Arabian Wood

Plush, velvety, and vividly green. A beautifully complex, if unfittingly named, vintage-esque chypre now sadly discontinued. Arabian Woods opens effervescently as a most traditional fougère with notes of herbal lavender, bright orange blossom, freesia, lily of the valley, bergamot and gentle woodiness. Simultaneously, oodles of galbanum and oakmoss lend their sharp, green bitterness to the composition. Overall, the effect is cold and soapy, aldehydic even. As the bergamot fades away completely and the green accord softens, the middle becomes a rich, deep floral one where lofty Bulgarian rose together with jasmine, gardenia and orris sit atop a bed of dewy patchouli. Advancing toward the dry drown, honey’s arrival lends lingering sweetness to the creamy sandalwood and faintly peppery cedar that, backboned by the still softly persistent oakmoss, form the eventual woody-amber-tonka nuanced base. Arabian Woods is as big, grand and complex as it is nostalgic for the 70’s. A beautiful chypre with sophistication and quality in spades, I think Arabian Woods would have enjoyed greater commercial success today that it did in 2009 given the resurgence of green and chypre fragrance interest; maybe the people at people at Tom Ford and Estee Lauder came to realise this too before launching the equally green and nostalgic Vert Bohème which could so easily be the Eau or Acqua flanker to Arabian Wood. In fact, Vert Bohème worn atop the beautiful aldehydic woodiness that is Hermès Calèche Soie de Parfum comes remarkably close to replicating Arabian Wood. Utterly unisex, longevity is very good at 10-12 hours with moderate-cum-soft sillage for the first 5 hours after which Arabian Woods becomes a skin scent. 8.5/10

I just bought this fragrance and I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE IT!!!! It is my fall/winter scent. I am not sure why I did not buy it before, but it is never too late and I am so happy that I have it. This fragrance is not just a wood note! It is not a man scent! When I had it on, a man came up to me and asked me what I had on as he was looking for something for his wife and thought that the fragrance smelled beautiful on me. When I told him the name of the scent, he could not believe it as it sounds like a masculine scent, but it is not. It is unisex, but in my opinion, it is more of a woman scent than a masculine one. To quote from the Berdorf Goodman website: This exotic experience opens with top notes of aromatic lavender with the bold floralcy of Bulgarian rose, freesia, orange blossom, and green galbanum, brightened with sparkling bergamot. The heart pulses with the warmth and sensuality of lavish florals, including ylang ylang, rose absolute, jasmine, gardenia, and luscious honey and orris. The base notes blend patchouli with cedarwood, oak moss, sandalwood, and honey, while tonka bean and radiant amber leave a distinct trail of opulence. ========= I am not sure why fragnantica does not list all of the fragrance notes, which is odd and unfortunate, but it is not just an oud note. I noticed the Bulgarian rose/bergamot top notes. Of course, I would not love it if it did not have a patchouli note in there.... This is a scent you can wear all day and it is sexy/warm/makes one feel good when it is on. I wish there was a body cream/lotion available. It is well worth the price.

Him indoors brought this back from a business trip a while ago and barely used it. I always loved the smell on him on the rare occasions he wore it, so it seems to have somehow snuck it's way into my perfume cupboard (ahem...). For some reason, he prefers more crisp citrus fragrances, but I think this is simply gorgeous. I'm very hit and miss with Tom Ford but this is a definite hit. Although it is technically for men, I think that with the floral top notes it also works on women (but probably not if you favour sweet gourmands or fruity scents). It's not mountain man chest-beatingly manly, its smooth and rounded and deep toned; this is confident intelligent man in the prime of his life fragrance to me (as a woman). The first note for me was a rich rose with bergamot. This rapidly dried down to lavender and woody notes. I must be immune to mint because I can rarely pick it up in anything. It is soapy, and I can't work out what is giving the distinct soapiness, far stronger than in any female fragrance, but its a lovely clean note-not crisp like citrus, but fresh and clean smelling. Longevity-usually about 6 hours on skin, but far longer on clothing. SIllage-moderate. This is a winter time fragrance, warm and inviting, snuggling up in front of the fire.

