Fantastic Oud

What can I say about this that will bring it justice. It just sends me! It's my favorite oud in my collection so far. Very straight forward. I was up to my ears in sampling Montales and Manceras and especially the ouds in my favorite perfumeria in Spain. This stuck out from all of them and hit me in such a way I immediately bought it. This helped me understand what I love about oud. The supporting role the other notes play for the oud are the best here. Of course this fragrance is beast mode and linear. I sprayed 4 sprays on the first night I wore it out and I knew I was choking the girls out, I felt bad especially in the elevator. This is one of those scents that is so good to me I don't care what anyone thinks. The oud is so pure, so front and center, and strong that I can really reflect on it as a note. Oud transcends seasons, gender, occasions, preconceived notions, and associations for me. It's so enthralling, simple yet complex and new to me. I’ve sampled and own other ouds that are more complex and refined. I'm learning more about oud as a notes especially high end ouds...But still this scent still will always have me like no other.

I’m pretty much addicted to the Montale DNA and they have been my entryway into the niche world, so it’s no surprise I continue trying and reviewing their offerings. Whether or not you’re into the distinct scent profiles featured in this house, the quality with which they are blended and their amazing longevity and projection must be appreciated. The initial blast is a challenge; stark woods/mossy oud, yet with a strong soapy quality about it that reminds me very much of a damp forest. As it settles on skin, the dry tobacco and patchouli come through, silencing the high level of contrast in the opening. Rose and styrax are the supporting cast, while the combination of ambergris and leather add another layer of dimension; they add a sparkling quality to the fragrance. The leather and incense are smooth and not overly animalic and add a sensual touch. Unisex scent leaning masculine. I would not categorize this as a blue fragrance (it is not marine despite the ambergris, nor light or airy as it features prominent smoke and spice accords), but I do associate this scent with a very deep satiny royal blue. Another hit from this house.

It has really grown on me over 1 year. There are 3 main notes in this: oud (the kind that is easy and pleasant, not barnyard), leather and honey. The sweetness is more honey-like than tobacco to my nose, but is probably coming from the tobacco. It is not a sweet scent overall, but the underlying sweetness makes the other notes more interesting and alive. I can smell this almost all day long with almost every breathe while wearing, especially in the first 5 hours - truly a pleasure to wear. There is a rose note in the background as well but it is not dominant and does not detract from the masculinity of the scent. As for those who say this is boring, I could not disagree more. I love it and would purchase again. This is somewhat like Montale Arabians in its oud and leather notes but with added sweetness. Proverbs 27:9

This has a soft Oud, not the challenging type. I think it's not the best from Montale, but this one you can use as a signature scent if you like Middle-Eastern Oud of the softer variety. Everything about this one is moderate; its performance, the impression it makes, and how memorable it is to you, but not to those who are around you who can tell you are wearing something different. I think you can easily pull this one off all year round and at all times, it will not choke anyone by it's overwhelming projection. Oh and it is definitely a male fragrance. Fantastic Oud doesn't compare to the other Montale standouts like Honey Aoud, or Arabian's Tonka in terms of creativeness or performance, but it's not a bad one at all.

plain and simply - this is a top notch scent. It clearly has the montale style bones, but with an increase in mass appeal. It’s spicy, peppery oud - but has depth. Feels resinous - almost ambery, but not sweet. It jumps off your skin and really changes over time. Compliments occur. The girlfriend thinks it’s one of the best she has smelled - and I agree with her. It’s a perfect balance: montale blood with mainstream personality. Signature worthy daily driver. Top notch. 7/10