Best Oud Perfumes in Our Collection: AROMA, TBILISI and 1971

Oud, or agarwood, is the most precious ingredient in perfumery. Formed when aquilaria trees are infected with a specific mould, this resinous heartwood has been treasured in the Middle East for centuries. At Tkibili, three fragrances showcase oud in distinctly different ways, making our collection a journey through the many faces of this legendary material.

Understanding Oud in Modern Perfumery

Before diving into our three oud fragrances, it helps to understand that oud is not a single scent. Depending on its origin, age, and treatment, oud can range from sweet and honey-like to dark and animalic, from smoky and medicinal to smooth and woody. The way a perfumer uses oud defines the entire character of a composition.

For more background, read our feature on the art of Arabian perfumery.

AROMA: The Rose-Oud Romance

AROMA represents the most classical approach to oud in our collection. The pairing of rose and oud is perhaps the oldest and most revered combination in Arabian perfumery, and AROMA executes it with skill and elegance.

• Oud character: Smooth, refined, slightly sweet, supporting the rose

• Supporting cast: Saffron and labdanum in the heart add spice and resin

• Best for: Those new to oud who want an accessible entry point

• Intensity: Moderate to strong, 9-11 hours longevity

TBILISI: The Gentle Oud Journey

TBILISI takes the most gentle approach to oud. The fragrance opens with rose and violet, creating a floral canopy under which the oud develops gradually. By the time the oud is fully present, it has been softened by vanilla and musk to create something smooth and inviting.

• Oud character: Muted, woody, blended seamlessly with vanilla and musk

• Supporting cast: Violet and rose provide a floral frame

• Best for: Those who find pure oud intimidating and want a softer introduction

• Intensity: Moderate, 7-9 hours longevity

1971: The Saffron-Oud Powerhouse

1971 is the boldest oud expression in our collection. The agarwood base is amplified by saffron, leather, and benzoin, creating a fragrance that is unapologetically intense and luxurious.

• Oud character: Dark, assertive, woody, the star of the composition

• Supporting cast: Saffron provides metallic warmth, benzoin adds balsamic sweetness

• Best for: Experienced oud lovers who want maximum impact

• Intensity: Strong to powerful, 12-14 hours longevity

Oud is not one note but a spectrum. AROMA shows its romantic side, TBILISI its gentle side, and 1971 its commanding side. Together, they tell the complete story of oud in modern perfumery.

Comparison at a Glance

• Most accessible: TBILISI, with its floral opening and muted oud

• Most classical: AROMA, with the time-honoured rose-oud pairing

• Most intense: 1971, with saffron amplifying the agarwood

• Best for daytime: TBILISI (moderate projection)

• Best for evening: 1971 (powerful presence)

• Best all-rounder: AROMA (versatile and well-balanced)

Your Oud Journey

If you are new to oud, we recommend this progression:

1. Start with TBILISI to experience oud in its gentlest form

2. Move to AROMA to appreciate the classic rose-oud dialogue

3. Graduate to 1971 when you are ready for full oud intensity

You might also explore LONDON, which features agarwood as one of eight base notes, offering yet another perspective on how oud can function within a complex composition.

Why is oud so expensive?

Natural oud is one of the rarest raw materials on earth. Only a small percentage of aquilaria trees develop the resinous heartwood, and the process takes years. High-quality oud oil can cost more per gram than gold. Our fragrances use carefully sourced oud to deliver authentic character at accessible prices.

Does oud smell the same on everyone?

No. Oud interacts strongly with body chemistry. The same fragrance can smell smokier on one person and sweeter on another. This is why sampling is important. For testing advice, read our guide on finding your signature scent.

Explore our complete oud collection and discover which expression of this legendary note speaks to you.