Description
Ermenegildo Zegna is launching a new collection of men’s fragrances – Essenze by Ermenegildo Zegna in collaboration with Estée Lauder Cos. Inc. The collection is expected on the market in December 2012.
Five new fragrances embody values of the company – passion, commitment, vision. The fragrances are: Italian Bergamot, Sicilian Mandarin, Javanese Patchouli, Indonesian Oud and Florentine Iris. The designer was inspired by his luxurious high-end men’s Ermenegildo Zegna Couture Collection and hopes it will put forward the house’s name in the world of fragrances.
Perfumers who worked on perfumes of the new collection are: Pierre Negrin, Frank Voelkl, Harry Fremont and Jacques Cavallier. All fragrances have one ingredient in common: Calabrian bergamot, but have very different compositions. An interesting fact is that Zegna owns the bergamot harvest used in this collection.
Aromas of Indonesian Oud bring us oud wood, rose, amber, patchouli and bergamot.
The fragrances will be available in 124 ml (4.2 oz) flacons. Each fragrance and its flacon have a different color, to mark the central ingredient of the fragrance.
tonyfirst – :
I am a rather recent admirer of oud scents, but this is so far the best of them all. It has body, it has audacity, it has strength. There is a blend of oud, rose and spices that goes beyond anything experienced so far. The oud is reliable, the rose is dark, the spices are exciting!
vovchan625 – :
Beautiful oud fragrance. Beautifully blended.
But horribly priced. That said, given the quality and good projection, it’s worth it (unlike some $15 bottle that may have good scent but miserable projection… cf Ferrari and Varvatos…)
mralex – :
I thought I didn’t like oud until I found this. I wanted to like oud for a long time, and I have blind bought many, few I enjoy wearing. I am a Zegna fan ever since I was givfted the sublime patchouli. I bought idonesian oud as a full bottle in duty free. I fell in love on the plane. When you wear this you are surrounded by a cloud of perfect rose balancing on perfect oud. The scent stays, there are no top, middle or base notes. It is what it is, rose on top of oud. I don’t wear this to get compliments, I wear it to surround myself in hedonistic expensive feelings. In fact, I sometimes wonder if other people are scared to compliment it, or whether it smells disgusting to them. I really don’t care, to me it smells of Arabian nights, hard earned money and chats in to the early hours. There is nothing clean about this scent and it will see you through until you just don’t care if you smell of stale cigarettes, a dirty nightclub or a pizza joint. 5 hours later you’ll still be on that oud/rose cloud.
ed-pro – :
A gorgeous subtle, classy, mature and sublime fragrance that is just as much about the Amber and rose as it about the oud. The Oud is subtle, non skanky, gorgeously woody and almost cloud like. I get hints of sandalwood in this one, which makes everything very well balanced and composed.
This is a decent man in a board meeting, someone who wears a Brioni suit, loves his family and takes his kids to the movies on the weekends. He is calm, composed and serene.
I just love it!! 5 stars
linnel – :
I know it is a men’s fragrance but I fall in love with it since I first smelled it today. It is again the rose and oud combination which is so popular these years but I never get bored with it because there are always eminent perfumists who are so clever and talented that they can create a thousand different formalae even with the same combination.
Oud is the most prominent note as its name suggests while rose being the second, creating a deep, dark, fancy illusion that hypnotized you to kill your own self. Furthermore, amber enhances its cleaness and patchouli gives it a cold vibe, preventing it from too cloying and treacly.
I would say the scent is ostentatious whilst at the same time provocative and voluptuous. It is like casting a spell on others, causing them to fall for you like moth flying to the fire. You know it is dangerous but you can’t help but leaping into the fire and burn yourself to death for that deadly beautiful though indifferent person. Your ration tells you to stay away from him/her albeit your body act against your will. It is poison handed to you by Satan leading to hell. It is the emblem of Lucifer. It is sin.
I can see some similarities between Indonesian Oud by Ermenegildo Zegna and Penhaligon’s the Uncompromising Sohan in the Portraits Collection. Both of their main notes are oud and they both have the characteristic of tempting you to smell it over and over until you fall in love and cannot endure without it, just like opium. All of us are addicts.
carpinteyrobvk – :
I received this as a sample and loved it, not realizing that it is supposed to be a men’s fragrance! I would characterize it as a unisex fragrance, one which appeals not only to men but also to women like myself who are not fans of girly-girl floral or fruity-floral perfumes. This is deep, dark and delicious, a perfect blend of oud wood, rose and amber.