Tom Ford Arabian Wood is another discontinued Private Blend offering that I was particularly curious about and it's a lovely scent, a woody floral with the lipstick/cosmetics note that resonates so strongly in both Chanel Coromandel and Dior Homme Intense. I enjoy it a lot in Arabian Wood much like I do in Coromandel (not so much in DHI), as it is both a bright floral and a dark floral at the same time, both feminine and unisex, definitely not purely masculine. Another enjoyable aspect is the lavender, which helps keep it somewhat fresh. Certainly the name is misleading, as one might expect an incense/oud/woods mix, but this is certainly something much prettier, more year round-friendly, and decidedly more unisex. Performance is strong, fitting the Tom Ford Private Blend standard of a heavy sillage and great longevity. A nice find, and actually rather moderately priced on the secondary market. 8 out of 10

Update to my original post...I was at the Saks Tom Ford counter as I thought they were also carrying the new Tom Ford fragrances, but only Bergdorf is in NYC. Anyway, I noticed that they were missing the Arabian Wood fragrance and they indicated that it was discontinued in June. I freaked out as they were sold out of the fragrance due to loyal fans who hoarded the scent upon learning of this decision. They were nice enough to call Bloomingdales as they just started to carry the Tom Ford line at the 59th St. store last month or thereabouts. I bought the last one that they had. So if you really love this scent, please go out and buy it before it is gone for good. Maybe if enough people complain, Tom Ford will bring it back. I am not sure why this site did not inform us, but in the USA, this scent has been discontinued. :(

In all honestly, I don't see why everyone calls this fragrance "feminine". I see this as a masculine fragrance, yet it has something special about it where it can be unisex. I love this fragrance, as I do some of the other Private Blends, but this one really stands out from the rest. along with Oud Wood, White Suede, and maybe Noir de Noir. Its a very sophisticated fragrance, and while it may not be very "Arabian"... who cares? As long as it smells good and somewhat "Arabian" why should the name matter? I mean Bond No. 9's "Chez Bond" doesn't smell like a Chez (house, cottage, etc.) so does it really matter if Arabian Wood smells Arabian? All in all, I really like this fragrance. Its definitely not an everyday kind of scent, but for the right occasion, Arabian Wood is a great choice.

You heard it here first, people! Tom Ford will be bringing back Arabian Wood in the same way they've done with Amber Absolute and Bois Marocain. They've already introduced Arabian Wood as a candle (best candle they currently make) and a rerelease of the fragrance should be on shelves sometime in the late summer/early fall. Hopefully it isn't a different formulation than the original, but it likely will be unfortunately. Arabian Wood is my favorite fragrance ever, and I'm glad the company realizes how good it is and is giving it another go. This news was already confirmed to me by someone with Tom Ford, so that plus the fact that they released it as a candle this past year shows that it's only a matter of a few months before it will be available again.

I like this a lot - may even love it - but readers should know that this is a soapy rose fragrance with extremely muted wood. If you like Middle Eastern men’s fragrances that make use of a dominant rose, this could be a true winner for you. But you just need to know what you will get with this. This to me is a ME rose frag second right behind Lyric Man by Amouage (which has become one of my favorite fragrances period). Longevity is awesome with Arabian Wood and one spray should cover you for hours. I have the original batch (regular brown bottle) and can’t speak for the newer, “Reserve Collection” version (gold name plate). All said, a fantastic fragrance.

To my nose, Arabian Wood is really more of a floral perfume. Sometimes when I smell it, I swear that it smells eerily similar to Agent Provocateur. I detect intense gardenia and rose, a bit of freesia, a bit of lavender, and a bit of oakmoss. There is an underlying woody note, but it's not the star in this drama. Speaking of drama, I would say that this perfume is very much a dark, evening fragrance. It's the darkest Tom Ford I've smelled thus far. There is definitely a rich, syrupy, honeyed sweetness that keeps me wanting more. A very exotic, penetrating perfume that must be worn by someone who is not a wallflower.

IMO this is one of the best ouds in the market. I have no idea who stays behind Tom Ford fragrances but still they are masters. My best vacations were always in Arabic countries and my memory always going to these unusual very sophisticated places. The Arabian Wood is like deep memory of east, the Muslims and their fantastic culture. The fragrance is woody, deep and very resinous but the same time clean and what is amazing not overpowering. The main elements I'm able recognize is oud, tobacco and some sweet woods. All the time this is my favorite fragrance if I want to remember good time in my life.

