Opus XIII Silver Oud is a woody, leathery, smoky scent created for Men and Women in 2021 by Cecile Zarokian.
Review
This scent is the previously named Library Collection Silver, rebottled. It is rich, animalic and medicinal, a dirty/earthy/barnyard type of Oud that is not for the faint of heart. If you give it time, though, a subtle note of Vanilla comes in later, taking off the edge and adding an interesting sweetness that isn’t actually sweet at all. This is a scent for fragrance lovers who want to challenge their pallet. This is not a scent for the workplace. It can be worn to formal or professional occasions if applied sparingly and lightly. It is a scent best suited for the cold weather, for casual Fall and Winter settings, and late night dates or drinks with friends. It will warm the senses on a chilly afternoon walk, and seduce that special someone whom you know has a lust for the darker things in life. The longevity is unmatched. It is comparable to the discontinued Amouage Opus XI, and shares similarities with scents like Electimuss London’s Amber Aquilaria, and Sama Oud Jasmin.
Inspiration
Opus XIII Silver Oud is inspired by ‘The Red and the Black’ by Stendhal, and its themes of confusion, passion, and destruction. It pushes the boundaries of Oud, and our own concepts of the depths that it can reach.
Notes
Patchouli Molecular Distillation(Patchouli distilled to prevent the plant from discoloring the perfume) is paired with spicy Cypriol Essence and crisp Cedarwood. The heart blends Oud Assam Essence with Madagascan Vanilla, followed closely by the woody warmth of the base. Ambrarome adds a subtle velvety quality that plays well off of the Vanilla, and Birch Essence adds a fresh wood quality. Guaiac Wood Essence boosts the Oud in the heart a little higher, and a touch of Castoreum adds an animalic quality that helps to keep this scent dark and deep.
Top Notes: Patchouli Molecular Distillation, Cypriol Essence, Virginia Cedar Essence
Heart Notes: Oud Assam Essence, Vanilla Madagascar Absolute
Base Notes: Ambrarome, Birch Essence, Guaiac Wood Essence, Castoreum
