Aoud Extraordinaire

Not only fruity scent but a dense, vintage style rich floral with Ambery base This fragrance has received very mixed reviews, and some of the reasons I completely understand, some I don't. Of Roja's latest releases, Isola Sol (you can find my review) and this one are the ones that have caused a lot of emotional turmoil. I think the biggest reason in both cases is the name, although personally, the name Isola Sol fits the scent quite well (more on that in the review of that particular scent). Aoud Extraordinaire , on the other hand, as a name, gives a completely different picture of what the fragrance contains and if you are very inexperienced with Roja's fragrances, then I understand the disappointment. However, if you consider the other fragrances in the Aoud collection, then Aoud as a word in Roja's fragrances has never meant a heavy, challenging Oud, so why would it hear? Take Enigma Aoud (Parfum) for example, which is one of the most beautiful and elegant clear fruity fragrances: the amount of Oud in it is also minimal, but just right to bring the necessary depth to both the peachy scent and the peachy soft powdery character. I think the bigger issue is the word "Extraordinaire" since for many of us Chypré Extraordinaire is the best Chypre in that style, in that category ( Diaghilev , Femme Rochas, Mitsouko, Jubilation 25 Woman etc.) and the combination of those two words "Aoud" and "Extraordinaire" made many of us think and imagine some very special Oud scent, possibly distinctly oriental, and it led to huge disappointments and emotions because it wasn't. Aoud Extraordinaire opens up with an intense cocktail of fruits, with only Pineapple clearly standing out first. It also blends in very quickly with the others. As the fragrance develops, the clear fruity aroma fades slightly and the huge floral bouquet typical of Roja takes the stage. The heady scent of the flowers remains under the fruity veil for an hour, yet creating an elegant and adult style to the scent from the beginning. When you add to this a complex base, where depth and a subtle darkness as well as softness and sweetness come from many notes, it is very difficult to find a similar concoction (or even close) in existing fruity or floral fruity fragrances. I am happy to accept suggestions, because fruity fragrances have been difficult for me precisely because they are either too youthful, too clearly juicy fruity, too simple and/or shockingly synthetic. Most often, fruity fragrances combine all of the things I mentioned. If there is something comparable, it is unlikely to be at the cheapest end of the spectrum, and I personally don't need it, because quality rarely comes cheap. If this fragrance were a simple fruity scent, if it only had the top notes with some musky base, then it would be generic. However, this fragrance is much more than that. There are no three dramatically clear phases in the fragrance, but there is usually nothing more in Roja's fragrances, but all the scents are skillfully, elegantly and ingeniously mixed. However, those phases are always distinguishable. If you are familiar with Roja, Aoud in the name or Oud in the ingredients does not necessarily make the fragrance an Oriental, so I will mention it now so that this does not cause disappointment or misunderstanding. Don't expect overly sweet or clear Cotton Candy or Caramel either since they don't perform in that kind of way. Caramel for example is not like in Lost in Paris. As the fragrance progresses to the 1.5 hour mark, the abundance of fruit fades into the background, while still maintaining the irresistible, a tad tropical undertone like the vibrant and luminous vibe as well that fruits give to this style of fragrance. The scent is also extremely unisex, thanks to the deep, intense and Ambery base, and it is not too sweet at all, thanks to the floral heart. On my husband's skin, the leather and Vetiver come through more than on mine, which partly changes the experience of the scent. The texture is extremely thick but I don't find it creamy. Fruity scents can also easily be made too strong, making simple scents tawdry and somehow girly, while such a dense and rich scent like this would feel suffocating, even though the quality is the best. Although at first I myself thought that the scent should project more, this way it is more versatile, especially for the work environment. Personally, I love this luxurious, golden, energetic scent and especially the phase it develops into after an hour, which lasts 6-7 hours. On clothes, the scent lasts forever. Fruits are always welcome in my fragrances, as long as they are not clearly edible or drinkable and are part of a more complex blend like they are here. This is definitely not that typical feminine fruity scent and if you are sampling this one, please give it at least a couple of full wears. The magic really happens when the aroma of all those fruits fades. First, this didn't made that kind of wow effect like for example Turandot, Roja Dove Haute Parfumerie 15, Chypré Extraordinaire or some others did but there is not this kind of scent in Roja's catalog so after the initial astonishment I started to like it a lot and I found there some kind of vintage style complexity that you find in 80s floral fragrances. Thank you for reading, I hope my review was helpful. I would appreciate a lot if you want to follow me on IG and/or YouTube (English subtitles): @ninamariahperfumes It gives me a lot of motivation to write more. 🤗

