a half point. The skin scent stuck around until I scrubbed it off in the shower and I assume that the shift that I sprayed will still smell until I wash it... 8.25/10

Fragrance Review: Maksim Fragrances Oud Indochine Maksim Fragrances' Oud Indochine has quickly become one of my absolute favorite fragrances. It opens with a prominent oud note that is both captivating and intense. However, it soon smooths out, revealing a rich blend of spices including beeswax, frankincense, and labdanum. The fragrance also offers subtle hints of cardamom, saffron, and vanilla, creating a well-balanced and very wearable scent. The longevity of Oud Indochine is impressive, lasting over 12 hours, with strong projection during the first few hours. This fragrance exudes sophistication, reminiscent of sitting in an opulent room in Asia, perhaps even in a temple. I give it a perfect 10 out of 10. It's important to note that the oud is quite strong and prominent at the beginning, so it's worth trying first to see if it suits your taste. As someone who loves oud fragrances, this is definitely my cup of tea. This is another amazing offering from Maksim. In summary, Oud Indochine is a sophisticated and well-crafted fragrance that offers a unique and memorable olfactory experience.

Oud Indochine is a captivating scent that defines its own unique allure. This dominant Oud fragrance reveals itself in multiple dimensions, each more intriguing than the last. . Upon the first spray, I was greeted by a deep, dark, and rich chocolate sweetness, intertwined with spicy cardamom and the fresh, bittersweet touch of saffron. As it evolves, smoky myrrh emerges, mingling with amber, which adds a subtle sweetness. Guaiacwood makes a brief but impactful appearance, adding a rough, earthy edge that quickly softens. . The magic truly begins as it dries down. All the exquisite natural ingredients settle into a rich base dominated by oud, presenting a variety of facets. The Thai oud stands out, but I also detected other animalistic oud notes that added complexity. Surprisingly, the dark chocolate sweetness from the top never fades away, seamlessly blending with a hint of vanilla that lingers in the background. . The result is a delectable, gourmand chocolate vibe enveloped by animalistic oud, spices, and a touch of smokiness, with just enough sweetness to round it off.

Every once in awhile a fragrance comes out and as soon as you try it you love it immediately and know that you just have to have it This is one of those fragrances. Veteran Rajesh Balkrishnan and Maksim Bortnikov, son and apprentice of Dimitry, have collaborated for a very impressive offering. Exotic spices and resins compliment an exquisite base of Hindi, Thai and Vietnamese Ouds, Cacao and Ambergris. It's refreshing to find an Oud containing fragrance devoid of florals for a change. It leans slightly masculine, but I feel that any fragrance can be worn by anyone. I especially like the lovely saffron in the opening. The addition of vanilla and chocolate give it a slightly gourmand flair. All of the ingredients are of a very high quality in this masterfully blended fragrance. I would classify this as a subtle beast. The longevity is out of this world and the projection and sillage are well above average. I say this because it can be strong without being loud. Very classy And it is extremely addictive. I'm really enjoying this one.

Hindi oud is quickly becoming one of my favorite materials. It is not very medicinal, fecal, or animalic like other oud varieties, but opens kind of sour and fruity and dries down smoky and leathery. I think Oud Indochine probably does the best in capturing what is possible with this material. The opening spicy notes in cardamom and saffron combine with the fruity facets of the oud beautifully, while depth is provided by the sweet beeswax and dry resins. The smooth chocolate base note cuts down the more intense smoky aspects of the oud and evens out the drydown. Like some of Maksim's other creations, this reminds me of a Bortnikoff fragrance, Oud Hindi. However, the issue I had with that fragrance, the harsh opening, has been very much tempered here. Whether it is the increased level of spicy notes or the vanilla top note that cuts down the barnyardy feel of the oud, I'm not sure, but it seems that every stage of this fragrance has been thoughtfully crafted and well-thought-out.

A beautiful oud perfume that deftly wields its menagerie of gourmand accords to create a profile that is smooth, elegant, and incense-like (and not too sweet). At the start there is the unmistakable kick of Thai oud, but its tartness is played against a rich dry chocolate accord to create a very handsome, opulent effect. The perfume moves away from the sharp opening to become a polished-smooth body of kinamic oud and clean incense, anchored by touches of vanillic amber, with (to my nose) the cardamom lending a beautiful aromatic brightness that keeps it feeling very modern. I'm not an oud expert and I don't think I can properly identify the key qualities of a Hindi Oud (which I believe is listed on their website as a component) so I won't speak to that note, but fans of Thai oud and Kinam will find a lot to appreciate here. A personal favorite of the house since first trying it last year - and I've enjoyed everything in Maksim's lineup so far.

Oud Indochine starts with a somber, wine-dark amber, and opens out into sooty woods. The oudh here is dark, smooth, full-bodied wood, with just a hint of sourness and a very dark chocolatey nuance. The texture is rich to the point of creamy, like soft kohl. It's surrounded by that dark, transparent amber, but the oudh is the main event, and it's stunningly beautiful. There's no animalic raunch here; this is a civilized oudh. There is a little bit of medicinal/band-aid note, and definitely an autumnal, smoky-damp fallen leaf smell. Half an hour in or so, the oudh is softer and more cocoa-y, and there are glints of dry incense and an airier feeling. The drydown is a lot of spicy myrrh, with only a faint lingering impression of cocoa-and-ashy oudh. The overall impression I get is of a serious man, an expert professional and connoiseur of fine things. You want to ask his advice and browse his library.

I have met Maksim personally during the Beautyworld. He took the time to explain about his 4 fragrances at that time. I was really fascinated when I tried them and even more hearing the dedication he puts in his craft. I found them very well balanced and natural smelling. He generously handed me a sample which I used for a few days as scent of the evening. I must say that it was the highlight of Beautyworld for me. One spray was enough to fill the bubble around me; while being very relaxing and comforting. The blending makes the Oud less barnyard (although I enjoy all types of Oud). Before I finished my sample, I ordered 3 bottles (Oud Indochine, Musk Couture and Cafe Mystique). A Maksim perfume is a must in all collections in my opinion!

A nice take on a spiced amber incense / Oud fragrance. Oud Indochine opens with a blast of spices and echos of fermented oud. Most notably, the cardamom and saffron blend in with the oud and cacao to create a very recognizable accord, which one may find in many of the early Bortnikoff (the father) releases. In the heart; the fragrance turns to resins. Frankincense and the resinous aspects of agarwood co2 take over. Incense junkies will love this phase. In the base, the quality of the Oud oils used here comes out. Equal parts fruity and incense laden, this is my favorite part of the fragrance. In all this is a well blended fragrance. If you like the notes, I think it’s worth sampling. Nothing groundbreaking, but it’s not trying to be.

It took me several wears to understand this one. At first I really struggled with the opening finding it rather ripe; it definitely hit the brief making me think of old wood in the cargo bay of a ship, saltwater soaked along with who knows what, carrying spices and resins. Now, while I still find the opening a bit challenging, I get more of the interplay of the saffron with fermented oud and a touch of a bitter almost sour cocoa (probably mixed with the guaiac) before it moves towards a beautiful slight vanilla incense tinged hindi oud drydown. The drydown is still my favorite part and the star of the fragrance, but the opening now provides a nice contrast to the latter part. Review from a complimentary sample