YaroslavF – :
I am smitten with this fragrance. To me this is a unisex fragrance. Definitely going on my wish list.
VASIOK666 – :
Smells wonderful, very sophisticated and mature. Very powerful, so go easy on the sprayer. Today I sprayed about 1/2 of a full spray and it is perfect.
zinch – :
Opens with a strong and opulent rose, right off the bat you know quality ingredients have been used in this one. Then the oud starts to seep through the rose. It’s not overbearing or skanky, it’s quality and it’s blended so well.
For me this is a special occasion formal setting type of fragrance. It’s so opulent. It leans more feminine in the opening due to the strong rose, but the oud helps balance it out in the dry down. There is the slight warmth that comes from the amber and the patchouli adds a little sweetness. I don’t get any bergamot to my nose though. A confident and mature man can pull this off no problems.
It’s a gem!
ahu850Negeltzex – :
I bought 2 bottles at TJ Maxx and tried a small spray. Wow! I mean, I was impressed. The first thing that hits me is the rose, then oud, then mint, then something else refined. This is something you wear in a law firm or as a practicing physician. Not for game night, movie night or any night other than a special occasion–wedding, funeral, anniversary, christening, graduation. It’s special, unique, and deserves respect. The whole scent screams—treat me with respect!!! A well-made scent, without a doubt…
uza118Negeltzex – :
they are off the shelves and discontinued? together with haitian vetiver ….. aaahh, it hurts me !!!!!
those were the best from the line-up
they came up with something new – amber gold and incense gold …..
adams02031 – :
Rich potent quality fragrance that leave people wondering what’s that smell, will leave the hunnies hanging on the floor and be like “oh my god” that guy smells good and drooling ye ye guys it’s the truth this smells proper we all know That. Nice one Zegna 10/10
annoumsAdagma – :
Indonesian Oud is amazing! It uplifted my spirit all day during the winter. Thanks Zegna for your creativity! I will absolutely keep buying all the Zegna Essence forever.
worlak – :
Reminds me of a wonderful incense i used to enjoy from an East Indian market. Great performance,well blended oud rose.
DelLitt – :
This is a magnificent rendering of Oud. I don’t know if real Oud was used, I doubt it, but this has an intense woodiness, almost damp, with the rose and amber giving it a scent that is divine. Oud is a mysterious scent to wear as some like it others don’t. It also has different smell depending on where it was harvest and mixed together for the perfume. This is a beautiful scent for those who love Oud. It starts out somewhat harsh, the intense woodiness, but blends and dries down to heavenliness.
PS : I get a good 6-8 hrs longevity and within arms length projection.
greerbved – :
I have been using this fragrance every day for three months and have discovered IMO that it is definitely unisex and the most prominent note is a beautiful rose with the other notes buried in support beneath it.
It is a linear scent which starts and ends with rose and is best applied in fall in winter as it is WAY too overwhelming in warmer weather so use it only when it turns cooler.
I apply five sprays in the morning and then freshen up with an atomizer spray around noon. It projects well for the first thirty minutes and then settles nicely to an arm’s length scent.
Spray yourself with this lovely fragrance and you too can end up “smelling like a rose” every day: ).
cosha – :
This is the best among this line. Indonesian Oud is so rosey Oud smell like. But I already own Acqua Di Parma Oud which is much better, so I don’t buy this.
sasha143 – :
This is my first buying for a oud based parfum and you know why? Because here i can smell true oud. I love oud and got small samples of various pure oils (dehnal) but honestly i have not enough courage to wear them in public.
Then Zegna made this parfum where roses and amber are blended to tame oud, and is wonderful!
The drydown is strange to my nose:sometimes i smell oud and rose as at the opening, other times i smell something more poudery.
Longevity: 10/10 +24h on fabrics
Sillage: 9/10 it spreads ebough but i would love a bit more
Scent: 10/10 the name says “Indonesian Oud” and we got it! I think this fits both women and men.
Scent/price ratio: private collections are always overpriced to me, but i must say that 2/3 sprays are enough for this parfum, so the flacon will last long.. i give 9.
