FRAGRANCE | A subtler approach to oud in Aigner Nº1 Oud EDP by Etienne Aigner

Be it natural or synthetic, not everyone can stand oud, more so if we talk about the loud and powerful kind Middle Eastern fragrances are known for. Time and again this staple in perfumery has been toned down, sweetened up, and glossed over - "Westernized" if you may - to appeal to more noses. One such example would be Aigner Nº1 Oud by German house Etienne Aigner.

Aigner Nº1 Oud features the typical oud and rose pairing found in countless other fragrances. But compared to the likes of S.T. Dupont's Oud et Rose or Mancera's Black to Black that are unabashedly in-your-face and with beastly projection to boot, this one is much more reserved. It doesn't announce its presence to everyone in the room.

The oud here smells medicinal, its inherent intensity dialed down several notches into something soft, working in tandem with an equally subtle rose. Both notes are still noticeable, however, but are more part of an ensemble than individual stars competing for the limelight. There's a pinch of mild spices thrown in, and the resulting blend is rounded by a mildly sweet and slightly sour accord.

Nº1 Oud whispers instead of shouts, projecting moderately in its first two hours. The sourness doesn't last long and the fragrance soon settles close to the skin, teasing with occasional whiffs of something slightly powdery and musky. Because it's so soft, I personally think a few touch-ups are required throughout the day.

Aigner Nº1 Oud is just right if you're not into strong oud fragrances. It's an agreeable scent in my opinion and I'm perfectly fine wearing it. It's soft, beautiful, elegant, and sensual. Unfortunately it's not something that I'll actively seek but I do think it can perfectly suit other people's tastes.