Lavender Thorne
←
+
+
+
+
−
−
−
−
← Back to discovery
Oud Wood Intense
by Tom Ford
Oud Wood Intense by Tom Ford is a bold, masculine fragrance that defies the softness of its predecessor, Oud Wood, and instead delivers a dense, leather- and smoke-laden scent that feels like a statement. It opens with a pungent, animalic burst of castoreum, oud, and smoky synthetic notes—reminiscent of burning rubber, leather jackets, and industrial fuel—that commands attention. Over time, a refined layer of green woody notes—cypress, juniper, and angelica—asserts itself, bringing a sharper, fresher nuance that balances the intensity. The dry-down lingers in a long, sustained projection of powerful, smoky leather that remains deeply present for hours, with a subtle metallic and medicinal quality reminiscent of medicinal balms or burnt wood. The fragrance performs with exceptional longevity and sillage, making it suitable for nightwear and colder seasons, though worn only sparingly due to its strength and invasiveness.
Pros
- +Extremely long-lasting and powerful in projection, suitable for extended wear and formal or special occasions
- +A highly unique, dark, and complex scent that stands out in a sea of generic oud fragrances
- +A refined, mature, and compelling leather-oud fusion that avoids being overly sweet or cloying
Cons
- −Overwhelmingly intense and offensive to many, potentially causing headaches or discomfort
- −Lacks the sweet, aromatic elegance of the original Oud Wood, making it polarizing and not crowd-pleasing
- −The price is considered unjustifiably high, especially with the fragrance now discontinued and only available secondhand