Ilham al Oud

Ilham al Oud is a woody amber from Zimaya, released in 2023 and marketed for men. Nearly everyone describes it as woody, and most also find it floral and ambery; a minority pick up sweetness, resin or leather, all of which fit a rich, Middle Eastern-style oud blend.

Raspberry gives the opening a tart, jammy fruitiness that is a common partner for oud, and saffron adds its dry, leathery, slightly metallic spice. The heart is rose, deep and slightly sweet, wrapped around agarwood with its dark, animalic, woody depth. Incense adds smoke, leather a supple richness, and benzoin and amber bring a warm, balsamic sweetness that softens the darker elements and carries the scent into a long, resinous drydown.

This is an evening and cold-weather scent, bold rather than discreet, for men who enjoy the rose-and-oud style and want it with a sweet, resinous warmth underneath.

Ilham al Oud — for men fragrance by Zimaya (released 2023). Notes: Agarwood, Agarwood (Oud), Amber, Benzoin, Incense, Jasmine, Leather, Patchouli, Raspberry, Rose, Saffron. — Parfica open fragrance database