Amber Aoud

Having purchased Roja’s Aoud collection (Aoud, Amber Aoud, and Musc Aoud), I’m thinking it’s time to share my thoughts. I won’t try to pick a favorite since everyone’s nose is different. Similarly, I won’t comment on price because that can vary based on income, so it doesn’t make sense to judge scents solely by cost. Starting with Amber Aoud, which I bought first, the initial impression was quite sharp and tangy, unlike the typical vanilla ambers like Lutens Ambre Sultan. This sharpness likely comes from bergamot, lemon, and lime, possibly enhanced by ambergris. While I don’t detect overt lemon or lime notes beyond the initial tang, the rose is definitely present, which was a surprise. My memory of testing it at Bergdorf Goodman’s was of a woodier scent, but that was three years ago when I only tried the samples on paper. Now, Roja’s Amber Aoud offers a deeper, more concentrated rose note—more like the heart of the rose. The oud and woody elements support this rose, adding depth and layering it with musks and civet for an animalic touch that gives the scent a natural feel. The oud here isn’t as barnyardy as Malle’s Night, which I enjoy. Instead, it has a more refined, almost courtesan-like quality, reminiscent of a leather carry after a long ride from the country estate. Over time, the initial sharpness fades within 1-2 hours, though the citrus note never fully disappears. The rose and woodsy notes gradually diminish as well, with the rose fading slightly faster than the woods. On clothes, it lasts about 2-3 hours before becoming a subtle presence at shoulder level for another 7-12 hours. Personally, Amber Aoud is my second favorite in the collection, with Roja Aoud being my top choice due to its stronger appeal. Musc Aoud is quite different, so I’ll save that for another review. I wear Amber Aoud exclusively at night, as the rose scent might be perceived as feminine. In Texas, this typically means enjoying it at home with my wife rather than going out. If budget is a concern, Roja’s fragrances can be pricey. Moresque’s Rand offers a similar vibe and might be a more affordable alternative. It sits somewhere between Roja’s Aoud and Amber Aoud, making it worth considering if price is an issue.

The perfume is quite nice, though I only have a decant due to Roja's inflated prices. The cost of $1500 or even $750 feels unreasonable. I prefer seeking steep discounts or opting out altogether since there are more impressive perfumes available. It's frustrating that others might pay these high prices, as it could pressure brands to lower them. Ingredients aren't as expensive as these prices suggest, making this behavior seem greedy, especially from Roja and Creed. While I can afford to pay, I choose not to because I understand the actual costs of ingredients. This greediness isn't limited to perfumes; cosmetics and skincare industries often do the same.

I don't particularly enjoy Korea drinks, especially sujeonggwa.

This perfume didn't wow me. I had high hopes for Amber Aoud after loving Roja Dove Aoud, but it didn't meet my expectations. The opening scent reminds me of Concord grape jelly mixed with oud. It started off a bit overwhelming with its sweetness, but it mellowed out smoothly over time. However, I noticed there was no trace of amber in this one. Plus, the longevity on me wasn't great—only about three or four hours. My husband actually liked it, though he was surprised to hear it contained oud!

"I’m really glad I got to try this perfume without having to make a blind purchase. The quality of the ingredients is evident, but it’s just not my personal style. I totally agree with @stalal—this scent didn’t stick around on my clothes or paper, so I had to wash it off."