There was lots of hype behind Bond No. 9 New York Oud as a “modernized and urbanized” oud fragrance. Bond No. 9 attempted to produce an oud without an incense/ancient feel. I like Bond No. 9 but I wouldn’t say that it is “new”. New York Oud is very Arabian to me, like a Montale. And yes, ancient but this is never a bad thing, in my opinion. My skin didn’t pick up on any creaminess or “urban forests”. I got lots of oud, saffron, and honey. New York Oud wears very savory on me without being sweet.
New York Oud opens up a tad sweaty on me, but in a good way. It’s dirty and I immediately get the oud. The oud in this is medicinal or as my husband says “a DEET saturated band-aid”. I get lots of savory saffron. And oud. There’s a teeny bit of rose, like a rose attar, but it really is faint. So, if you are scared that this could be too rosy, it isn’t. The roses are “honeyed” and accent the oud. The top has a bit of honeyed plums. New York Oud is very linear. It wears the same on me 15 hours after wear as it does at first spray. The only thing that really changes is that New York Oud becomes more animalic (honey and dirty musk) and the dry vetiver is more noticeable than before. But, I feel I had to be “looking” for that. New York is really all about the oud, saffron, and honey. It manages to be dirty and animalic. No clean musks here.
I do like New York Oud even though it isn’t what I expected at all. I expected creamy, an oud for those that dislike oud. This is a savory fragrance, much heavier on the saffron than I imagined. And just like Donovan, I’m just mad about saffron. Saffron’s mad about me. It’s skanky and sexy on a man or a woman. If you are looking for a “modernized” or “urbanized” oud then try Le Labo Oud. If you want a creamy oud, then try Tom Ford Oud Wood.
This fragrance is incredibly long wearing. It’s there until you bathe. And it’s strong, concentrated. I love that. I’m catching whiffs of this scent all day and night.
Obviously, this scent wears differently on different people. My review isn’t corresponding with any others. I didn’t really get florals or sweetness or a “feminine” from New York Oud. I think I’m suffering from over oud saturation 😉
Notes listed include: red plum, saffron, orange zest, oud, red rose, orris, patchouli, musk, honey, and vetiver.
I think Bond No. 9 New York Oud is a fragrance that is more for the saffron lover than the oud fanatic. Give New York Oud a try if you like DSH Perfumes Cimabue, By Kilian Pure Oud, L’Artisan Parfumeur Safran Troublant or Al Oudh, Comme de Garçons #2, and/or Montale Red Aoud.
The 3.4 oz. spray retails for $310 and is available at Bond No. 9’s on-line boutique and Harrods (UK).
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Thanks for the mention Victoria! 😀
dee recently posted..Olympic Orchids- A Midsummer Day’s Dream
This seems like a really luxurious fragrance.
Sadly, I haven’t had any luck with oud 🙁
Awe, well you’ll be saving money this year on fragrance. I don’t see the oud launches slowing down…
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Hmm.. do you think I’d like this? I’m a little torn, part of me thinks I should give it a go and the other part says just let it go. Do you get any cumin in this?
Carrie Meredith recently posted..Inspired Hydration- Haus of Gloi Pumpkin Butter
I don’t get cumin but the saffron gives spice. What I get is an easy to wear (less crisp and medicinal oud) with lots of honey and saffron. It’s savory. It didn’t wear “creamy” on me but more “sticky” from the honey. I like it. However, I have not tried the other Bond ouds, so I can’t say how they compare. Don’t let the bottle deceive you; this is a “gold” fragrance, very warm.
Oh my this sounds great! I love saffron too, and like you, saffron loves me back!
Saffron with roses and oud? You can’t go wrong, really.
I’m very happy that saffron works for me. I wish clove would work for me like it does for you!
Dang, that is expensive! It better be real good 😉