Sceptre Oceana

Sceptre Oceana from Maison Alhambra, released in 2022 for men, is a sweet, woody scent built on vanilla and oud. Everyone who describes it calls it gourmand and woody, and about half add resinous or amber, so expect a rich, warm fragrance rather than anything fresh or marine despite the name.

The notes are few and listed together. Bourbon vanilla and vanilla give the sweetness, smooth, slightly boozy and creamy rather than sugary. Agarwood brings the wood, dry, resinous and a little smoky, which keeps the vanilla from feeling like a dessert. Benzoin and Siam benzoin add a balsamic, faintly cinnamon-like resin that bridges the two and gives the drydown a soft, warm glow.

Reports on lasting power are still few. By its make-up it belongs to cold weather and evenings, and it suits someone who wants a vanilla and oud pairing that is cosy and approachable, the oud softened rather than challenging.

Sceptre Oceana — for men fragrance by Maison Alhambra (released 2022). Notes: Agarwood, Agarwood (Oud), Benzoin, Bourbon Vanilla, Siam Benzoin, Vanilla. — Parfica open fragrance database