Shaghaf Oud Abyad

Shaghaf Oud Abyad from Swiss Arabian is the drier, smokier side of the range, worn by anyone. Wearers describe it first as woody, most also find it amber and citrus, and about a third note spicy, resinous and leather facets.

The opening is herbal and peppery rather than sweet: pimento seeds give a warm allspice heat, oregano a dry, savoury herb note and bergamot a brief citrus lift. The heart is resinous, with myrrh and opoponax bringing a balsamic, slightly bitter sweetness, amber adding warmth and citruses keeping a little brightness alive. The base is where it turns dark, with agarwood and leather giving depth and a slightly animalic edge, smoke adding a campfire dryness, and sandalwood and patchouli rounding it off.

Half of wearers report it as long lasting and nearly a third say it lasts almost indefinitely; sillage is strong for about half. It is voted for winter and autumn and for the evening, which suits cold weather and someone who prefers resin and smoke to sugar.

Shaghaf Oud Abyad — unisex fragrance by Swiss Arabian. Top notes: Oregano, Pimento Seeds, Bergamot. Heart notes: Myrrh, Opoponax, Olibanum, Amber, Citruses. Base notes: Smoke, Agarwood (Oud), Leather, Sandalwood, Patchouli. — Parfica open fragrance database