What a strangely mysteries scent. I dont believe this gives off any Arabian vibes, at least not what the Western world would consider Arabian. What this is, is very complex. Green, rosy, bitter and ever changing. Put your nose directly to the skin and it is bitter glabanum. Let the smell waft around you and it is multi faceted. You smell the soapy rose and the green oakmoss. It changes so much in the air around you but stays so one dimensional on the skin. Truly a work of art.

Wonderful soapy scent with a naturalness that keeps it from coming off synthetic. I wouldn't call it overly feminine but I can see how some might think of it more on the femme side as it is a very well rounded scent. No sharpness or harsh notes to speak of. That said, it is also strong so it's not for the faint of heart but it sure will make you weak in the knees. Sillage 8/10 Longevity 10/10 Smell 9/10

One of my favourites for mix with... First, Oud wood, few seconds and then, Arabian wood. You'll have a real wood and arabic amazing fragance to enjoy many hours, a gift to you and your company.

I really like this one. However, there's nothing ''Arabian" about it. Just a nice, woody unisex fragrance.

Arabian wood was very distinctive and sensual. Not sure why the TF house discontinued it.

Me encanta, una de las mias! Lo malo, el precio.

Color me surprised and confused. When someone who knows a good amount about perfume hears a perfume title of "Arabian Wood", these days one would reasonably expect oud, maybe sandalwood, maybe cedar, or maybe macassar, sprinkled with incense and/or spice type accords and maybe a touch of florals for good measure. The character should be deep, elegant, woody and/or resinous, or especially funky and animalic if oud is used. Tom Ford's Arabian Wood - or at least this Reserve Collection reissue of it - is a very light and very fresh powdery rose chypre. I'm a bit speechless. So, the very misleading name aside, what is this fragrance like? Very pleasant, actually. It smells and feels very classic, very old school, and very fresh and clean - your grandma's rose perfume redone in a modern chypre style. There are no sharp edges, it's not loud or brash, and the ingredients are of excellent quality; the execution of the fragrance is great. Now, supposedly there is a lot going on with this fragrance: top notes of bergamot, freesia, lavender, orange blossom, Bulgarian rose, may rose, and galbanum; heart notes of gardenia, geranium, iris, jasmine, lily of the valley, more rose, ylang-ylang, clove, honey and apricot; base notes of cedar, patchouli, sandalwood, vetiver, moss, oakmoss, amber, tonka bean, vanilla, honeycomb, and raspberry.... Ok, that's just ridiculous. No, just no. A lot of that is completely undetectable. After three days of wearing the perfume, you can strike freesia, orange blossom, gardenia, geranium, iris, jasmine, muguet, clove, sandalwood, vetiver, oakmoss (they already listed moss, which would be a tree moss material anyway), amber, tonka, vanilla, and raspberry from the list; if those accords are there, they a so minimally present, or coated-over by facets of the more predominant accords, that they should be considered transparent. So that's issue number two clearly spelled out. And yet, despite a growing list of "annoyances" with this fragrance, I am still finding myself very drawn to it. It's just so calming and soft, subtly elegant, clean, and fresh. Shame that it's been twice discontinued.

Reading my review below...What an idiotic boob I was some 5 years ago. I've dug out an old sample of this and I'm wearing it today, maybe (definitely) my tastes have changed over that time. I still kinda see what I meant but I'm probably more nostalgic about Arabian wood because it's discontinued in a forbidden fruit kinda way? That is a bit of a stupid reason because I think it's due to the sheer quality of this fragrance. As for my criticism of exactly how Arabic is AW, Well what could be more middle eastern than roses, jasmine, precious woods and resin? That's what this is, a primarily floral perfume with a healthy dose of oakmoss and woods to keep it honest. I think it's clean & beautiful but at the same time has that velvety smooth and sexy, Turkish delight darkness of TF Noir de Noir. Sometimes you have to stand back to appreciate great art and that's what I've done here. It's strong and projecting like mad. Rose and floral perfumes, however nice initially, usually start to get on my nerves after a while and this hasn't. AW is decent and makes me feel a bit special wearing it too, because of the perfect mixture of care free flamboyance and masculinity. I think what I expected in my original review was more sandalwood or oud because of the name but this has a much more refined and subtle edge than many arabic perfumes.