Spousejes – :
To: Guest_Colin Maillard – It is well documented that the oud in this Zegna’s fragrance is the genuine material, even if only a tiny quantity is used to emphasise the grater effect via the other listed ingredients.
Though I am certainly not any fan of this scent, I respect Quality and effort/authenticity wherever used.
I’m not sure why some people are happy to come out and just label almost anything they please going as ‘synthetic’ – being totally honest and in all politeness, it’s not too well informed to do so.
Anyhow, it is an oud so I won’t score it, no reason for me to do so as it would be rock-bottom low as I cannot stand any sort of focused oud myself, sorry
But I just thought I’d pass a comment regarding Zegna’s haute line product as their Quality is genuinely outstanding, above the level of Xerjoff and Creed I have to say.
Not quite on Amouage’s but it’s so close it is an irrelevance.
funtikov1974 – :
No i would not recommend this. the opening is horrible the drydown is better not great. I purchased a decant based on reviews in particular a reference to tom ford noir de noir but I do not find any similarities.I find more similarities with this and polo supreme oud. I detect mostly spicy oud in this.
Immediately, I did not like it and usually you know right away. I am not a huge fan of oud based fragrances but i do love tom ford oud wood so I was hoping for something along those lines but no. this smell like a very common spicy oud fragrance that has been done before.
I detect medicinal oud which i do not like
LeajerieKeelA – :
When this line of perfume launched I was initially very much attracted by the name “Indonesian Oud” since I am half Indonesian. I had to test it and fell in love straight away. It is definitely a unisex scent, my boyfriend loves wearing this too and it has become one of his signature scents. I personally prefer it more for night time or in colder weather.
To me it smells like a sweet oud with rose. It also has a amber base, which makes it a very comforting scent. It has a really nice depth to it and is incredibly long lasting. 2 sprays are definitely enough to last the whole day smelling like this perfume. It is a very sexy scent and very classy. The oud is soft and not at all overbearing or too dirty/earthy smelling like many ouds out there. Overall incredibly happy that I have purchased it. Even though it is expensive, it was definitely worth it !
auri4ka2007 – :
This has been reformulated. This used to be a sharp, medicinal rose oud. Now it’s a leathery, smoky oud similar to Armani Oud Royal. Smells much better, proof that not all reformulations are bad.
barbos4861 – :
refreshing, boozy oud
doesn’t last on my unfortunately
mgorkin – :
This is a super strong scent. Almost identical to Montale Aoud Night. I currently have each on the back of my hands and I can’t tell the difference. I would say the opnening on Montale Aoud Night is a little more pleasant and not as harsh with the dry down possible being better on Indonesian Oud by Ermenegildo Zegna. I would say 99% identical.
lulu7373 – :
Harsh opening but as it settles down very spicy and great longevity. Very nice fragrance, My top Oud based fragrance along with TF Oud Wood and Acqua di Parma Colonia Oud , my wife loves it.!
tzepeh – :
Rose open, ambroxen mid and base. There is no oud to my sniffer. A very simple scent.
MrNoNaMe – :
This is well blended & even richer than Montale aoud night.
But montale has monstrous longevity.
So I use both at the same time & it is projecting like a beast…
ty3ik007 – :
Finally, here it is, a replacement for Tom Ford Noir de Noir. For less money you get an even better scent, AND twice the amount. This is great.
I’ll keep this review sweet and short. Indonesian Oud opens with a strong medicinal oud that settles within a minute or two to give way to a sultry and very dark rose. There’s very little musk in this one unlike NdN, and it’s not smoky. If you look for incense or myrrh in your rose oud this will not be your cuppa tea. During the dry down the rose gets sweeter on a fainter wood base, and the result is a magical, very slightly jammy rose that spells luxury.
edit: Good longevity, EVEN BETTER projection– my brother smelled me from another room after I did 2 sprits in the bedroom (my “moderate projection” statement was obviously faulty).
P.s. I think Dior Ispahan Oud is a bit dirtier than this one on the wood, but the rose note is the same as that in Zegna. Great quality.
P.p.s I wonder what would happen if you layer this with Javanese Patchouli… probably an animal on a whole different level … 😉
natalieenkei – :
I am very much in love with this cologne. I am on my 3rd bottle now. This is my all time favourite cologne with Dior Sauvage. It’s very Divine and Heavenly. It takes away all my stress. It works like an Aromatherapy for me. Thank you ZEGNA for creating such a fragrance. I even love their Peruvian Ambrette, but I did not like their Haitian Vetiver. Today I am waiting for their new Incense Gold to arrive in my mail. I am very excited to try that.
