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08/13/2023
Arcane
11 Reviews
Arcane
2
Oudh Arabian
After acquiring a full bottle at a bargain price, I've worn Oudh Khalifa a fair number of times to jot down these few lines to share with the Parfumo community.
Starting off with the bottle: it is both unusual and asymmetrical (two times a plus in my book). Considering its Arabian origin pleasantly restrained in its label and overall design. Slightly wobbly when put on the shelf. The liquid inside I'd describe to be on the dark side of brown, like a pine forest in autumn. Within that liquid a few bits of wood are adrift. It would surprise me if they were of real oudh, but knowing the price of that precious commodity I won't vouch for it. Could be a gimmick, like the worm in a bad mezcal (word to the wise: never buy a mezcal that has a worm in it). The sprayer, more importantly, is of quality, allowing for a precise dosage.
As for the scent itself: Oudh Khalifa is of the simple medicinal-woody kind, linear as can be, with no more than a hint of non-vanillic sweetness during the final part of the drydown. It does, alas, become a skin scent all too quickly. Which in my case is rather strange, as Arabian oud(h) fragrances tend to last a long time on my skin. Musk I do not detect.
I like Oudh Khalifa for its uncompromising non-Western style, but I wear (and royally overspray) it for myself only - when I don't have to go out that is. The reason being that if I passed people in the street, most of them would probably think they just entered a hospital ward. I'd feel a bit embarrassed really. This acquisition will have to remain one of those private affairs, albeit an enjoyable one. And as such, it's an all-seasons fragrance. Nice.
Starting off with the bottle: it is both unusual and asymmetrical (two times a plus in my book). Considering its Arabian origin pleasantly restrained in its label and overall design. Slightly wobbly when put on the shelf. The liquid inside I'd describe to be on the dark side of brown, like a pine forest in autumn. Within that liquid a few bits of wood are adrift. It would surprise me if they were of real oudh, but knowing the price of that precious commodity I won't vouch for it. Could be a gimmick, like the worm in a bad mezcal (word to the wise: never buy a mezcal that has a worm in it). The sprayer, more importantly, is of quality, allowing for a precise dosage.
As for the scent itself: Oudh Khalifa is of the simple medicinal-woody kind, linear as can be, with no more than a hint of non-vanillic sweetness during the final part of the drydown. It does, alas, become a skin scent all too quickly. Which in my case is rather strange, as Arabian oud(h) fragrances tend to last a long time on my skin. Musk I do not detect.
I like Oudh Khalifa for its uncompromising non-Western style, but I wear (and royally overspray) it for myself only - when I don't have to go out that is. The reason being that if I passed people in the street, most of them would probably think they just entered a hospital ward. I'd feel a bit embarrassed really. This acquisition will have to remain one of those private affairs, albeit an enjoyable one. And as such, it's an all-seasons fragrance. Nice.
