Oud Wood Intense

n celebration of the 10th anniversary of Oud Wood, a game-changer in its use of oud for Western perfumery, Tom Ford has come out with a confident, commanding new take with Oud Wood Intense. If you’re expecting the same old song but with a different tune, you’ll be pleasantly, outrageously surprised – it’s no flanker here. Indeed, with the higher extrait concentration, the amped-up rugged texture is entirely its own doing, with a fresh new set of notes.

Don’t undermine that word Intense – the supercharged fragrance opens with a zingy, hydrating burst of aromatics and spices with the addition of piquant cypress, juniper, and angelica root. They combine for an almost citrus-like sweet fresh energy, but always with a slightly bitter, verdant edge. Then, at the heart of Oud Wood Intense, we reach the growling, meaty heart. Layers of ginger add spice while Tom Ford’s signature smooth oud sings, but don’t be fooled – this is the most prominently smoky, textured oud of his yet. The castoreum contributes a wonderfully animalic dimension that adds heft and presence akin to Tuscan Leather, but even surpassing it in dark, saturated presence. One of the most exciting additions to the Tom Ford Private Blend line, Oud Wood Intense is a bold statement to add polish to any night out on the town.

Angelica root, ginger, cypress, juniper, oud, castoreum