CialisIT – :
@lathesh
My bottle, bought in September 2016, has clear juice.
vkg63 – :
How many of the reviewers below think Zegna Indonesian oudh is watered down version of Xerjoff More than Words?
Indonesian oud has the same dna of Armani Rose d Arabie and Xerjoff more than words. There is absolutely no doubt about it.
Mr Xerjoff Marries Miss Arabie and the baby is Zegna Indonesian Oud.
Маркус – :
No wonder that The Best Oud in the World is from Indonesia.
dlatoevace – :
Non sono un amante oud e nemmeno un appassionato di rosa.detto questo:
Mi piace!!!
L’apertura mi ricorda amber&spices di montale in una versione piu calda, umida e sexy.con una rosa di qualita’superiore,piu credibile e molto femminile.
Avrei pensato che fosse commercializzato per le donne.
Come si asciuga un po’sento splendide zaffate di patchouli pulito miscelato perfettamente con ambra calda e un pizzico di bergamotto che lo mantiene piccante al punto giusto.
L’oud si mantiene protagonista ma la rosa e’la parte migliore e gli altri ingredienti si amalgano perfettamente.
Versatile,piacevole di lunga durata sulla pelle e fantastico sui vestiti.
Armonioso,pulito,raffinato e accattivante e purtroppo per me…
Femminile!
Ruireerultino – :
Hi All,
Can someone confirm the right color for this juice. Is it a slight yellowish color or just white/colorless?
Thanks in advance.
mechta86 – :
Tested this, not knowing it’s marketed at men. I found it to be a big beautiful rose to begin with, so am very surprised. It’s rose and oud for a while and then it dies down into a generic aftershave smell. I love the beginning but the dry down is a big no for me, plus this is very expensive.
Arguemirere – :
Hi
How does this compare to dior oud ispahan? ? Is it worth buying this if i already have oud ispahan
Many thanks
svetoj – :
What a pleasant surprise discovery! It is actually very well balanced unpretentious and quietly confident oud scent. Having in mind I tested Atkinson’s awful rubbish prior to this,it was a relief and bliss… It starts promising and develops really wonderfully.
bperewodow – :
Devine, Pure and Natural.
One of very few brands added with natural oud material on the market.
It doesn’t contain a kind of barnyard smell, but presents a nearly pure oud with nuance of rose, which is a classic combo and accordingly not inspiring enough. However, it’s still a great oud perfume, and much better than its cousin of TF and JM in Estee Lauder House. It’s more like a concentrated version of Dior Ispahan Oud infused with some TF Noir de Noir, and ahead of Diptyque Oud Palao for sure.
Projects like a beast, and has excellent longevity for 12+ hrs on skin and few days on clothes. Rating: 9.0/10
boy63 – :
Ridiculously strong, never ever use more than 2 sprays or you will ruin your day. I find this to be overwhelming and one-dimensional, for the most part. Does not evolve as much as one would have hoped. It is quite dry too.
I am not sure where the oud is, I smell a heavy, disinfectant kind of vibe, this stuff is seriously strong. I’ve only ever used it in humid climates so that may be it, but this isn’t fun to use.
Dunno, I think it is a monster with the longevity and sillage, but it doesn’t give off anything interesting.
VALTREXBUYING – :
The reviews here (on Indonesian Oud) are irrepressibly positive. Being a lover/collector of oud-based colognes, it’s therefore “safe” to blind buy this! And when purchased, I’ll definitely add my two cents here! Good day guys!
5manus – :
I do agree with assim. I own both Indonesian Oud and Oud Ispahan, perhaps it’s a little arrogant to judge which is better, but I can definitely tell that I much prefer the former.
itosha – :
assim.hayderi
I will be looking forward to read your review and see your ratings after you get it.
pirat k s – :
I tried out this at the airport in Milan and my god this was so good. I could see some resemblance between this and Oud Ispahan but this is much better and sophisticated. Definitely on my wish-list and hopefully I will get it soon.
Scent: 9.5/10
Projection: 9/10
Longevity: 9/10
sAllahodin – :
I had more hope in this one. It’s just synthetic, which reminds me about 1Million.
alfiya – :
anybody interested in swapping this?
