2. Nawab of Oudh Intensivo

This is the newest addition to my collection, and for a good reason—it has joined it. I remember a couple of months ago when my SA mentioned Nawab of Oudh while I was exploring the house of Ormonde Jayne. What she said while spraying a blotter for me back then was: "Keep it with you and see how much this fragrance evolves." After leaving the store, I really liked what I smelled on the paper, but couldn't recall the fragrance. It's like I couldn't even remember if I had smelled it before. Now I know why... After a few weeks, passing by the OJ display, I noticed NoO Intensivo and remembered what my SA had told me. This time, I made sure to test it on my skin and marked the blotter, so I knew exactly which fragrance it was. And yes, after some time, I knew for certain. It was this beauty that evolved so much, and each step of its evolution was everything I expected. I finally found this fragrance—the one that takes me on a sensory journey, experiencing so much, but not all at once. Just step by step. In perfect doses. I believe it's a HIDDEN GEM, and if you're into fragrance, you should definitely try it out. It's elegant, yet I consider it a perfect candidate for a signature scent. Talking about notes, as mentioned before, this one is a real chameleon. It starts off with citrusy notes—very light, comforting, and tea-like! Then, the juicy rose takes over, and it goes on until you get to smell vetiver and finally, the oud. It's a wonderful scent, and I would HIGHLY RECOMMEND trying it out when you get a chance.

Damn, this is good! On first spray, a bright splash of clean Aldehydes and citrus. The citrus whisps off within minutes to more floral head notes... Likely the Magnolia but definitely a fresh and slightly green dewy Rose. It was at this point I had pause to think maybe this is skewing a little too feminine, but after around half an hour or so, little nuances of warmth started to appear. The Pimento? Cinnamon? Labdanum? Whatever, this pulled the fragrance straight back down the unisex path and into beautiful wearability. As the fragrance reached its mid to base, a soft musky ambergris rounded the experience off nicely. So my overall thoughts? Nawab of Oudh Intensivo is an absolutely gorgeous creation. Airy, diffusive, refined yet it has presence and body. There is a point, just after the florals calm down a little, an hour into the wearing, that this smells like a close cousin of the original Chanel Egoiste (mentioned in a comment below) yet Nawab Intensivo feels way more fleshed out, refined and tweaked to the Nth degree. I'd suggest anyone give this a sample. It's not often one comes across a fragrance that feels so truly well crafted, so 'classy' without smelling old school, and where you actually feel like, for an expensive niche fragrance, you REALLY are getting what you paid for... So, so achingly good. Longevity is easily 8+ hours, projection moderate but a sillage to die for. My batch code is 4101220 - Jan 2022

It says 'oudh' in the title but it's actually for 'Awadh' in India which is where the nawab is from. The nawabs used to govern the Kingdom of Awadh under the Mughals but was later abolished by the British. ⭐Scent. Airy, watery rose. Warm cardamon. I did 5 sprays and wherever I'd walk, it would leave behind a strong sillage. It felt like walking in a fresh, green, rose garden with dew drops on the leaves of musambi trees after it had just rained in spring. On the corner, someone is making Kashmiri pink elaichi chai with tayz pata added to it. I am legit shocked by the contrast of cold and warm. It reminded me of that scene from Satyajit Ray's The Music Room, when all the nawabs are sitting listening to a performance of 'Mian ki Malhar' and there's thunder in the background: https://youtu.be/HsOApwYgzLo?si=u-aH5WxaHJcbhcFH The opening has this citric zestiness which stays on skin but not so prominent in air. It's an airy, 'watery' fragrance meaning that it's light, it's notes glide in the air without creating any discomfort. Very delicate. Elegant. Classy. Also, I feel the name 'nawab' can be misleading as it gives the assumption this is a masculine perfume. When in fact, it can easily be a signature scent for a woman. Nothing harsh, rugged or heavy.

🕌 Salah ad-Din “The Oud of Kings” It doesn’t arrive. It commands the room before stepping in. Opening with cardamom, rose, orange, and just a whisper of smoke — not aggressive, not soft —measured. Like a general who prays before battle, then never misses. The oud? Dry, regal, almost aloof. It doesn’t shout “look at me.” It says: “Remember me.” This isn’t barnyard oud. This is oud that sat in a gold box next to a Qur’an, wrapped in silk and guarded by swords. Aged, softened, but never tamed. The florals aren’t feminine. They’re the gardens behind a fortress. They bloom in silence, under control. This is what honor smells like when it’s worn by someone with blood on their hands but justice in their eyes. He’s not a king because he took the throne. He’s a Nawab because people lowered their swords when he passed. Imagine a man who fasts during the day, writes poetry at dusk, and at night rides into the desert to deal with traitors under moonlight. That’s this fragrance. It doesn’t beg to be liked. It was made to be feared... and respected. 10/10. Not for lovers. For those who carry both mercy and fire in equal measure.

If you guys have experienced Amouage Jubilation XXV before, Nawab of Oudh Intensivo offers similar vibes; it's a truly lovely fragrance. The scent exudes a cozy warmth with a subtle and delightful woodiness. However, it leans more towards the floral and youthful side, in contrast to Jubilation XXV, which is more fruity, dark, and mature. I was fortunate to acquire it back in September at a discounted price of £126.00. Unfortunately, it's now sold out on the official website, and finding it at a reasonable price from online retailers, even with a good discount, seems nearly impossible. In my opinion, this perfume is underrated and can be considered a hidden gem. It boasts a beautiful and charming blend, earning a solid 20/10 in my book. I highly recommend it as a unisex fragrance that exudes class, charm, and professionalism.