BORTNIKOFF
MYSTERIOUS OUD
2018
PERFUMER
Dmitry Bortnikov
Orange
Amber
Cardamom
Bergamot
Castoreum
Myrrh
Cinnamon
Clove
Tonka Bean
Jasmine
Nutmeg
Rose
Pink Pepper
Oud
Opoponax
Indian Oud
Tolu Balsam
Labdanum
Sandalwood
Cedarwood
Lotus
Vanilla
I first expected it go into a completely different, sweeter and chocolate-oud direction. I was wrong, it turned into a fruity and spicy affair quickly. Nutmeg and slightly animalic, very dry crisp woods. I’ve seen this compared to Jubilation XXV, but that one feels cloudy and dense to me, whereas Mysterious Oud leaves more room to breathe.
My sample felt rather subtle, which opposes most other reviews out there. Instead of the blackberry from Jubilation XXV, you get more of a woody vibe with a slice of orange. I liked it a lot on first impression, but it’s not a fragrance that I would wear often.