Orange Aoud

No orange in the beginning. That comes later. In the beginning, however, all I get is suede and saffron. Lots of suede. This is what I wanted Keiko Mecheri's Cuir Cordoba and Tom Ford's White Suede to be. The Mecheri was nauseatingly, even suffocatingly sweet, and the TF was too dainty and faint. Aoud Orange is less refined than either of those. It's rougher and simpler, maybe even a bit clumsy. But I like it. Mercifully, it only gestures toward sweet, never committing to it. This is surprisingly restrained for a Montale, enjoyably so. It conjures an image of someone who wakes up on the floor in the waning hours of a fancy party, dusts himself/herself off with an air of calm, and confidently exits the room as if nothing undignified has happened. And it kind of smells like that person at that party -- dusty, from the floor, and suede-y and slightly boozy, like a long dried Campari-and-orange spilled on a brushed suede jacket. The bergamot kicks in after around 45 minutes and balances very nicely with the dusty leather. This may go on my buy list. update: Bought it. Really like it.

I thought the name was misleading since I was expecting a blast of citrus-fruity orange, but it wasn't--it was much better! I smell incense (though not listed) along with the leather, but not the dark kind, instead very bright and cheerful; it's not too sweet and not too warm, yet contains both. This is one of my favorite ouds from Montale along with Aoud Damascus & Spicy Aoud! *The "orange" here must be the aura (as shown in the ad with orange colored smoke and crystals)--like White/Red/Black Aoud--as opposed to the fruit.

Oh my this is sexy! I don't normally reach for fragrances that are more leather forward, but the composition is amazing! The saffron in the top notes blends perfectly with the violet and patchouli, the oakmoss adds earthiness and the leather is so smooth. The rose and musk add a softer, sexy note and I am just in love with this one. Projection and longevity are outstanding as to be expected with Montale. Full bottle worthy and 9/10 ❤😍

I love love love this perfume. It’s definitely unisex. It reminds me of one of my Dad’s perfumes of the 90s but sadly don’t know which one. It also reminds me of one of my schoolmates who always smells good. I get cinnamon note in it. It also reminds me of waking up really early in winter and drinking my favorite beverage, freshly squeezed orange juice after shower with oud wood burning in the house.

Just received a sample from Montale. Very pleasent oud. Like others I mostly get a lovely combination of rose, violet and leather. When I ordered perfumes from Montale I looked past ALL the oud perfumes. I have had not so good experiences with those. Most of them smell like old fashioned window cleaners on me. But certainly not this one. I can see myself buying a full size bottle.