If you are looking for a starter Montale, try Red Aoud. This is obviously a Montale but tamer in comparison to the others. I don’t consider it a “starter oud” but I do consider it a “starter Montale”. It’s very much a Montale but quieter.
At first with Red Aoud, I get suede and saffron sugar cookies with a hint of sweet lemon. And yes, there is a Montale Aoud but it’s turned down to tolerable. The saffron is a lovely accent in this fragrance. Interestingly, I get a fruit with Red Aoud. Some roses can have a raspberry quality. This is what I get from Red Aoud – a honeyed, raspberry rose. It’s surrounded by sugar cookies and a little saffron. I also pick up on a little bit of fudge with chili powder. The base is a soft, milky saffron with oud and creamy sandalwood. It’s a very pretty base. It’s a very pretty fragrance.
I know I just posted a review (Jane Booke Taken) where I said my husband never compliments me on my fragrance but he likes that one. Well, he also loves Red Aoud but the thing is…I think he wants it for himself as well. He won’t stop sniffing me when I wear this scent.
Notes listed include aoud, red pepper, saffron, cumin, orris, Haitian vetiver and Mysore sandalwood.
Give Red Aoud a try if you like warm, comforting gourmands or perfumes like L’Artisan Saffran Troublant, By Kilian Pure Oud, Montale White Aoud, Divine L’Homme Sage, CdG Red Harissa, and/or Juliette Has a Gun Midnight Oud. Red Aoud is a unisex fragrance. I find that it wears differently on different people but it always tends to smell good.
Like all Montale scents, I find this one to have above average projection and longevity. I think it’s a great “cozy” scent for cooler weather.
The 1.7 oz of Red Aoud retails for $120 at Amazon.
Victoria’s Final EauPINION – A sweet and spicy gourmand with a milky saffron sandalwood base. So far, this is my favorite Montale fragrance and a must try for anyone that likes a sophisticated gourmand.
Want more reviews? Try…
Eiderdown Press – Another great review from Suzanne
Great review! I would have skipped this if not for your review, but sounds like something I might like.
Boy, that line could use some editing. I gave up because so many were similar. Somebody talked me into trying this one and I’m happy I did.
Lol! … “I consider it ‘a starter Montale'”
I got a kick out of that description, but you’re right. This is definitely one of the quieter scents in the line and pretty darn easy to wear.
(Also got a kick out of hearing that your husband won’t stop sniffing you when you wear it. Yep, I think he wants a bottle.) 🙂
Most Montales are loud and some scream at me. This one is quiet, easier to wear. I really like it.
I think he wants a bottle for himself.
[…] Coco and Estee Lauder Youth Dew. I did get into woodsy roses like Smell Bent Bollywood or Bust and Montale Red Aoud. For bath products, I’ve been using a rose body oil and rose shower gels. With home […]