Fougere Oud

Tom Ford’s Oud Wood Eau de Parfum is a popular perfume by Tom Ford for women and men. It was released as part of the perfume house’s Private Blend collection in 2007. The cologne uses the rare resin of a specific genus of trees (oud), combined with sandalwood, rosewood, eastern spices, and sensual amber for a sophisticated yet compelling aroma.

Maybe a crash course in oud is in order before we go any further.

What exactly is oud? Oud is a highly precious resin produced from trees in the agarwood genus, and it’s the smell that gives Middle Eastern fragrances their unique scent. Oud is made by a process of carving out pieces of wood into flakes and then processing them into essential oils, thus giving the scent its woody quality. In addition to smelling woody or sweet, oud can have undertones of leather, and spices, and will often also have floral notes.

Oud Wood carries on the same woodsy, spice-filled scent trail in its opening notes. Also present are other woody notes coming from Brazilian rosewood and sandalwood. In addition, you might detect cardamom and a peppery spice note, with the former being especially noticeable. We don’t mind, though, as the combination of oud and cardamom is absolutely delicious with its sweet, nutty, aromatic properties. Toward the middle notes, the oud steps aside ever so slightly, allowing other woody notes like vetiver and amber to shine through. Nearer to the dry down, the scent is almost back to how it smelled at the beginning, with a resurgence of oud accompanied by lingering notes of sandalwood and vetiver.

Unlike a lot of Tom Ford’s perfumes, Oud Wood is not especially complex or complicated. There are no unexpected twists, nor any surprises. This is an easy perfume to wear. Although, there is definitely a very soft effect in the base — perhaps a tad too soft for some people.

Nonetheless, if you’re looking for a scent that’s perfect for work or everyday casual wear, this is it. Tom Ford’s Oud Wood is a light enough scent that definitely won’t offend anyone. Then there’s the fact that it’s incredibly versatile, easy, and uncomplicated. Bonus points for that oud and sandalwood dry-down, which is just gorgeous. Do note that performance is not this fragrance’s strong suit, with a projection and longevity that may leave some wanting.

Tom Ford’s Oud Wood comes as an Eau de Parfum and is available as a 1.7 oz (50 ml) bottle, 3.4 oz (100 ml) bottle, or 8.45 oz (200 ml) bottle. For a stronger version, there’s Tom Ford Oud Wood Intense, a flanker with monster levels of performance compared to the original. Interestingly, Tom Ford also sells Oud Wood as a scented candle, complete with beautifully crafted packaging.

If you’re smitten with Tom Ford’s Oud Wood cologne, but find it too expensive, or are disappointed for some reason, then perhaps a high-quality, equally woodsy clone will whet your olfactory appetite. Fougere Oud, our very own Tom Ford Oud Wood dupe carries over all similar amazing qualities, with improved performance that outlasts the original. For something mesmerizingly deep, warm, spicy, and at an affordable price, you can’t go wrong with our replica of Tom Ford Oud Wood.