Tom Ford Oud Wood Review: Top Tier Competitor Without The Conditioning
It’s always disappointing to see your heroes fall. Athlete’s careers come to a screeching halt, artists leave us abruptly, and we see family slowly dwindle away into the unfortunately harsh reality of the circle of life. In the fragrance world, in much less dramatic fashion, we watch as our favourite scents slowly fade away into our skin. Some iterations will last days upon days, flowing frivolously into our DNA. While others suddenly dissolve into the depths of our pheromones.
In 2007, Tom Ford released its private blend collection. With the intention of being worn simultaneously or alone, Ford’s 12 private blends transcended the way we perceived fragrance quality and creativity. Among the initial release was Oud Wood, a pungent, showstopping wood fragrance with its sight set on the top.
Oud Wood features a linear note breakdown. Its namesake note, Oud, pairs with Brazilian Rosewood and soft Sandalwood for a mellow, woodsy accord. The scent is brightened by a shock of Cardamom, rejuvenated by Vanilla sweetness, and uplifted by Sichuan Pepper. Vetiver adds a kick of a grassy, forest appeal in conjunction with Tonka Bean and Amber.
The fragrance dries down to this metallic, woodsy scent with twists and turns which occur with each hour of wear. At first, there’s a fresh, airy accord which presents the wood in a light that is timid and shy. Although, its sense of manhood is sprung to life via a shocking burst of Cardamom.
From there, spices begin to fill the air, making their way slowly in a very specific order. First is the Cardamom. Deep in its approach, yet calm and collected. Then, you experience Sichuan Pepper, which nips at your nose until you can’t help but focus at it. Everything comes together in light of the Vanilla. Tender, soft, and giving. This Vanilla accord transcends Oud Wood into new heights.
The only complaint that myself, among others have for the scent is that its performance is weak at best. On my skin, I begin to lose the nuances of spice and vigor at around the two-hour mark. Within four hours all that remains are the fragments of what was a shockingly good wood fragrance.
Oud Wood had the potential to be the best in class. Its wood was second to none, and its supporting notes played their roles tremendously, offering new renderings and possibilities with every sniff. However, its demise is its performance.
Tom Ford Oud Wood is still available on their official website, along with a multitude of trusted department stores and grey-market distributors.
