Aoud Forest

Aoud Forest by Montale is a surprisingly light and transparent aquatic fragrance that defies its name and reputation. It opens with a bright, refreshing burst of citrus, sea water, and spicy ginger, creating a crisp, clean profile reminiscent of a sunlit beach rather than a forest. The initial phase feels highly aromatic, marine, and slightly synthetic, evoking comparisons to classic summer colognes like Nautica Voyage and CK Free, but with greater quality and performance. As the scent develops, a prominent rose note emerges, complemented by green rosemary and a subtle oud presence that becomes more noticeable in the dry down. Despite the name suggesting a dark woody oud forest, the fragrance stays light, airy, and mostly aquatic throughout. The sillage is moderate, with longevity that comfortably lasts a full day, though it fades relatively quickly on some skins. The overall impression is one of high-quality blending, with a dry down dominated by rose, oud, musk, and marine accents — offering a refined, unisex character that leans slightly masculine in profile but remains wearable by all genders. It’s not a bold or intense fragrance, but a quietly elegant, versatile summer scent that captures the feeling of a coastal breeze on warm days.