What a huge development form the rosy/ herbal opening to a soapy/woodsy base. It's opening reminds me of Amouage Gold man -which I love so much- with more herbal/oakmoss feeling.Then in few minutes, it transforms to more woodsy + honey,and then to something quite soapy. Yes, it smells like a soap. The soap bar that old people use for washing themselves. It reminds me of those old men who shave their face every morning before they go for breakfast. Those who wear vest and have beautiful things to speak about with younger generations. Or their wife. Those how knows meaning of life. Is it nice? Yes. I like it very much. Maybe not as much as Amouage Gold man, but I am sure that most people enjoy it more than Gold man. High quality fragrance, which may be more cherished by people in the age 30 years and above. It's performance is also quite good.

I'm not going to criticize Tom Ford (or Fraud) for this this creation due to it's name. I'm no Arab but I don't think it's takes one to tell that the note breakdown at least is not evocative enough of Arabian purfume...one would think. Yes we all think of Oud and Incense but are they really such authentic Arabic ingredients? What's wrong or not authentic about Oakmoss, Rose, sandalwood? I really don't know? Like I said I'm no expert so I will give Tom Ford the benefit of the doubt on this one. Anybody else who's not an expert should too! The more pertinent problem I have with Arabian Wood is that I simply don't like it all that much. I get Cedar, oakmoss a hint of rose and just lots of masculine woods. This fragrance is nothing special at all and to me is very ordinary male oriented and a real let down for the private blend.

I recently bought the 4ml off ebay. When I got it and spray it on my skin first impression its more like a women scent to me. But it says men and women.It got alot of flowery notes in this one. Kind of feminine at first but when it dries down thats were the magic begins. It reminds me of walking through baths and beyond where they selling those candle and all kind of fragrance for use around the house. Its not the best of tom ford fragrance on private line but definitely something new to me. Im glad i got the sample of this because i probably wouldnt buy it again because feels like a women fragrance. Its a great smell but not enjoyable for me. Ill pass to this one.

What a beauty! I am so in love with this one! This is a beautiful floral perfume sligthly soapy and woody that has nothing to do with its name. No oud or no incense as the name could suggest. I can smell the rose and the white flowers as well as some wood but all that soften by a little sweetness brought by the honey. Perfect balance for me! In my opionion, this perfume very feminine and quite soft for a Tom Ford. I consider it as a Floral Chypre appropriate for any occasion that would not be disturbing to anybody. Too bad it has been discontinued! I will cherish my bottle!

Beautiful stuff. This is what Creed 1849 wishes it were. A strong, masculine blend of floral elements (particularly roses) on a bedding of pronounced dewy woodland patchouli, accented by honey, herbs and lavender. Never gets rubbery like similar profiles. Almost perfect, if only the composition didn't overtly blend together as it wears, lending to a dated, stale affect. Overall great either way.

This is similar to Rose Noir by Byredo so it's not my thing. Arabian wood is simply a rose scent with a vintage touch of oakmoss. Totally unisex IMO. Dominant notes are rose, oakmoss and woody notes. Simple scent and simple composition. Performance is moderate overall. If you miss Arabia Wood, try Rose Noir by Byredo. Better scent IMO, richer and deeper.

It doesn't smell very Arabian, I can't smell a lot of wood and it is extremely soapy. The irony is that it smells very much like an Arabian perfume that tries to mimic a western fragrance. Not worth the price tag.

Soapy Wood. That's really all I get on this one - loud, amazing longevity and projects like a beast. If you like soapy, rich wood scents - this one is for you.

I'm sorry Tom, i really love your work but this one, well, it could've been better since it's 1. Too soapy, and 2. Too feminine. :(

I also do not get alot of true "Wood" notes...florals, moss, musk & so much more.... could easily be unisex.

Reach, potent, unisex, woody, pleasant, highly recommended.