IIPEDEL – :
Hi all there,
My first impression of Indonesian Oud is really positive! It is very smooth, rich, woody and sophisticated.
It doesn’t take long to sense the beautiful character of Indonesian Oud – opening is not harsh or medicinal, but at the same time defiantly reveals eastern type of woody smell. The oud note is very pleasant and well put.
In the drydown the rose note is growing up in a beautiful and subtle way. You may think this is another oud-rose scent, but in fact Indonesian Oud is a lot more. The rose, the oud, the amber note – they are all extremely well mixed and the end result is brilliant perfume symphony.
I like it a lot, because it got a lot of depth and complex character – it is a woody scent, but at the same time is not raw or dirty, it got floral aspect, but in a subtle way, it got warm and sweet kind of feeling, but in a cozy way…
I think Indonesian Oud is in the same high quality as Floriental by Comme des Garcons, Rausch by J.F. Schwarzlose Berlin and so on… Indonesian Oud is a pricey scent, but gives great quality and deserves attention.
Thank you for your attention and have a nice day.
uon689speagoessenda – :
On first spray I get a beautiful wet red rose with a very nice plush well behaved Oud. It’s very smooth and a little medicinal in places but it does smell very posh.
The patchouli is there behind the rose giving it a slight earthiness and the amber just lends a tad sweetness to the affair.
All in all one of the better Oud/Rose combo’s I have smelled.
Very nice indeed!
slava.svv2011 – :
My taste for Oud: M7, Versace Oud Noir, Tom Ford Oud Wood, Amouage Epic Man.
Zesty Rose and Oud. Soapy and really rosy at the beginning, green and sharp. The Oud reveals its face in a quite medicinal way, almost like new agaroud chips. IMO there’s something spicy not listed above, maybe Ginger or Coriander, or maybe is just the Oud/Rose accords playing around. Projection is fine, but fails longevity (I’m one of those guys that even powerful juices don’t last for more than 4-5 hours). Perhaps with stronger Amber/Patchouli accords this would work better for me. Good quality, though,
I just don’t get the advertised amber looking color of the juice when it’s actually colorless.
due102Unlogrere – :
Goooood oud. Just the right oud. It doesn’t get skanky. Hint of rose soap and earth. Truly woodsy at heart. Masculine. Winner of the wearable oud contest that’s been going on for… How many years? Super sillage that doesn’t pillage.
varietas – :
Man was I excited to sample this. Consensus?
Very subtle oud reminding me of Dior Leather Oud but without the complementing notes of honey and leather….stripped if you will. The opening makes me go ooh aah then 30 minutes later all I get is a very quiet oud….boring.
An SA might describe this scent as intimTe/romantic…laughable. This Juice is weak.
If you want subtle/romantic try LM Parfum Black Oud. It has much better performance and supporting notes.
EngySamers – :
I blind bought this on the way back from holiday but to be honest it didn’t go down very well with me so if anyone wants to swap please get In touch (boxed)
xxguts – :
soft oud and rose combo, very pleasant and with great staying power and huge sillage, will add it to my collection soon!
LefeLemaFus – :
Wore this today for the first time in at least 3 months.
This really is an underrated beauty. Ridiculously good.
Rain and humidity seem to amplify its beauty.
TitMeessoff – :
I was walking away of the gym’s changing rooms when I suddenly smelled something that just made me turn my head, I mean really hard. Next to me was a guy putting on his perfume, and I had to ask him which one he was wearing: Indonesian oud.
It projects the words luxurious and sophisticated. With just one spray you fill an entire room. Became one of my favorites instantly.
=shaman= – :
So I was introduced to this bad boy by my brother in-law who made me pick up a bottle for him before I visited home for the holidays (Its not really available in my country)
As someone who’s taste in scents I have the highest respect for, I was intrigued – knowing that he would hardly want to bother me with such a seemingly trivial request, anyway; I got a bottle and had the opportunity to try it for myself.
In simple terms, this scent is Amazing! as a fan of several rose-oud combos; this is by far one of the best I have tried (the closest in comparison would be Armani Prive’s Rose d’Arabie)
Its basically a mix of rose-oud, some wood and a touch of spices(?); with a tiny amount of bergamot for fizz at the top. Performance-wise, it easily lasts 24 hours on skin and days on clothes, with very good projection and sillage. I especially like that its a well blended scent that dries down beautifully to soft spicy, woody base that is unlikely to offend anyone.
