Black Aoud

Yes I love this fragrance, yes I love Montale and yes I do still hate those aluminium tins. Black Aoud is a very heavy, very resolute fragrance that has an atomic half life on the skin. It is dark, but has a well-judged wearability that may surprise some people expecting to go full on Sauron Darth Vader Genghis Khan on first spray. It has a reputation as a sledgehammer play on the oud and rose theme but there is a lot more going on here than that. The first thing you notice is how woven-in the rose is relative to a surprisingly medical and aromatic patchouli. There is some quite regal labdanum in the heart as well and the rose accord is further complicated by a really unexpected and very delicious orange blossom note in there too. Together, the fruits, aromatics, incense and florals combine in a way that has a charm and appeal that takes this well past just another dark oud. The noble wood herself in this is an accord that is Parisian clean oud vibe if that makes sense, rather than being animalic and fusty as we are more used to here in the Middle East. In fact the whole enterprise feels very Parisian in the way it is blended and the way it shimmers and glides on the skin. I enjoyed it on first spray but it really comes into its own as it warms up on your skin in the drydown. The patchouli stops just short of being difficult but I can see where the observations about a synthetic, rubbery feeling come from. Personally I am fine with it. The rose extract grows in prominence as it settles. It is a jammy, heady rose accord not a fresh, dewy floral one. It is as wearable as Ombre Nomade and comes alive in the heat here, and so it is probably not a big shock that I enjoy this one as much as I do. It is weird because it feels like it should be fresher and sweeter than the other ouds I own with the same profile, but the patchouli and rose are a bit mischievous, almost sticky. It is darker than it feels, but not because of the oud if that makes sense. You could absolutely rock this to the office but obviously go easy on the nozzle as this would be a bad one to go too heavy on. This is one to wear when you are kicking ass and taking names. Three Word Summary - Wearable, fun darkness. Layering suggestion - I don't think you or anyone else should be layering this one. But if you do, Lord of Misrule by Lush over the top would turn this into a patchouli powerhouse. Just be gentle. Outfit suggestion - black cowboy boots, the good jeans, black shirt, black jacket, black RayBans for when people who take you for granted need gently reminding of their responsibilities. Scent - 8/10 Sillage - 9/10 Drydown - 9/10 Bottle/packaging - 5/10 Performance - 10/10 41/50

This is the type of fragrance that makes you question basically all of the other fragrances in your collection to be honest. I don't own anything that I spray on lightly, but this i can just spray 2-3 times and it literally fills a room for 8-24 hours. I have been looking for a fragrance that was this strong for a long time and I've finally found it. On top of that, it's a beautiful smell. The labdanum and oud stand out and you can even smell the mandarin orange at points and the patchouli is there the entire time. but it really is well blended and just combines to this beautiful deep smell that just keeps evolving as you wear it. The aura that this fragrance has is what I expected from the big amouage extraits like reflection man 45 which in reality turns into a weak skin scent in 20 min, this is legit eternal. I don't own a single fragrance that i would even consider comparing to this in strength. 10/10, you need a big personality because everyone will compliment you. also you can wear it in the heat.

Wow...just wow. This is the most gothic and velvety rose scent, with a gasolin like oud note and a clean patchouli drydown. It is very interesting, like black roses. It is synthetic but not too harsh. I can't hate it, it scares me, but I like it.

wow. loving it. good longevity good sillage. this fragrance made me re-evaluate my relation with roses in fragrances. not for everyone. it's big so you have to have a big personality and presence. definitely something I would wear at nice occasions, Christmas or birthday. I love the old paper like quality in its drydown, drydown for this means after 10 hours, not linear, it changes. from rose saffron to olibanum residue in the room if come back to it, to powdery old paper, I am sure if you don't shower it will go on and on, after a shower it jumps up again. masterpiece

Beastmode rose scent, opening is bit harsh gasoline type but mid & dry is beautiful.

