Fragrance Reviews by NearFantastica

Do I dare to review the mythical beast that is Montale's Black Aoud. Oh, brothers and sisters.. I dare. I have a soft spot for heavy, dank scents and based on reviews, Black Aoud should have been right up my ally. I'm not sold. It's not that I don't see the value or artistic significance in the creation... I just don't enjoy wearing it. Upon initial application, the Aoud, quite expectedly goes on sharp and medicinal. I don't get much of the much discussed complexity in this scent. A hint of rose - a dose of patchouli - a bit of warmth. This fragrance has very little development on me and seems to drag. It becomes a lot more impressive in the drydown stage, but the initial 'paint thinner meets perfumery' character nags at me. I sold my 1.7oz bottle and have not regretted it. This is as neutral a rating as I can give. It's a good scent, if unspectacular. With my arsenal of scents that evoke personal response.. I would never even think to reach for it. Black Aoud.. the myth.. the legend.. the 'shrug'.

This rose scent makes me completely weak in the knees. Where as Artisan's VDR tends to sink slowly into patchouli/dirt overload.. this offering remains very natural, wet smelling and seductive. This fragrance is a very well executed 'green' take on rose.. and one that stands on its own. It makes a great spring/day fragrance and shines just as well on a rainy afternoon - sexy, delicate and assured. Rose Poivree provides a great shelf-mate to darker rose beast Iquitos... oh, did I mention...I love this stuff?