by Chopard
Oud Malaki by Chopard is a refined, masculine-centric fragrance that bridges Western sensibility with Middle Eastern opulence. It opens with a bright, aromatic burst of grapefruit and lavender, creating a refreshing contrast to the rich, warm heart of tobacco, spices, and woody notes. This opening dissolves into a deeply layered composition where sweet, slightly creamy tobacco dominates, supported by subtle oud, leather, and ambergris giving depth and a hint of animalic warmth. The fragrance is elegant and restrained, with a smooth, cohesive progression that feels sophisticated and well-balanced. It performs best in cooler weather, particularly winter evenings or formal occasions. Sillage is moderate to strong, though it tends to settle close to the skin, offering a discernible yet intimate trail. Longevity is solid—many users report 8 to 12 hours, with excellent persistence on clothes. Despite its name, the oud note is not dominant; instead, it functions as a refined, supporting element that enhances the woody depth without overwhelming the tobacco-driven core. While some consider it a well-executed 'tobacco scent' more than an oud, others see it as a balanced, classically structured fragrance reminiscent of Penhaligons Halfeti, Bvlgari Man in Black, or Tom Ford Tobacco Oud—particularly in its smooth, wearable warmth and restrained power. Its quality-to-price ratio is widely praised, with many calling it a hidden gem, offering niche-level sophistication at a designer price point. Performance is consistently reliable across users, though some report dimmed longevity depending on batch or body chemistry. Overall, it's a mature, confident scent with a blandly masculine aura—ideal for those seeking a dapper, quietly powerful, well-blended fragrance for cooler seasons or special events. It is best suited for those who appreciate sophisticated, warm tobacco and woody-frankincense accords, with minimal floral or sweet gourmand notes.