Aoud Orchid

This fragrance doesn't have the coconut scent I was expecting, but it still ended up being a blind buy based on reviews. I do pick up woody and lactonic notes upfront, along with peach and vanilla. While I enjoy the perfume, the lactonic note can make me queasy if overused. However, its staying power is impressive—applied at 7:30 am, it's still strong at 4:30 pm without needing to bury my nose in my skin. For me, this was a solid blind buy!

I visited Montale's brand-new store in Paris, located just across Guerlain's flagship boutique on the Champs-Elysees. The store is situated about 50 meters down a side road. I had planned to purchase Intense Tiare but was turned off by the overpowering coconut scent. After testing several options, I ended up buying Moncera Aoud Orchid instead. The store's layout is quite unique—Montale's bottles are lined along one wall, while Moncera's are displayed on the opposite side. In the middle, there’s a central area with a few highly knowledgeable SA representatives who quickly identified my preferences. I stumbled upon a hidden treasure too—a pure osmanthus oil that’s both rare and currently on sale. Unfortunately, Pierre Montale wasn’t present during my visit; he’s working in Grasse for the Paris winter season. When it comes to Aoud Orchid’s fragrance, the EDP feels quite concentrated, leaving a noticeable impression on the skin for several minutes. It opens with light citrus notes and peach, but the oud dominates from the start. The coconut is present but not overwhelming, allowing the orchid to develop quickly. Later, vanilla emerges, still under the influence of oud, which enhances the floral notes that persist over time, creating a dynamic balance between the two main elements. This scent has the potential to become a classic. When I returned to Guerlain, Hermes, and Tom Ford, I proudly showed off my golden Montale bag, only to have some SA members ask if Montale had finally reopened in Paris. It seems many of them weren’t aware of the new boutique. In the future, with more time, I’d love to compare Montale’s fragrances directly with Moncera’s, especially given the store’s setup makes it an ideal spot for such comparisons.

I kind of agree with @Farmgirl1979 about Aoud Orchid; it wasn't what I expected at all. I thought it might be a stronger niche take on something like TF Black Orchid or similar scents, but the orchid note here is surprisingly soft and less vibrant—almost like it's steeped in warm water instead of being bold and sparkly. The oud base is smooth, which adds depth, though it might overpower other notes like coconut and peach. The dry-down is where this fragrance shines, with vanilla and patchouli blending to create a skin-scent ambery vibe as it fades. While the white musk is barely noticeable, the overall impression feels unique but not entirely memorable. I like it, but I don't love it enough to repurchase—definitely worth sampling first. I've heard great things about Aoud Vanille and plan to try that next. Regarding performance, this is one of the strongest Mancera fragrances I've encountered. It has excellent longevity and a powerful sillage, especially with 4-5 sprays. It's best suited for winter wear and might be overwhelming in daytime or office settings.

This perfume was recommended by one of my favorite YouTubers as part of a list of nine fragrances. I purchased it specifically for its coconut notes, which I usually enjoy. However, I didn't pick up any coconut scent. The oud in this fragrance is softer and more refined compared to the typical strong oud scents I've encountered. Overall, it’s a smooth and sweet scent that reminds me of a light almond note with a powdery base. While I don’t love it, I can see why others might appreciate it. If anyone has perfumes from my wish list that they’re willing to swap, especially something sweeter, I’d be interested in trying them out!

This perfume has an autumnal twist but kicks off with a summery tropical coconut scent. There’s a perfect mix of sweetness and woodiness, with a beautiful floral vanilla note that adds depth. It stays close to the skin and lasts for about 5 to 6 hours. Definitely a great choice for cooler weather.