The best Oud fragrances for men that evoke a warm, smoky aroma

• Fragrance Family: Woody/Chypre/citrus
• Concentration: eau de parfum
• Motivation: Evening

Byredo’s innovative and emotive approach to fragrance gives this interpretation of oud an unparalleled sense of modernity, despite being inspired by the ancient past. Created by ex-professional basketball player turned international perfumer, Ben Gorham, it has a smoky character, appeals to any gender and is both complex and deep. Looking to the cultural significance of oud; used in traditional incense and perfumes for centuries and mentioned in one of the world’s oldest written texts (the Sanskrit Vedas from India), it has a punch that makes it more appropriate for evening than day. Vegan-friendly, like all Byredo scents, it has top notes of limoncello, incense and cardamom, heart notes of agarwood (oud), patchouli, papyrus and Brazilian rosewood and an elegant oak moss and tobacco leaf base.

• Fragrance Family: Floral musk
• Concentration: eau de parfum
• Motivation: Opulent

Fusing the artistry of French fine fragrance with an Anglo sensibility, Miller Harris is one of the most celebrated British perfumery businesses and especially popular around wedding season. La Fumée Alexandrie is a woody musk inspired by the ancient rituals of scenting through smoke. Rose Damascene absolute from Turkey (which is used in the heart), oud and incense converge to create a beguiling scent that is sensual, dramatic and opulent. The rose, with a fruity character of both lychee and Italian mandarin, is twisted around the dry heat of papyrus and sandalwood, while the intensity of oud is tempered with a spicy blend of cumin and cinnamon. Geranium essential oil adds a floral twang, as birch and amber in its base deliver a resinous aftertaste. While many oud-based fragrances can be overwhelming, this one has a softer side and is therefore as appropriate for day as it is for night.

• Fragrance Family: Amber/woody
• Concentration: eau de parfum
• Motivation: Sensual

An independent perfume house launched in 2016, BDK works each of its exceptional fragrances around one particular raw material, giving it “life” by attaching it to an inspiration. Oud Abramad is part of its La Collection Matieres line, whose highly concentrated fragrances are made from top-quality absolutes of raw materials and inspired by legends. David Benedek, founder of BDK, working with head perfumer Mathilde Bijaoui has paired the woody and spicy facets of agarwood (oud) – the anchor to this ship – with the more oriental sensuality of Turkish rose. Intense and magnetic, the fragrance journey begins with saffron and uplifting ginger and then seasons the rose with a touch of cumin for spice. But it is the dry-down where most of the action happens – a foundation of agarwood, guaiac wood, rockrose, patchouli, incense, orcanox and castoreum, forming a precious and amber-toned woody base. A definite winner on date night.

• Fragrance Family: Spicy/Vanilla/Musk
• Concentration: extrait de parfum
• Motivation: Sensual confidence

An already heavy hitter reimagined in 2018 as a punchy extrait de parfum interpretation of the original Oud formulation, this is the one for true oud aficionados. Using oud from Laos (a very rare and precious commodity), Kurkdjian wrapped the ingredient in a duvet of musk and vanilla accord, turning the volume up on its spicy and rich aromas. Saffron, elemi, vegetal musk, cedarwood from Morocco, vanilla accord and patchouli from Indonesia are all in the mix for this fearless and independent statement maker.

• Fragrance Family: Amber/woody
• Concentration: Eau de parfum
• Motivation: Empowering

Seven years in the making, Les Parfums Infinis Rebel is one of 13 fragrances that use no chemical solvents but are still as long-lasting as any traditional eau de parfum. Rebel, a fragrance that invites you to transgress the mundane, is a heady, bold and statement-making oud scent that takes you on a journey. Opening with aromatic angelica seed and papyrus, the fragrance takes a more bittersweet turn. Saffron warmed by smoky notes of tarry, leathery styrax, benzoin and myrrh play an intro to a solid and grounding base of sensual oud wood. Presented in a crafted box designed to look like a book, the ultraviolet glass bottles protect and preserve the fragrance from sunlight and features a hallmarked sterling silver talisman in the cap of the bottle.

• Fragrance Family: Spicy leather
• Concentration: eau de parfum
• Motivation: Mystery

Unexpected combinations and novel constructions are at the heart of this niche fragrance brand’s aromatic vision. Based out of Brooklyn and founded by partners in both life and business, it offers a very contemporary take on the traditional rules of perfumery. Notorious Oud, “notorious” because oud is largely considered the most notorious ingredient in a perfumer’s arsenal, uses a sublime Indonesian oud in its construction. Combined with North African papyrus, Afghani saffron and Bulgarian rose, it offers a very “Brooklyn” (read: hipster) take on this most coveted ingredient in fragrance. One hundred per cent vegan, it also features white galbanum and camphor up-top, lavender absolute in its dry-down and finishes with catalox (otherwise known as ambroxan) and civet. Rich and mysterious with a sensual personality.

