New York Oud by Bond No.9

Red Plum, Saffron, Orange Peel.
Patchouli, Orris Root, Rose, Agarwood.
Vetiver, Musk, White Honey.

There seems to be quite a bit of displeasure regarding the lack of legitimate oud in this Bond release. What's amusing is that most complaining about it are westerners like myself and wouldn't know the genuine article if someone stuck it under their nose.

Am I some type of oud expert? Hell no. My perception of oud is what I've been exposed to the last few years and that seems to be a combination of saffron and rose with a bit of agarwood. Some have no agar at all and the overall aroma is just as similar. The oud exposure is only a recent phenomenon here in the States and I have no inkling to pursue "oud expertise".

What I'll try and accomplish is an honest summary of what I smell in this Bond creation. To start, I like this "oud" much better than say "Arabian Nights" by both Bogart and Del Pozo. Bond has implemented an economical representation ( in my opinion ) and I say that because of how it compares to similar renditions costing considerably less. There's absolutely no M7 correlations here and that is because New York Oud is tuned with Saffron and Rose out front.

New York Oud opens with a saffron and dark rose accord. I keep thinking I'm smelling berry in the mix too and wonder if orris extract was used or if it's the result of plum and orange merged. It doesn't matter as the top accord is nice, substantial and rather familiar to my nose. I don't experience a realistic plum or orange for that matter, but you may detect it in your sample wearings. I actually prefer this waxy berry note mingled with the saffron rose duo.

New York Oud does not utilize transitions that are noticeable. Aside from the slightly quirky opening, the base affords the wearer a slowly emerging musk that has earth tones attached to it. It doesn't reveal itself to be a sensual musk, but rather a coarser version with edges.

There's nothing remarkable here, but to be fair, Bond No. 9's representation of saffron and rose with a twist is rather enjoyable. This is, once again, westernized "oud" and as time goes on, I find less wrong with that.

Sillage is above average and longevity is very good. A few sprays should last an entire work shift or evening out with no problem. The price is extremely high, so a neutral rating is all I'm willing to dispense for the Sheik Yerbouti of contemporary "ouds" by Bond No.9

Comments

Oriental Lounge by The Different Company

Bergamot, Curry Leaf, Pepper, Red Rose, Tonka Bean, Labdanum, Satinwood. I suppose the first thing I noticed about Oriental Lounge is that as a man, this is a bit of a stretch to pull off. Since the core of Oriental Lounge is a powdery tonka and amber duo, it really does lean a bit too far feminine for me to wear. However, it would smell just as lovely on a woman and more appropriate as well. I bring this up simply because it's marketed as shared. I was wondering about the curry leaf. Actually, this "note" brought nothing to the table with the exception of possibly enhancing the pepper note just a bit. Even so, the pepper note itself was low key ( at least on me ) and both blended nicely with the citrus opening. From the onset of Oriental Lounge, it's unmistakable that this fragrance is.......well.....an oriental. From other opinions, I read some gripes about longevity, but it lasts on me quite awhile. This fragrance is uncomplicated and without much movemen...

Black Suede by Avon

Nutmeg, Clove, Amber, Musk, Moss, Wood Notes. Yes.........I am reviewing one of the Rodney Dangerfield's of fragrance. Black Suede has been gracing medicine cabinets, for better or worse, since 1980 my friends. If you're expecting me to inform you ( like others may have already ) that Black Suede is a nasty scrubber, you will be disappointed. On the other hand, if you're expecting a glowing review claiming it's a diamond in the rough, you won't hear that from me either. I will say though that Black Suede doesn't deserve the hate it's received and most of that is due to snobbery aimed at Avon products in general. I kid you not when I state that a close relative to this fragrance is Cacharel Pour L'Homme. The array of spice in both ensure comparison, but the "smoother" of the two is Black Suede due to its implementation of Amber. While wearing Black Suede, one can detect a hint of "drugstore". That quality doesn't manife...

Paco Rabanne Pour Homme

I am reviewing the original Paco Rabanne Pour Homme ( circa 1973 ) thanks to a generous basenoter who sent it to me recently in a swap. He also sent me the current formulation in order for me to do a side by side comparison. The side by side resulted in what I had already imagined would be the case. Not that the newer formula is terrible by any means. The original version simply is better by being deeper and a bit more masculine. No......you shouldn't go to ebay searching for the vintage formula and paying stupid prices. It's simply a notch or two better than the current and noticeable by comparing the two in real time. Rabanne Pour Homme opens with a slight shimmer in conjunction with lavender, spices and a subtle woodiness. It's an old school introduction, however a good one. The lavender takes about 5 minutes to raise its volume and evolve into a soapy rendition. I dislike when a boatload of soapy lavender takes over a composition, but here it doesn't go over t...

Il Mondo di Odore

Search This Blog