23 thoughts on “Kicking Up A Stink – The Definitive Guide To The Best Oud Perfumes

  1. Thanks for introducing me to a few I am unfamiliar with, I'll be seeking samples! I also look forward to your review of The Night, hard to imagine it wouldn't be terrific from this line. My own oud loves are Mona di Orio's and Perris Monte Carlo's Oud Imperial.

  2. I have a small vial of Oudh oil from Junaid Attar, a generous gift from someone who can afford it, shall we say. This stuff is filthy – tannery leather, anti-septic bandages, dirt (soil), you name it.

    I thought I could layer it to soften its edges a bit but the stuff is so complex, it doesn't work. I've given up layering, bar the initial cleanse with some good quality rose-scented soap. I reserve it for nights out in swanky bars.

    You're right about Kanz – I lived in Dubai in late 80s, early 90s, and a sniff of that takes me back to Al-Ghurair mall – memories!

    1. Anon, that's pretty freaky… I was thinking of Al Ghurair too. In fact, I could tell you exactly which section of the mall reminds of me of.

      Have you seen the place lately? It's unrecognisable.

      Enjoy your precious oud oil. It sounds wonderful!

  3. I have been doing research for years on a very rare collection of Henry Jacques perfume that was left to me by a very dear friends. She has since past on and having more time on my hands I decided to dive into finding out more about these gems that I have. All of these perfumes were purchased from the Henry Jacques perfume house in the late 80's early 90's and come in baccarat crystal bottles. Most still have the wax stamp attached and smell like heaven on earth.

    Rose O'od
    O'od 18

    These are just two of many scents I have by Henry Jacques

    If you can help me with more info it would be so greatly appreciated
    Terrie

    1. Terrie, thanks for stopping by.

      Have you tried contacting a Henry Jacques boutique? Are you based anywhere near London? If so, have you tried contacting the Salon De Parfums at Harrods?

    2. I have done much more research since last on this site. I recently found that I may be sitting on a very rare vintage Imperial Oud by Henry Jacques. I am wondering if you have tried this and if so would you be interested in sampling this gem? I can tell you that it wears for days! I wish I could post the beautiful bottle it is stored in. But if you google Imperial Oud by Henry Jacques you can see that the bottle is very suited for this impressive perfume.

      The answer to you question above… I was able to contact Henry Cremona the creator of Henry Jacques. Here is his reply

      "Dear Terrie, I am just reading your message and I do thank you very much for your interest in our creations. My daughter, Fabienne in San Clemente knew very much Laura Cunningham and it is a pleasure to read your different steps to reach us. Please accept my humble thanks for that. In fact, since long we have stopped selling our Henry Jacques perfumes in the States due to currency problems between the Euro and the Dollar but we shall come back very soon in your beautiful country. In the meantime, as I am retired now, I am transferring your message to Anne-Lise, my second daughter in Paris who took the destiny of Henry Jacques Perfumes in the world. Anne-Lise will come back to you with pleasure and very shortly with all the information you need. Regarding the list of the perfumes you mention in your e-mail, we have them all in our files except some that do not belong to our creations like ‘’Extrait de Rose’’, ‘’China Vetyver’’, ‘’myrrhe’’ unless their names are wrongly expressed. Nevertheless, it is very easy to prepare all these creations for you if desired.

      Dear Terrie, please do not hesitate to e-mail to Anne-Lise your telephone number if necessary for ample informations. However, I am sure you will have a come back to your request from Anne-Lise very shortly. Kind and Warm regards, Henry Cremona

  4. I know it's more than a year later but I just read this now after revisiting my sample of Interlude Man and wanted to say: that is absolutely the best description of it that I have ever read, and one of the best descriptions of how perfume evokes imaginary places with real-world ingredients and references.
    Thank you for your writing!

  5. Not for European nose… For me smell disgusting, like old fungal dump carpet never dusted in basement. Even worse now: Whole central London starts stink with this sh…t. Strange people who like it. If you like it- its the same if you say for example: "camel urine smell lovely", or: i like smell of goat sh..t

    1. Franco, thanks for your comment. Yes, I'd agree that oud has a strong urinous aspect, but to my nose, it also presents many other facets which make it supremely interesting and compelling.

  6. Now there's a diplomatic reply. I was just in London and remarked on the remarkable, wafting oudhy attars in the air. Divine. I'll take it over Calvin Klein et al. any day.

  7. Great post. Have tried some in your post but as you aptly said nothing gets even close to the real Oud. The aged Oud Indian Oud oil by Abdul Samad al Quraishi is what all Oud lovers should have in their repertoire. It can now be sourced through their website and they ship directly to the UK. You do end up paying an import duty and VAT but hey better than flying all the way to buy it right? Abdul Samad al Quraishi also have a store in Central London. Oh and you may want to add “Woody” by Arabia Oud which i think is one of the best representations of the real Oud.

  8. Being a person from Middle East i was quick to spot your review of Oud perfumes and just landed on the article straight. Have not seen much article like this about Oud. Also liked to read my favorite Amouage also you have selected for this review. Thanks for this write up

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