• Fragrance Family: Woody/spicy
• Concentration: eau de parfum
• Motivation: Strong and masculine

A collaboration between former Gucci creative director Alessandro Michele and renowned perfumer Alberto Morillas, The Alchemist’s Garden is a luxury collection of fragrances, oils and candles, that experiment with the layering of natural plants, flowers and modern molecules to create contemporary ‘spells’. This one, the most masculine in the line-up, explores the aphrodisiac qualities of oud, combining it with intense leather notes, saffron and patchouli. As enchanting as it is, if you are looking for subtle, can we suggest you move on.

• Fragrance Family: Smoky floral wood
• Concentration: eau de parfum
• Motivation: Potent opulence

The Night is Editions De Parfums' magnum opus, using an unprecedented amount of natural oud — hence the hefty price tag. Blended with Turkish rose and saffron and lying on a luxuriant bed of frankincense and sandalwood, it's catnip to oud connoisseurs and is one of the most precious perfumes on the market. Characteristic of all perfumer Dominique Ropion’s fragrances, the excessive dosage of such a powerful ingredient as oud is balanced with minutely measured amounts of more subtle accords. Inspired by the moment when the sun goes down in the Middle East and people pour excitedly into the streets, it has an exuberance and exoticism that goes above and beyond.

• Fragrance Family: Woody/citrus/musk
• Concentration: Eau de parfum
• Motivation: Intrigue

Opening with orange and crisp bergamot, to contrast with the headiness of rare oud wood resin, this hypnotic, mysterious and smoky elixir is one of the jewels in Jo Malone London’s crown of highly concentrated Cologne Intense formulas, a range that is inspired by and uses ingredients gathered from around the globe. It has bite (thanks to the citrus fruits) but dries down to a mellow spin on oud, achieved through the Earl Grey tea facets of the bergamot and cedarwood, which is dry, intensely woody and gives the brambly aspect in the base of the fragrance. Created by celebrated perfumer Christine Nagel, and presented in a black glass bottle (unique to the Cologne Intense line), it leaves a trail of musk-like accents, which, when combined with praline, give a fresh and contemporary feel to an ingredient which is central to Middle Eastern fragrance traditions.

• Fragrance Family: Woody citrus
• Concentration: eau de parfum
• Motivation: Luxurious longevity

Whereas some oud-infused fragrances can come across a little bit intimidating, this scent, with its sparkling citrus top notes and warm enveloping base, has a much wider and more approachable appeal. Fusing French heritage and tradition with a touch of modernity, it's been composed using the finest raw materials and a 25 per cent concentration to give it staying power as well asa feel of luxury and prestige. Part of 1667’s Louis XIV inspired La Collection Royale, it opens with a burst of ripe citrus fruits before melting into a spiced floral heart of neroli, lavender, baies rose, coriander, cardamom and nutmeg. Its elevated base is a combination of musk, vanilla, cedarwood, amber and precious oud.

• Fragrance Family: Spicy/Woody
• Concentration: eau de parfum
• Motivation: Evening

The Oud Noir interpretation of Alberto Morillas’ aromatic fougère, Versace Pour Homme is a dramatic departure from the original. While the 2008 juice is an energising, sun-kissed celebration of green and floral notes, Oud Noir takes a walk on a distinctly darker side. A deeply textured and hypnotic scent sitting comfortably within the oriental/woody fragrance family, it is both intense and regal in its composition while also spicy with a burning heart and a heavy scent of leather. Opening with effervescent bitter orange, black pepper and neroli, it takes a sudden dive into the comforting centre of aromatic saffron, cardamom and oilbanum. The oud (agarwood) kicks in properly after an hour or two (although is present from the offset), flanked by patchouli and leatherwood. Good for the day but better for night…which kind of goes without saying given it's Versace.