I received this as a dabber from Luckyscent. Immediately after opening the cap, I recoiled at how strong this is, not a bad thing. I absolutely love oud rose fragrances, and this is no exception. Upon first applying it, the oud does stand out for a little bit in a slightly animalic scent and then calms down after a minute and blends in with the rose, creating an almost clove-like scent with the patchouli. If you have ever smelt Portrait of a Lady by Fredric Malle, you'll find some striking resemblances. The rose and patchouli combo instantly reminded me of POAL, and I will consider purchasing this based on the insane price difference, strength, and similarity. This perfume is an absolute beast with projection, so spraying lightly is recommended, similar to POAL, that fragrance is also a beast as well. I would also say POAL is slightly more complex compared to this, but the differences are not inherently noticeable in the air. As I said, in POAL, the clove really stands out, creating an almost animalic spiciness to it in the opening, along with the dry, but slightly jammy rose; in Black Aoud, I get a similar vibe. Instead of clove, you get a slightly animalic oud along with the dry and jammy rose, followed quickly by the patchouli, creating a similar dusty but serene landscape of a quintessential oud and rose. I know POAL does not have oud in it, but I can't help but make that resemblance. All in all, this is an absolute belter of a fragrance, and considering you can find it for under 100$ on some discounters makes this remarkable. This is also my second Montale fragrance, and I am really enjoying it.

this perfume keeps being one of the reference fragrances for Rose-Ouds. in spite of more Expensive, more Notorious (all be it, this one has gained quite some Notoriety too), more 'Noble' Named etcetera, this very Perfume has shocked the world and it's position never abandoned. there is an exquise Rose Perfume which immediately throws itself in your face, hurridly followed by the Oud, used. I have read some criteria to which you can compare 'Real Oud' and 'Fake Oud'. the real Oud keeps its heady, dense, filled, multifaceted scent for a long time, in the meanwhile changeing and not changeing (in impact). quasi-Oud has a sonorous, monotonous, thin scent of woodiness. there is a Single Note presentation, it misses each Multi Layeredness, there is almost no Fragrant Evolution on the skin and there is weaker Sillage. (en-ae.ajmal. com) Ingredients used with Fake Oud are: Iso-E-Super, Suederal, Cypriol, Ambroxan, Guaiac Wood. of course this stays a debatable point, but I have never doubted Montales use of 'Aoud', sometimes he also uses 'Oud'. the perfume comes from 2006 and ironically then I had a preference for Attar (no Oud, which Montale also affirmed, a double distilled Sandelwood), Louban, Aoud Purple Roses. yet soon I had the Black Aoud and even the --Intense Edition. over which, ironically again, I preferred the Black Oud. for Hours now the perfume is hovering around my head with predominantly the two Star Playas. Rose and Oud. I do not feel this Oud is monothematic yet it contributes to the Headiness of the perfume. with Montales Oud-Roses (Ilove them ALL) you have to be prepaired the other notes play second violin. the first Post Neo Punk Blast will usurp your nostrils and it is a Room Clearer. just, since the 1980s hooker perfumes, the way I like it. I do not find this Rose turns into Pot Pourri (just reviewed two scents with this feature: Izia from Sisley and Rozy from Vero.Kern). however I am absolutely smitten with those perfumes too. Montales 'Black Aoud' can be easily arranged next to Terryfic Oud and Terryfic Oud Extrême by Terry de Gunzberg, Al Oudh by L'Artisan Parfumeur, Midnight Oud by Juliette Has A Gun, Ex Idolos Thirty Three [33 years aged Oud Oil with Rose], Sultan Pashas Attar Douce Amère [sweet-sour] this present, thick, cloying pure Oud Oil for $ 250 and Cartiers Oud-Rose parfum. (also the Haute Joiallerier Graff's Lesedi di Rona IV.) some would even say 'buy the Montale, it is cheaper'. so this is a Classic Perfume for me. the Patchouli, Musk and Labdanum fill in the gaps. Fruit I can NEVER smell in perfumes, not the Granny Smith in Promise, al Waad, al Wa'ed; Never one micron of Bergamot, MandarinOrange or whatever the fuck they fruitisize their perfumes with. it is all, already fabulous. I am lucky to have this Gem in my collection. by the way, it shifted wear with Montales 'Crazy In Love', the Rose Perfume from Hell. without Oud and Exhilarante, Étourdissante, Éblouissante and sur fin Exquise.

not wearable at all dont wear this its disgusting

Very similari to black prestigium, Better , no orris and White musk that gives a talc feeling, althoguh its beautiful, this One Is less potente but still good. Smelt from a guy in the Gym, so nothing more ti say

I grew up in Saudi Arabia, and lived in my Middle East my whole life. This is the type of luxurious, true oud you would smell on someone in the Middle East. Don't judge it based on the initial spray, wait for the dry down. It becomes clean, airy, slightly sweet with a hint of rose water, amazing scent trail and projection, definitely stays on clothes for multiple days. It is absolutely beautiful. As a woman, I would wear this on occasion to an elegant night out. It really is so beautiful, royal even. 9.5/10 for me because i would have loved a slightest touch more sweetness - otherwise perfect.

