Our take
What does Precious Oud smell like?
Van Cleef & Arpels added Precious Oud to its Collection Extraordinaire in July 2011. Perfumer Amandine Clerc-Marie, credited at the time as Amandine Marie, composed it. The aim was to bring oud into floral territory instead of serving it raw. The opening is peppery and clear, with pink pepper and bergamot. Iris, tuberose and jasmine fill the heart, threaded with incense. The white flowers lay a creamy fabric over the wood. Only in the base does the oud fully arrive. Sandalwood, vetiver, patchouli and ambergris surround it. It stays clean and barely animalic. You get the dark resin without the medicinal edge of rougher ouds. Compared with Tom Ford's Oud Wood, which is drier and woodier, Precious Oud is openly floral. It will suit people who find oud intimidating. Purists will look elsewhere.
When to wear it
An evening scent for autumn and winter, for a dinner or an occasion. One spray on each wrist is enough.
It belongs to the Floral, Woody family. Precious Oud is one of 20 creations by Van Cleef & Arpels in our encyclopedia.
