ROJA PARFUMS
Taif Aoud PARFUM
2023
PERFUMER
Roja Dove
bergamot
aldehydes
geranium
rose
jasmin
ylang-ylang
clove
cassis
patchouli
oud
benzoin
vanilla
frankincense
labdanum
musk
Taif Oud was first released in 2014 Taif Aoud PARFUM (2014). It was re-released in 2023. Taif Aoud is likely the same formulation as Fortnum & Mason Taif Aoud.
‘The summer capital of Saudi Arabia, the mountainous region of Taif provides a cool escape from the heat. For as far as the eye can see, fields of precious Roses grow along its slopes. This legendary Arabian Rose is further freshened by sparkling Aldehydes, Bergamot, and juicy Cassis, whilst the intoxicating scent of burning Frankincense and Oud Bakhoors mingle in the air. To wear Taif Aoud perfume is to feel the warmth of the sun and a cool mountain breeze caressing your skin.’ – Roja Parfums
This is a re-review after purchasing a bottle. Arguably my favorite of the Aouds. Taif Aoud made the #5 of my favorites from 2023 , although I’d probably place it at #2 or #3 if asked now (behind PureDistance Papilio and perhaps tied with Amouage Jubilation 40).
This is slightly more versatile and bright when compared to Amber Aoud or Musk Aoud, but it’s not necessarily in a different category to me, as some seem to place it. It’s not a much lighter, mass appealing scent akin to Enigma Aoud for example. You still have that similar base and I don’t think it smells much lighter or rose-heavy than Amber Aoud. It’s a year round fragrance easily and not just a ‘more Summery’ one in the line.
It’s spicier than I expected before trying it, but what sets it apart the most are the aldehydes.
Every time I wear Taif Aoud so far, I’m surprised by the opening minutes; where you get a dry, dusty, slightly more daring tinge and to my nose, a lot of saffron (which is not listed as a note). That seems more so true with this bottle, which has had some time to mature, when compared to my experience sampling it a year prior.
Within the first hour the florals and the fresh, classical aldehydes start to reveal themselves more and more, instead of being brightest and most citrussy from the first moment. The rose / florals are lovely, classy, but it’s not super vibrant, instead the aldehydes and what I perceive to be saffron make it clean, yet sharp and a tad retro. With a tiny, subtle fruitiness. Closer to the Roja Rose Parfum from my collection or some vintages, than it is to a lot of popular modern roses (Radical Rose, Portrait Of A Lady, Oud Satin Mood etc.).
As it dries, I get clove and cinnamon and I’d argue the later hours of the wear are more like a warm, spicy skin scent than a floral one. It grows cozy and has that familiar warm, deep vibe with some sweetness from some of those other Aouds.
This will probably be one of my absolute favorites in my collection. Which is good, because I sold of 10 bottles to afford this one.