However, given the potency, I’d advise to go easy with the sprayer. The bottle looks very good and feels solid – It’d look good on any dresser, plus the magnetic cap is a nice touch. It’s obvious that a lot of thought went into not only the scent, but also its presentation.
At 190USD for 125ml, it might be considered a tad pricey, however, if you can afford it and rose-oud combos are your thing, by all means – pull the trigger, you won’t be disappointed. For all others, I’d also endorse trying it if possible. Its been said that this is nothing ‘new’; but my opinion is that Zegna has just raised the bar a bit higher on all fronts.
Veronika-Yan – :
Just a quick update to my review below from a while back.
I still think this is a very decent fragrance the opening is very sharp and almost to the point of AdP colonia Oud but much less extreme and far far more wearable. Also this completely morphs during the drydown into a gorgeously spiced, woody Oud which is almost a bit ‘off’ compared to that opening but I find it a welcome relief.
These are a good collection of fragrances…this range covers nearly all bases with 5 very good quality juices.
hbq630speagoessenda – :
Very similar to Laurence Dumont Black Oud, but way much better in all aspects, especially longevity.
Very happy because i do love Black Oud but it lacks seriously longivity and body.
The squared bottle is very beautiful, with this magnetic cap that is nice, a good idea from the designer.
Indeed, it’s basically rose and oud. Very gently, not dark at all. Nothing original about that, but very well crafted and so nice to wear, really unisex.
A good stone in an oud’s fan collection.
PS : Black Oud is much cheaper, though (less than 1/4 of Zegna).
WeliereeFrels – :
This one is a very good powerhouse, of mainly rose, and wood . That’s what You will mainly pick up . With colognes like this I only use one spray .I happen to be a fan of this collection .
pot555Diobtetty – :
@manny44 tq so much dear.. i love so much this smell.. its same level with amouage. I love combination oudh n rosed in this indonesian oudh. Tq once again
pablonovo – :
@myra83 It is an EDT. It is strong and long-lasting however. Beautiful scent.
KrasatulyNika – :
Hello all… ive this indonesian oudh but i confiouse is that this got edp and edt version??? Or just only edp version anyone can help me???
XOKMYH – :
As a lover of oud based perfumes, I have learned never ever to post first impressions. Each perfume blended with oud (and there are lots of different characteristics to oud, depending on the geography of where it comes from). Upon first impression, I was not impressed…..the Bergamot, Pachouli, Amber, and Rose were overwhelming, while the oud remained lightly in the background….a hint of rice paper and pepper. My first impression was where is the oud and this spells like a ladies perfume. After about an hour or two, the floral/leafy mix began to settle down and the bergamot played it’s course before at about 5 hours the oud started to blossom. And folks, this is high quality oud….that delightfully woody/spicy fragrance that only the highest quality oud possesses. No fecal smell here, no petrol nor blue cheese smell here. It evolved from a rice paper dabbled with pepper to that wonder scent that is only oud.
sergey-tkachuk – :
This stuff is crazyyyyyy, I applied 4 sprays 2 on skin 2 on clothes, after 3 days and my locker still smells like it when I open it. Very interesting oudh with woods and a tiny bit of citrus to make it a bit sweeter. I’d say it is more quite masculine, but can be worn by women as well.
мартис – :
I don’t own this, but I sampled it on my hand one afternoon and I can still smell it the next morning. After a shower and all! Over 16 hours later. Crazy.
velikiygo – :
To Saeidreza:In NO WAY shape or form does this ever get to smell similar to Montale Aoud Musk! Not trying to kick a dead horse but really lol.
Martinnyhd – :
a mix of ‘terryfic oud’ and ‘oud royale’. nice, but too similar to both. undetectable oud, too…
warm – :
Love it. Simply the best quality oud ,patch and rose I’ve smelled yet with not much to get in the way. Bold , primordial, deep and a pleasure to wear. Kind of perfect.
Update:Still love it. Some days I feel like ADP Oud, some days only this will do. I also have Zegna Patchouli and think this one is better.
vnv062speagoessenda – :
Indonesian oud ? interesting !
genadiy – :
As a huge fan of Zegna’s more affordable designer fragrances I couldn’t wait to try these having known of their existence for quite some time but not being able to track them down… until now.