• Fragrance Family: Woody/spicy
• Concentration: Eau de parfum
• Motivation: Sensual

LilaNur Parfums is the first luxury fragrance house to be born out of India; surprising given the country’s abundance of natural perfumery ingredients. Celebrating India’s flora and olfactory riches, expressed through the lens of French fine fragrance, the line has been created with the help of some of the industry’s most legendary perfumers. Each fragrance spotlights an iconic Indian material (flowers, spices, herbs and woods) as its muse; Agar Épicé (literally translated as Spiced Oud), obviously takes oud as its leading actor and is one of the collection’s best performances. Inspired by the smoky tonality of oud, it is encased in a blend of warming Indian spices with a rich and sensuous aura. Created by perfumer, Fabrice Pellegrin, it is a resinous and earthy scent with a brighter, lighter character which is sparked with ginger, cypriol and guaiac wood essences. Luxurious oud, with leathery facets, extracted from Aquilaria trees native to the northeastern region of the country, leaves a lingering trail, softened with velvety sandalwood.

• Fragrance Family: Woody/spicy
• Concentration: Eau de parfum
• Motivation: Energising

Part of Initio’s Black Gold Project Collection, Oud for Happiness is full of spiritual charm. The follow up to Oud for Greatness, it rebalances energy levels whilst relaxing both the body and the mind. Exploring another facet of oud, an ancestral material with a recognised psychoactive dimension, it stimulates and fills you with self-confidence; basically it is designed to put a smile on your face. The benefits of the oud ingredient are amplified through a rush of freshly-cut narcotic grass; energising and uninhibited. Opening with citrus burst of ripe bergamot fruit and ginger (an exhilarating aphrodisiac) the all-natural scent melds with Virginia cedar which has toning properties and Indian oud. Closing the show with sweet base of liquorice, vanilla and musk and herbal notes, it evokes strong emotions as well as lifting your mood.

• Fragrance Family: Amber/woody
• Concentration: Extrait de parfum
• Motivation: Opulent

Fusing Eastern opulence with Western refinement, Thameen’s Treasure Collection looks towards the world’s most iconic jewels for its inspiration. Sumptuous and luxurious, carved Oud takes a slightly different path. Celebrating the Indian temple cravings that depict an ancient ritual requiring sixteen stages of adorning a woman with perfumes and precious jewels to elevate her to goddess level, you could be forgiven for thinking this long-lasting extrait de parfum concentration leans toward the more feminine; but you couldn’t be more wrong. The woody scent uses a unique oud from the south of India; one of the highest quality oud oils. Opening with the aromatic notes of cypress, Guatemalan cardamom, pink pepper, and cypriol oil, the majestic scent then takes a journey through cedar wood, iris, guaiac and the all-important oud. Pure patchouli, smoky Haitian vetiver, amber, vanilla and sandalwood add depth, richness and texture, finished off with a smooth, temperate musk in the base.

• Fragrance Family: Woody/Aromatic
• Concentration: eau de parfum
• Motivation: Elegance

Haltane is a bold, very masculine scent with ageless appeal which has been composed using a pyramid of exceptional materials. The bright, citrus-tinged and fresh herbal top notes are achieved with a blend of bergamot, clary sage and lavender. The heart serves a soft and rich praline accord, supported by cedar wood, saffron and elder wood. Its lingering base is a traditionally aromatic combo of patchouli, vetiver, musk, leather and natural agarwood (oud). Designed exclusively for men, it unites French 18th-century-inspired regal savoir-faire with British elegance in perfect harmony. A unique scent that is full of carefully-balanced contrasts; tradition and innovation, light and shadow, sophistication and invigorating freshness.

• Fragrance Family: Earthy wood
• Concentration: eau de parfum
• Motivation: Sophistication & sensuality

This Harrods exclusive brings unprecedented complexity to the opulent character of oud; a fragrance that doesn’t hold back. Created by master perfumer (and founder of Matiere Premiere), Aurelien Guichard, it refines a rough and precious Assam oud by shaping it out with seven complementary high-quality ingredients, each extracted using the slow perfumery method in order to treat the materials with greater respect. Using violet leaf absolute from Egypt, tobacco leaf absolute from the Balkans, patchouli oil from Indonesia, vetiver oil from Haiti, cyrpiol oil from India, ciste labdanum absolute from Andalusia and amber, it is both creative and somehow familiar with great contrasts; the oud is, however, still the star of this show.

• Fragrance Family: Woody/Leather
• Concentration: eau de parfum
• Motivation: Seductive

An olfactory encounter between East and West (a reoccurring theme for oud-infused scents) Oud Essentiel is an epic woody, leather-based fragrance. Charismatic, seductive and full of mellow flavour, it's well-balanced and intense, but with a mellow flavour. Saffron notes and pelargonium have been used in its top, agarwood, rose and Atlas cedarwood at the heart and leather notes, incense and guaiac wood in its trailing base layer.