Recently got my 10ml travel sample from scent god for this and right away I loved it, mind you I am a bit different to majority of people around so my taste maybe a tad freaky or different. Very intense strong scent and unbelievable projection. I only used 1 spray on either side of neck and 1 on chest as went out for coffee on a cold day the sun came out and the chest spray has engourged my top which makes the room smell nice today. Never thought would be into a heavy rose scent but the rose is delightful and fine for men to wear, I can sense with it would also suit women so can be very unisex but slightly more male . Really into the oud fragrances of late and right away I decided would check who has the full size bottle on sale and grabbing one today for my collection. Really surprised but love this. It is very bold so can see how will not be for everyone

Very much identical to Black to Black by Mancera. I would say the opening of Montale is bit stronger and little harsh than Mancera's Black to Black but later on they become very much similar at least on my skin I get rose, spices, woods, leather and patchouli Performance is easy 12+ hours If I am forced to choose any one out of the 2 I'll go w Mancera because I feel Black to Black is smoother than Black Aoud and Mancera also offers additional 20 ml. I cannot compare Black Aoud w its intense version as i have never smelt it.

a literal rose bomb no oud after the opening whatsoever a synthetic rose do not buy

Is a nice perfume but don't overspray

Insanely screechy and chemical It smells like it costs 3$

When I ordered a sample of this fragrance, I didn’t expect it to smell so familiar. Based on the descriptions I had read beforehand, I had formed a completely different image in my mind. It just goes to show how misleading expectations can be. I initially perceived Black Aoud as something quite exotic, but having experience with fragrances like Oud for Greatness by Initio Parfums, it wasn’t something that turned my olfactory world upside down. Both compositions share certain impressions: something reminiscent of cough syrup, a brown throat lozenge, or a herbal, slightly burnt tincture with a sweet undertone. In one case this is accompanied by lavender, in the other by rose. To me, it’s a very pleasant profile, although I’m aware it may be off-putting to many. As the scent develops, however, the paths diverge and the similarities become less apparent. Black Aoud has two distinct faces. When smelled in the air, from a distance, it comes across as more incense-like and smoky — reminiscent of rose incense sticks (this is the note that felt so familiar to me). In the early heart phase, this effect is very pronounced, at times even slightly sharp. The second face reveals itself closer to the skin. Here, the fragrance becomes more complex, with woody, spicy facets, along with slightly sour and subtly salty nuances. The contrast between projection and the skin scent is very noticeable. Over time, the composition smooths out and loses some of its complexity, settling into a primarily incense-rose character. Beyond incense, another image comes to mind: a bouquet of deep red autumn roses brought indoors on a cool evening, with the faint smell of burning leaves and small branches lingering in the background. There is a clear sense of autumn here — a kind of natural decay, but in a positive way, without any damp or musty undertones. Performance is very good. Due to its distinctive profile, it’s worth being cautious with application, at least at first, until you understand how it develops and behaves on your skin.

20 years later and still a pungent beast of a musk---Damascus rose & Cambodian oudh. Nothing compares.

You’re at value city furniture and an elderly lady wearing cheetah print walks past you. This is that smell.

After 3 days on clothes, smells similar to ombre nomade

This is beast mode. It is one of favorites from Montale. It's heavy on the rose but it is done in a very sophisticated way.

Your child or a young member of your family comes up to you during the giving holidays. They know you love art, and they say “I have a gift for you - I know you like art!” “Wow, thank you!” You’re expecting a print of Klimt, Picasso - The Kiss or maybe Guernica, you’ve wanted to hang those for a while - maybe a Monet even though you’re not that big of a fan of Impressionism. Instead, the young’un hands you a watercolor they did in their art class. Are you disappointed? You will be disappointed if you’re the type that dislikes Montale’s Black Aoud. If you’re not the type to be disappointed, you will chuckle and smile at the completely forgivable, rudimentary and puerile nature that warms your heart. The latter describes Black Aoud for me. In an era of fanatical-bordering-on-cult like devotion to oud, where to be at least acceptable the perfume needs to be utterly superfluous, the oud rose perfume has a lot of upper echelon entries. Black Aoud does not fit into that echelon or anywhere that close, but it has heart and magnetism like that child’s watercolor. The oud is properly oud - funky, barnyard-y and animalic, woody, and all - yet it doesn’t have the depth and the fullness that connoisseurs assuredly identify in the real thing. The rose is similarly defined; it’s a candied rose that smells cheap, but not overly synthetic, and yet very cheerful. The materials chosen and the proportions with which they are married just simply work. Oud that doesn’t take itself too seriously, but oud nonetheless, and rose that has a fruity and giddy laugh, not a significant amount of drama or histrionics as the rose in many rose ouds can have. The rose is more forward in latter stages than the oud thanks to the addition of musks. Let’s not forget, it’s cheap. Don’t go scoffing at that, either. We all moan and groan about the price of perfumes these days and yet perfumistas are the first to see a low price tag and pass - “it must be bad.” Black Aoud doesn’t smell expensive, but it doesn’t smell cheap; it smells good. Period. If you like it, it’s an everyday oud rose perfume that will get you positively noticed and not break your wallet doing so.

