Dressed for the occasion: Jo Malone's Oud and Bergamot

Muslims all around the world will break their fast for one last time this year on Thursday, marking the end of holy fasting month of Ramadan while welcoming the first day of Shawwal – Eid al-Fitr. As an ode to the joyous celebration, Jo Malone London selected one of the few colognes from the Intense Collection and give it a glitzy makeover to welcome a brand-new year in the Islamic calendar.  

Decadently dressed, the highly coveted Oud and Bergamot lives up to its name, stunning passerby with its bright mysterious yet smoky vibe. Nosed by Christine Nagel, she draws inspiration from the fragrant tradition of Middle East, blending mysterious Agarwood or Oud with bright and fresh citrus of orange, bergamot and lemon. The result: bright yet smoky, zesty yet peculiar. 

Top Note: Bergamot

Heart Note: Cedarwood

Base Note: Oud Wood

First few sprays open with juicy bergamot notes, mistakably assumed to only been used in bright and poppy fragrances. After few moments, the concoction transforms to reveal its bewildering character, glimmering in smoky cedar as oud struts off valiantly from the base of the cologne. 

Most of the time, oud usage in perfumery are commonly associated to smell animalic and sometimes fecal. MME Nagel however tames it with dry and intense cedar while garnishing it off with citruses to shun oud from revealing its true characters. 

Sometimes, I find Oud and Bergamot to be very shy, disappearing from my sight as I go about my day. However, if you were to enter into a colder environment, the chilliness would ignite its heart, warming up all around you to provide some comfort, albeit in a polite way J

Silage and projection is moderate, you would not amaze people whom are more than 2 to 3 feet away from you nor will you slap those in the face for being too close. Oud and Bergamot is office-friendly while being able to portray professional characteristics in you without getting too loud and bold. In terms of longevity, the juice could last you a work day – somewhere in between 7-9 hours. 

Price:

Oud and Bergamot Limited Edition, 100ml – MYR 662

* Image courtesy goes to their respective owners. 

Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri in advance!

-Willy-