FRAGRANCE DU BOIS
OUD BLEU INTENSE

2013

PERFUMER
Guillaume Flavigny

Mandarin
Cardamom
Nutmeg

frankincense
Amber
Labdanum
Myrrh

Oud
Myrrh
Styrax
Opoponax
Benzoin

‘Oud Bleu Intense is given vitality with notes of sea breeze and mountain air. Rich complex notes of woods and spices make this fragrance a dreamy spiritual experience for the senses. A unique woody spicy perfume of hand-picked cardamom, nutmeg and mandarin form the top notes. The infusion of intoxicating frankincense, myrrh essence and warm amber create the heart note. The nuances of exotic Oud then rise, complementing a rich long-lasting base of onycha and sweet myrrh.’ – Fragrance du Bois

The ‘bleu’ aspect is what’s somewhat confusing, because even though there’s an aquatic touch, it’s not all there is to it and I don’t know where it comes from looking at the notes.

This leans very spicy and resinous from the start, with frankincense, styrax, labdanum, myrrh and opoponax, which are used in a way reminiscent to some Amouage’s here to my nose. Most prominent in the opening however, is a lovely, fresh mandarin note.

It’s a bit bubblegummy for me, but in a pleasant way, almost as if there’s a minty touch to the spices.

The first time I smelled this, it somehow reminded me of my shaving cream (minus the mandarin). And the mandarin smells amazing, it’s quite sour and there’s a green tinge.

The drydown loses part of the fresh feel as it becomes warmer and the spices are still going strong. I found this to be one of the better performers from Fragrance du Bois, which is a plus, especially considering the brightness.