Also smells like freshly minted notes from the Bank. Starts with vetiver and chocolate. Then it transforms itself to rose and vetiver. Overall nothing extraordinary. No wonder it got discontinued. Similarities to serge lutens vetiver oriental.

Arabian Wood is, well, all about wood. It is quite different from Bois Marocain, which was a lot softer and feminine. Arabian Wood is the more masculine out of the two, and it is also a lot more linear. I think I was a bit disappointed at it- it definitely is rich and warm and of good quality, but compared to the other Private Blend scents, it is also not as spectacular as the other ones. I am a wood lover, but I also do prefer it in interesting combinations, and here the precious woods seem as if they were left all to themselves.

Arabian Wood feels like siting cross-legged on a woven rug in a grand courtyard in an ancient city in the Middle East. The air is hot and there's a bright sun but you're under the shade of a fragrant cypress tree. The fragrance has a mediative vibe. Wearing it makes me feel like the most well-groomed super clean man in the city. As the name suggests, the fragrance is woody, aromatic but also a lot of green and a tiny bit incense. At some point the fragrance gradually starts smelling like an aftershave.

I liked it at first...BUT once I was uncareful enough to apply too much of it. It was so TERRIBLE, that I don't want to use it anymore, ever!! This scent is good, but even one excessive drop turns it into a monster.

galbanum overdose. imagine a dead body and the whole room stinks of galbanum and expired flowers and then their skull jerks wide open revealing a very strong galbanum smell.

This is nice, but it smells more floral than woodsy to me. I don't like it on myself - it's too feminine - but I bet my wife would smell good wearing it.

A miss for me OKish but super faint and weak. Smells like air freshener It goes to skin scent almost within 20 minutes for me.

I got this based on everyone saying that as a unisex this perfume leans toward femme. Unfortunately I'm finding the complete opposite to be true so far!!! I haven't worn it but only did a decant into this light pink polka dot atomizer I got for traveling purposes, and now I'm smelling some of the spillage onto my fingers and it is def MASC and nauseating - extremely strong. In fact I decanted it into this specific atomizer since from the (original) bottle it did smell GOOD. Smelled flowery and femme like the reviews are saying... and fitting for a pink theme atomizer. Well now!!! Idk if it's because it's mixing with this incense I'm burning and/or another perfume that I have on so, plan to revisit. Only downer is upon smelling from the atomizer now it smells like the latter! ...Peace...

how is this for women. It's completely masc & all it smells like is 'guy'. 'A guy wearing cologne' is what The message is. It's strong and dominant and hard to get rid of and it never goes away - a pest! at best! at worse I think stinks but in a cologne way not in a guy way, which this could actually be used to actually cover up. pass.

Shit smells like potpourri you'd find in an old lady's house. Awful.

Arabian Wood by Tom Ford is quite an unpredictable fragrance. I approached this scent expecting thick, spicy and slightly smoky wood notes, however Arabian Wood is mossy, complex and utterly fascinating. This is a mossy chypre for both sexes, as it has both masculine and feminine tendencies. It's really one of those Tom Ford fragrances that shouldn't be missed. However you might have to wear it a few times to fully grasp and understand its beauty. The opening is really masculine and in some ways, harsh. It's quite a dense blend of damp woods, orris root and bergamot. I had a friend with me the first time I smelt Arabian Wood. I think she might have been questioning why I would ever want to smell something along these lines. It makes a much louder statement than she's probably used to smelling in mainstream perfume. Arabian Wood is quick to settle on the skin. The most interesting aspect of this fragrance's development is how it blossoms under varied temperatures. I came to test Arabian Wood three times in one week because I struggled to find the words to describe it. In cool weather, the heart smells spicy-sweet with a hint of flowers. This is obviously due to the honey, lavender, rose and jasmine. Surprisingly, on a hot Summer's day, Arabian Wood shows its mossy and earthy side. There is also a hint of masculine soapiness, lending an almost powdery feel. When I say that this fragrance is unpredictable, I mean what I say. Arabian Wood is not really a woods based fragrance. It tends to encompass the smell of a musty, earthy forest, complete with the forest floor. I won't lie, it's an acquired taste. However it is something that I'm sure perfumistas will enjoy smelling, especially if chypres are their cup of tea. The longevity is superb, but then again I wouldn't expect anything less from an overly expensive Tom Ford fragrance. It's worth checking out.

