Alhambra Oud

On this oud journey I have aspired to test and collect the best oud blends - Unfortunately lot of folks sell you garbage in the Name of Oud so when I was recommended to give Alhambra Oud a try by someone, I respect I gave it a shot - As its never great idea to put alcohol in front alcoholic - it’s very tough for me to not to look to explore Fragrance so let’s see if it’s worth the recommendation. As soon as you spray this fragrance you smell oud Along with slight fruity sweetness - very easy and enjoyable - balanced where sweetness is not that sweet - it’s like finely balanced single malt whiskey if you are whiskey lover you will know what I am talking abot- this sweetness fades away in few minutes - let’s take a minute to talk about oud which is most abused note in perfumery - we don’t normally get real oud In perfumery and if I have to give example like Tom Ford oud wood which is at best entry level oud note and then something like Xerjoff Luxor which is heavy skanky oud note - Alhambra oud sits right in between where it’s not gimmicky oud and not skanky either - perfect balance - they have used combination of several south eastern oud which is one the best oud profiles in terms of were-ability of oud - in about 15 minutes sweetness is gone there is touch of floral note with wearable natural oud - it is projecting well and good silage - this is a oud which people around you can also enjoy and appreciate . The base of the fragrance is oud which shows the most masculine side - It bordered on being on that famous Hindi Oud profile so during the whole journey it shows various aspect of oud - Fruity oud - Floral oud and Masculine Oud - This last a long time with that extrait concentration of oil - On skin above 10 hours and on clothes this is 24 hour type fragrance - This fragrance is what Oud Wood should have been IMO however this cost a Pretty penny with 50 ML costing around 275 GBP or close to 25000 INR - Its must try if you are oud lover - Surprisingly this is first fragrance I have tried from Roman Monegal and I can assure you after smelling this it won’t be the last ! (9.5/10)

From first impressions, this is another banger by Ramon. I honestly love how Ramon Monegal does oud. I have Flamenco Extrait, and it's another amazing scent with just the right amount of oud added. In this fragrance, there are only nine notes compared to other houses that throw the kitchen sink in their oud fragrances. It doesn't seem crowded; it's not attacking my nose, it just smells amazing. I will come back to touch on the performance but if its anything like Flamenco Extrait, it's going to be beastly. I get oud, leather, smoke, a fruity note that's almost raspberry, and a slight bit of ambroxian for good measure. The star is oud and it changes and dances in the air. I dont get apple or rose but Im fine with that. As I wear this more it may change. Edit: I have a couple of things to say about this fragrance. First, not all extraits are created equal, and some don't perform as such. However, this lasted until the next morning on my skin, and will take a few washes to come off my shirt (I didn't spray my shirt by the way). The first few hours it was close to a room filler but after it settled to an arms length and the sillage was huge. No performance issues on my skin. Second, after about 3-4 hours the oud dropped off and it felt like I was wearing Flamenco extrait with less oud. The first opening felt like real oud, after that 3-4 hour mark felt like an oud accord. I think it may be the ambroxian pushing through the dry down. If this kept the oud dominant vibe it had in the opening I would say this is a keeper. For now, it's redundant to me because I own Flamenco Extrait. Overall its a great fragrance but I think I will stick with flamenco extrait. If you can get your hands on samples or test both in store I would suggest it as I see these two fragrances as flankers of each other.

It’s statement making with a huge apple and oud while the white florals are more of a supporting cast. The apple is photo realistic and the oud is not animalic at least to my nose. You can smell the oud right off the top so seems there’s a heavy dose of it. Sillage is what this is all about huge sillage will fill a room and then some. Not for the timid and probably not for the office unless you own it. Honestly, I see it as a special occasion or going out fragrance and you only need so many in the collection. If you own Malle’s Moon or Promise this is very close to those two in terms of profile and performance. For something a little more wearable everyday I can suggest Amouage Overture Woman. Just to emphasize sillage is huge this is maybe a little less sillage than The Moon however to put things in perspective if The Moon was 10 and Interlude Man was a 7 this would be a 9 on the scale.

Blind bought. This is a proper, "I mean business" scent. Radiant off the top. You can detect the oud, but the apple, orange blossom and floral woodiness makes it a very appealing easy opening. I actually thought initially, they had gone light on the oud with this. Don't be fooled. Bear with it. As the initial fruitiness falls back, the oud comes though much more heavily. It's just the right level of challenging. Grown up class, appealing, but dark. Not barnyard at all. Don't overspray this. You will regret it later in the wear. I put three sprays on the back of my hand and it's clearly still there 24 hours later after a gym session and a shower. The 50ml size is a country mile big enough. One to which, all other ouds will be compared.

Light, airy and floral. You arent ready for it. Not like any other Rose/oud ( I have probably a dozen by this point). You expect some heavyness- the oud to really hit hard. It just smells great and has fantastic sillage and projection for hours. Its not quite on the level of Flaminco Extrait, but a perfect 10/10. Definitely full bottle worthy and a top15 scent for me