Chinese Oud

Chinese Oud by Areej Le Doré presents a refined and accessible interpretation of agarwood, balancing its natural animalic character with vibrant citrus and sweet floral notes. The opening unfolds with aldehydes, sweet orange, and bergamot—a lightly boozy, bittersweet accord that evokes dark chocolate or citric fruitiness, setting a luminous, enveloping tone. The oud—derived from rare Hainan sources—is well-integrated, revealing smoky, woody, and leathery facets without the aggressive animalic intensity familiar in many oud compositions. Instead, it's softened by gardenia and jasmine heart notes, creating a restrained yet layered floral presence. As it settles, the drydown reveals creamy Mysore sandalwood, aged patchouli, and a smooth vanilla base, tempered by oakmoss to deliver a chypre-like depth without overwhelming sillage. Though not bold or loud in projection, its longevity is pronounced and it adjusts well on the skin.