Arabian? This smells Arabian in the manner of a Penhaligon's fragrance, that is to say, British. First and foremost, can we dispense with “Arabian” unless we’re referring to horses or history? I assume Tom Ford uses the word because it’s Fashion Fantastical. Ariabian, you know, like A Thousand and One Nights. It’s the orientalism of early 20th century perfumery all over again. Stale, offensive exoticism. Also, the imagery and allusion is just cheesy. Makes the line seem like a spin on The House of Creed. Replace the tassels and epaulets with glossy pseudo-mod and you still have the same thing: hot air and cuff links. The perfume is nice, though. I can't say that I smell lavender per se, but I do smell the soapy, herb-on-hay sweetness of a fougere. At the same time there is a dry bitter green angle, like a tight-assed chypre. Maybe galbanum dressed up as lavender and took its place in the fougere. This tinderbox-dry woodiness balances the moist feel of the fougere, but in the end the fougere wins, and a fairly dark, minor chord similar to that of Rive Gauche pour Homme's basenotes lasts until you wash it off. Arabian Wood is a fine old-school barbershop fougere. Simplicity is a virtue in the classic aromatic fougere. Messing around too much with the basic formula diminishes the stride of the old boy. Ford have added enough to make it stand on its own, but haven’t muddied the waters. The name is a bit of misdirection, but the perfume is straightforward and handsome in a classic, soapy, manly fashion. Women, give it a try. from scenthurdle.com

Arabian Wood Tom Ford for women and men عطر الأخشاب العربية من توم فورد للرجال والنساء أولا أحب أن أقدم اعتذاري لهذا العطر الأكثر من رائع، وذلك لأنني يوما ترددت في شراءه وتجربته لأنني صدقت كلاما كتب عنه مفاده أنه عطر قديم وعواجيزي وبلا ابداع أولا العطر عصري جدا لأبعد الحدود، وليس كون العطر خشبي أو حتى عودي أن يقال أن العطر لا يصلح للشباب، فهذا الكلام برمته بعد طول تجربة أصبحت أراه بلا وجود حقيقي. فالأذواق دائما متباينة لا يحكمها سن أو فئة عمرية. نرجع للعطر.. العطر باختصار شديد هو مثال رائع لمن يريد أن يعرف ماهية عطور التشيبر الخشبية وأزيد عليها الزهرية أيضا. وهذه سمة هذا العطر الفريدة، فالعطور التشيبر قد تصنف أنها (تشيبر - أو تشيبر خشبي - أو تشيبر زهري) أما هذا العطر تحديدا فلا أرض له إلا بهذا التصنيف الجديد (تشيبر خشبي زهري) لجمال العطر عنوان.. هو أن يشدك من أول رشة. فجمال العطر لا ينبغي أن تبحث عنه، بل هو الذي يجب أن يفصح عن نفسه لك أولا. العطر لا أرى له نوتات متعاقبة (افتتاحية – قلب – قاعدة) على الرغم من كونه يحوي العديد من المكونات ولكنها مكونات متناغمة صعودا وهبوطا سوى (الورد والأخشاب) فهما أصحاب اليد العليا في العطر من أول العطر لآخره. فالعطر باختصار (ورد + أخشاب) مرة يصعد معهم بقية الورود كالياسمين والجاردينا واليالنج فيصبح مبهج جدا. ومرة اللافندر والسنديان والبرجموت فيصبح منعشا. ومرة البتشولي وجذور السوسن فيصبح عميقا عشبيا. ومرة التونكا واللبان العطري فيصبح عميقا قويا. ومرات العسل والعنبر فيتحول لعطر دافئ رهيب. الثبات والفوحان ممتازان ورائعان والعطر يمتاز أيضا بأن له طابع السيطرة على المكان الذي ستدخله إذا أتيحت لك الفرصة لتجربته أو شراءه فلا تتردد

Like many others, I too am absolutely stumped by the name. Funny story, I bought a decant of this one along with a decant of Bois Marocain — and after receiving them, I thought the friend I bought them from had mislabeled them! BM smells infinitely more “woody” than Arabian Wood! But nope, the labels were correct...and there are in fact next to zero wood based notes in Arabian Wood. It’s mostly powdery rose / labdanum on top and other florals during the dry down. I know it’s a trope, but this one is extremely old lady smelling, and is probably my least favorite Tom ford private blend out of all of them. Even going from the original PB releases, I think Moss Breches or even Velvet Gardenia are both much more wearable than this, at least for a younger man.

