Oud Essentiel 
Guerlain (2017)

A simple oud and rose combo. The oud is a bit synthetic but it's tamed a bit by the sweetness of the rose. I found certain parts of the scent a bit harsh but it's a decent scent overall.

Rather boring Synth Oud

Got the brand accord of the Absolus d' Orient

Compliments Getter

All in All

Boring

The opening blast starts with a blast if a synthetic oud, loud and fairly intrusive. Soon a pelargonium develops that contributes a slightly minty nutmeg feeling with smidgeons of a slightly eucalyptus-like undertone appearing transiently. A saffron is also present a bit later after that; it brings a darker crispness to the top notes.

The drydown develops a darker rose that remains somewhat bland on me. Towards the base I get wood notes some cedar and a touch of gaïac, it mostly it is nonspecific. Touch of an incense - still a bit reminiscent of eucalypti, as well as a some scratchy dark leather appear towards the end.

I get moderate sillage, excellent projection and a splendid thirteen hours of longevity on my skin.

This winter scent is composed of three major components: oud and leather, with the saffron initially, and then the woods, and finally the woods added in to give variety to the development of this creation; the other ingredients are more accompaniments than core notes. The oud is another, rather generic, laboratory oud, and the whole has a generic character most of the time. Its main plus is the formidable performance power.

Overall 2.75/5

Synthetic oud, which seems to straddle the line between the medicinal and rubbery variety. Reminiscent of the oud in Leather Oud. I like the sharpness that the saffron brings in the begining. The rose here is more tame than in other rose/ouds I have smelled, which lends this a more easily worn masculine vibe. It has a brown leather feel in the middle. The overall impression is a somewhat less "horse stables" Dior Leather Oud. Smells high quality, not cheap. I don't feel like there are any rough edges. Longevity and projection are both good. The dry down 4-12 hours later is a nice fake wood accord.