I thought I’d only sample 3 to begin with and the Oud seemed liked a logical place to start. The quality hits you instantly but it’s not quite what I was expecting. I was maybe thinking it would be another in a long line of linear Oud/Rose combo’s or it would be a princely shower of oud/saffron and resin but it’s neither.
I mean that in a good way, Indonesian Oud is a uniquely sharp take on Oud and the wood aroma itself has a different quality to lots of Oud fragrances you will smell and that’s refreshing to me. It’s not wholly unfamiliar just has a signature quality which makes it worth the mention of where it originates. I’m no expert but those Indonesians have got some good Oud!
The opening is bergamot then the sharpness continues as the spicy wood develops, strong and medicinal. There’s a slight hint of patchouli and even less rose in here which is great and adds to the scents individual character.
I like it and it works to my taste but nothing blind blowing here, the quality and longevity etc is as good as any niche Oud and justifies the high price.
The bottles are really great too and have the same style magnetic stoppers found on the Dior La collection Privee bottles.
Solid first outing for me with Pricey Zegna’s.
evame – :
Having returned from a trip abroad, I remember seeing this fragrance gem at the airport. I didn’t purchase it right away as I like to let fragrances develop on me first before buying.
Oud is a fragrance note that it seems everyone is doing now. But few manage to blend it appropriately. Zegna’s interpretation mixes this with bergamot, rose and incense – the two latter are among my favourite notes, so this one was a crowd pleaser for me. It doesn’t develop too much, perhaps the bergamot dies down a bit over time, but the rose and oud remain at the forefront throughout. This is a long lasting scent that really reminds me of the orient. The bottle looks sleek – simplistic, yet classy – and the magnetic top is genius!
togenozf – :
The first sniff of this fragrance immediately reminded me a type of wood that is commonly used in very expensive Indonesian wood-carvings. By the way, I am an Indonesian. I am not sure if Oud were the same type of wood I just mentioned. However, the note of this fragrance is indeed very close.
It has a combination of spice, sweetness, and incense-like aroma. Somehow it has some mystical aura in it, reminding me the Indonesia’s rich old traditions.
This fragrance is indeed strong, as other reviewers described. It is the most long lasting one I have ever had. I found it a little difficult to find a proper occasion to use it. I am thinking to layer it with other fragrances to make it more versatile. I also might wear it more if I am in Indonesia since it may suit the environment better.
I conclude that this Indonesin Oud is a fine offering from Zegna. It is unique in many aspects. I think it is the strongest one in this collection.
3115796 – :
smells pretty identical to hugo boss damask oud, basically smells like smoked wood ive never smelled real oud oil so cant say if thats what it smells like. price range is above 250$ but the bottle design is pretty cool plastic cap with magnet inside just slides on top of the bottle
raskumarggg – :
Indonesia! hmm… 🙂
borodanow.andrei – :
This is similar to Aoud Musk by Montale! Smells like Oud and little rose after few hours it gets sweeter and more unisex. Its quality juice. Porjection and longavity are good.
SkazochnikPro – :
After testing the whole ‘Essenze’ collection I finally decided that Indonesian Oud was my favourite; followed closely by Javanese Patchouli.
In my opinion, Indonesian Oud begins as it ends, with a wonderful and luxurious combination of rose and oud. It’s a quite linear fragrance that in my experience doesn’t really appear to behave in the traditional top, then heart, then base note structure. The only exceptions are a slight hint of bergamot citrus at the beginning which appears to fade quite quickly, and a gentle amber/myrh background. For those that are familiar with oud, they will recognise the slightly ‘medicinal’ traits that oud can sometimes display; but this is in no way a negative observation.
Apart from the beautiful scent itself, the biggest plus is the excellent longevity I get on my skin and clothes. Despite being only an EDT concentration, this lasts on me the whole day and right through until the next morning.
For those that care about such things, the packaging and presentation are also very nice. The simple, but elegant cube style heavy glass bottle is adorned with a glossy black metal base and a similar metal magnetic cap.
Although this is marketed for men, I suspect that this could very easily be worn by women. Considering the overall scent, longevity, performance & packaging, if I had to choose just one word to sum up my feelings it would be ‘quality’. Two thumbs up!
Glad – :
I got this lab sample in my friend’s office who works for this brand.This fragrance smells really oriental. For me,it is