Drier, fresher, airier, and much less spicy than you might expect from the name. This isn't the smell of the souk (no spices, no fruit) but much more of an outdoor feel. Certainly unisex, though tending male ... I (female) found it wearable, and classy-woody - though hugely overpriced and overrated. There are some disconcerting moments when I get wafts of what just seems like a generic, cheap but pleasant men's aftershave, which is not what anyone is looking for at TF exclusive-line prices. There are better-value and more interesting woods about (Lutens, CDG, Parfum d'Empire) IMO. Weak longevity, too. Like a gifted pupil who just won't put in any effort; it promises so much - the opening is almost lovely - but just can't be bothered to deliver.

Arabian Wood doesn't conjure up any vivid or even vague images of a dry perfume laden with rich oriental spices including cinnamon,cardamon or even oud. One would assume a perfume with such a title would smell a lot drier and spicier that what it actually is. For mine its more a woody forest scent,with a healthy dose of cedar,oakmoss and lavender.Quite a lot of lavender in fact and similar to Creeds Bois Du Portugal. They could even be first cousins.Cannot detect any rose or orange blossom.I cant seperate the forest for the trees! It may smell differently on my skin in cooler months. Not my favourite Tom Ford but none the less an interesting composition made with his usual attention to detail.

When i read "Arabian Wood" i expected something with depth and intense, so powerful and different from the other private blend scents... But here i do not get anything as "arabian", and little little bit of woods (simple woody accord, nothing at all); I had o bottle of this one and i can say it's too much simple for what we pay. The notes are mixed all together, we do not see a good evolution during time and everything seems like a mess. We can only detect woody-mossy accord, a little bit sweety and some flowery notes that i can not say they're roses or whatsoever (cause everything is mixed at once). I can say lavender is the only note that works great here. Sorry. :(

After reading Chat L's description I am even in more awe of Tom Ford's exclusive line, because there is something in them that is so pure, so high quality and so 'something' that they wear differently on every single person. I disliked Arabian Wood so much I refused the sample (sorry Chat!) To me it was way too masculine, clangy and rough. Oud Wood, however, made me swoon, but when I smelled it on another woman I hated it. If you are inkling to try this line pull yourself up to the perfume counter, sniff thorugh all 16 bottles and insist on taking samples home of those you like, because whatever you buy will be unique to you.

There is nothing to it.....Name is extremely misleading, but im not bashing the smell, it is definitely a classy scent that is neither male or female (obvy) Not worth the price or the hype (to have a spot in the private blend). Arabian Wood has similarities with 80's and 90's powerhouse scents (YSL Kouros and Escada Men classic) yet a little softer and tamed projection. There is effeminately some florals and the only Arabian thing that i hardly detect is a little incense, the floral are loud enough in the top and drydown notes. But all i have to say is MEH!!!

Just tried AW at the perfume counter, disliked some of the other perfumes in Private Blend, but AW at first I was unsure of, but then wow, did it grow on me! I lived in East Africa, both amongst Arabs at the coast, and next to one of the last remaining rain forests, and can say that the scents worn by Arab men, and the scent of cedars in the forest both come through strongly for me. I am rushing back tomorrow to see if I can get a sample, as this is not an inexpensive purchase, so just want to be sure, but at the moment I LOVE it!

There's more than a nod to vintage Chanel No 19 EDT here. It's an homage with a similar start and then it becomes a lighter galbanum floral. I actually compared it to vintage 80s Chanel 19 parfum and was wowed by the similarity. I also have vintage EDT which is stronger and more aldehydic than this, but a close relative. The Arabian Wood is even similar in feel in the late dry down, it's lighter and more floral where the 19 stays a screaming bright green. Glad to know Tom Ford appreciates the vintage classics!