The packaging is more minimal than that of some other niche brands, but it feels elegant and refined. It may lean slightly feminine in its aesthetic, but it still conveys a sense of quality and understated luxury. Moving on to the fragrance itself, this is where it truly shines. From the very first spray, it clearly feels like a high-concentration extrait de parfum. There is even a subtle, oily, almost moisturizing sensation on the skin, suggesting a rich presence of essential oils (30%), something often missing in many modern “extraits.” The projection is excellent, and the longevity is solid (around 6 hours on my skin). While it may not be an all-day powerhouse, it performs very well and maintains a beautiful presence throughout its evolution. On blotter: the opening is slightly less sweet, with woody and ambery tones, vanilla and vetiver, a soft, musky, slightly powdery texture (likely cashmeran), and fresh citrus and tropical nuances. As it develops, floral notes begin to emerge—heliotrope, geranium, and lily of the valley—adding depth and elegance. On my skin, the fragrance becomes more rounded, sweeter, and more expressive. What stands out the most to me is a beautiful honeysuckle-like accord. Although the official notes mention jasmine and cotton candy, what I perceive is unmistakably honeysuckle—lush, slightly nectar-like, floral, and delicately sweet. It gives the impression of being immersed in white flowers, almost like a floral bath. This note is the true highlight of the fragrance and feels incredibly natural, vibrant, and well-blended. The scent evolves into a rich and nuanced composition combining warm amber and woods, vanilla, and a soft toffee-like sweetness, floral accords (with a strong honeysuckle impression), and subtle tropical and citrus facets. The drydown is "creamy", slightly powdery, and musky, while still retaining that outstanding floral sweetness. It feels unisex, with a slightly feminine lean, mainly due to its floral, nectar-like notes.

You need this bottle, loaded with volatile high naturals, to rest for at least a week after the disruption of delivery, or you will either have an imbalance of notes, or the entire composition will be muted. Perfumes are fully macerated (soaked) when bottled. They need rest after bottle shock, and aging/maturation can richen certain notes and color. This is amazing! This fragrance takes you on an intoxicating journey. It's opens with a tropical fruit explosion with emphasis on mango and pineapple. 15 minutes later it segues into light, bright and watery florals with a touch of that fruity sweetness lingering about. The next stage takes you in to gourmand bliss! The ambery, toffee notes get very creamy, sweet and just downright edible! This may be my favorite stage. At the very deep dry down you get very gentle hints of oud and clean, gentle leather. The oud and leather by no means take prominence. They are gentle pops woven in beautifully. Nothing is jarring or overwhelming. This is not a screamer. This is not a heavy, masculine eastern oud. If that is what you are seeking, search elsewhere. If you prefer western style fragrances, are timid with leather or oud, and prefer easy to wear fruity or gourmand fragrances, this is for you! This is definitely a new profile for Roja. I hope he continues on this trajectory. As a western female, I find this much more appealing and wearable than his previous eastern style oud perfumes. I’m delighted for a Roja oud that isn’t so masculine or heavy eastern style. This is very mass appealing, luxurious and easy to wear.

Beyond beautiful! Aoud Extraordinare is the quintessential warm weather ‘fruit bowl’ scent, but elevated and refined. It’s difficult to pick out any individual fruit notes, but the overall impression leans tropical to my nose. Florals are there for support and contribute to the feminine feel. I really only notice the orange blossom and jasmine. But I think the cyclamen is bringing in an airy and fresh aspect. The dry down is wispy vanilla, cotton candy musk with soft, fluffy cashmeran and oud. This oud is soft and sweet rather than medicinal or animalic. I don’t find this to be powdery on my skin, but I would describe the texture as ‘fuzzy.’ The only down side to this is performance compared to price. The fruity top notes fade after about 1-2 hours and it’s a faint skin scent at 4. Otherwise, this is a perfect fruity floral scent for spring and summer. This was an instant love and went from a sample to a 100ml almost immediately.

I absolutely love this one - It completely blew me away, and I had to buy it immediately! Sure, it might look like a hodgepodge of fruits at first glance, but to me, it’s a delectable fruity floral with a tartness that feels beautifully balanced. The dry down has just enough weight to ground it. I don’t pick up on the oud as others have mentioned, which might be misleading given the line/name, but there is a suede-like finish that adds a soft, refined touch. PS - The Fragrantica staff or monitors really need to clean up some of these ratings. I’m so glad I tested this fragrance before checking the reviews, because I might have skipped sampling it otherwise. It’s unfortunate to see a bunch of “adults” arguing back and forth, which has clearly impacted this stunner’s ratings.