The rose is dominant and there is a faint smell of oud in the background that is present but hardly noticeable. For a fragrance named black aoud, I was expecting the oud to be the more dominant note, especially in the dry-down. I think it is comparable to Oud Satin Mood, another rose heavy fragrance. Personally, I just don’t see myself wearing this scent as a man because I don’t like to smell like rose. It’s a more feminine leaning scent. I can definitely imagine a young middle eastern woman wearing something like this.

For the first time ever, I find myself strictly agreeing with the negative reviews. This is repulsive. The rose and patchouli combination results in an overwhelming mess that closely resembles the scent of a freshly bleach-cleaned WC. 'Aggressive, industrial, or clinical quality / Medicinal oud smell' - Yeah, that checks out. I was prepared to chalk it up due to simple skin incompatibility but the outcome was the same on clothes. Rather unfortunately, this is correctly listed as an eternal fragrance, as it mercilessly follows you around for hours on end, offering no relief. If fragrances were ever weaponised, this would be the prototype. 1/10

Tried the Black Aoud Intense, and it is nothing like the rose in this. I like the Imperial rose in the Intense, but this black aoud original, is just so pungent and musky.

I tried this today, and I think it's a great fragrance if you are trying to rid of cockroaches in your house. Edit: ignore what I said. I’ve actually come to love this fragrance! 😅 The dry down is what really sold me. After a fairly harsh opening, it settles into a sophisticated, rosy oud scent. It’s definitely not a soapy rose; it’s very velvety and soft. Still, I don’t think it’s for everyone. The opening is quite polarizing, and the dry down is very rose-heavy. But then again, why would anyone pick this up if they didn’t like rose in the first place?

This is Beast mode bomb 💣😄😁😩 Arabians Tonka is Lil bro of this Beast but seriously l got batch from 2024 and is punching with 2 sprays you can’t breathe 😁 Montale and Mancera only 2 Niche inexpensive houses that never disappoint 🔥💕

This has been my signature scent for a very long time. It is dark, heavy, powdery and very potent. Lasts forever, has enormous projection and sillage - definitely a beast perfume. On my skin, it reads warm and cozy. I have gotten numerous compliments on this fragrance and got told that people could tell when I was in the room even after I had left. This could mean that Black Aoud is a potential space-invader and it definitely lingers, which lately I have become more mindful of - monstrous sillage can be offensive. Not a blind buy for sure and not suitable for everyone - the rose is dry and red, lying on a coffin. To me, this is a quintessential gothic, vampiric fragrance.

There’s no doubt that Black Aoud is an intriguing fragrance. On one hand, it’s woody, earthy, even somewhat raw. On the other, the rose theme prevents me from classifying it as unequivocally masculine — at least not within our Western cultural context. While wearing Montale’s composition, I felt more feminine than I did when testing Byredo’s Pulp. Several people were genuinely surprised when they learned that this is marketed as a men’s fragrance. What’s more, one of my female friends already owns a bottle of Black Aoud herself. Still, this scent absolutely deserves to be discovered. It’s complex and original. There’s something undeniably fascinating about this dark, earthy rose. It won’t appeal to everyone, but I’m certain it will easily find its devoted fans. As for me, I encourage you to at least order a small sample. My rating: Worth getting to know. (5/7)

I really like Rose perfume for men. Ombre nomad, oud satin mood, toy boy are some of my favorites. This to me is very good if you like that vibe. It projects and last a long time. It's mostly straight rose for the first 30 minutes to an hour, then you can start to make out the other notes.

Not a safe blind buy But if u want a unique strange beast mode fragrance buy this Longevity : 10/10 Projection : 9/10