Fragrance Du Bois' Sahraa Oud - My love affair with Oud grows stronger

I just love Oud. Not just the stringed instrument, but the fragrance (Agarwood) as well. It all started some time back with a whiff of Le Labo's Oud 27, an interesting, stimulating, but, also a perfume that evokes polarizing views from people around U. It is either a U love it, or hate it kinda perfume. I did some research on Oud, its origins, its uses, and its place in religion. I was drawn. It got me intrigued. It got me excited. I even got me an Oud (from Brunei) essential oil as well as Rose Oud (made from 100% essential oils) from a fragrance boutique locally. I am so in love.

I tried some other commercial Oud based scent, but somehow, the scents did not evoke any interest or emotion, until I came across an article in the local papers about a fragrance house, Fragrance Du Bois, and their extensive use of Oud in their perfume. Not only that, the fragrance house uses Oud obtained from their sustainable plantations (they plant 1 teak tree and 1 Aquilaria tree (where oud is obtain)) in Thailand. I was intrigued, not only with their Oud fragrances, but also with the brand ethos. I made my way to Fragrance Du Bois boutique, which was just recently opened at The Fullerton Hotel, and got me something precious.

 

There are 8 perfumes in the Shades Du Bois range, the latest being Oud Noir intense (launched during the Singapore Grand Prix). I like them all, but somehow only 1 perfume stood up amongst the chatter of scents. lol.. and I took notice almost immediately. It is the Sahraa Oud from the Privé collection. I just love, love, love it.

Sahraa Oud

I do not know what to make of the perfume. It is intense, sensual, erotic, warm, enveloping, long lasting and evokes a sense of mystery and excitement. It is the Cassanova of perfume. All that, from just a whiff of the perfume on my skin. The longer I had it on, the nicer it becomes, more mellow, and a nice dry down at the end of the day. 

I understand that Fragrance Du Bois uses Oud that are more than 20 years old for this scent. I guess, Oud oils ages like wine, the older it is, the better the smell.

The bottle is also interesting. It is an exquisite handmade crystal bottle, people.

I got this from Fragrance Du Bois press release:
"Sahraa Oud from their premium Privé collection, a bespoke Oud fragrance with the added subtlety of Rose Absolute, capturing the essence of desert wilderness; the vastness of windswept sand dunes of the Arabian Desert combined with hope and elusive qualities of an oasis; strong, woody, musky with an intoxicating hint that reveals the fresh, sweet, sensual and stimulating scent of nature."
 I guess they can say it better than me. LOL

Guess what..... Sahraa Oud is also an Art and Olfaction Award Finalist, Independent Category. Icing on the cake.

The packaging

Sahraa Oud is packaged in a beautiful wooden (highly reflective) lacquered black box. Simply stunning.

Oh, U would need a key (provided) to open the box. This is to ensure that nobody else could get their grubby hands on your precious.

The perfume, on its velvet bed

The boutique

Array of perfume on display