Fragrance Fragrance is an independent price-comparison service, not a retailer or marketplace. We do not sell, stock, ship, or accept payment for products. Purchases are completed on third-party retailer sites. We are not affiliated with or endorsed by fragrance brands. How buying works.

Prices are collected from third-party retailers and updated periodically. Always verify the price on the retailer's site before purchasing. We may earn a commission on purchases made through our links.

What does Oud Imperial smell like?

Oud Imperial is a stark departure from the syrupy, rose-heavy oud fragrances that dominate the market. Instead, this is a bone-dry, atmospheric wood scent that feels like stepping into a high-end cedar sauna. The opening is sharp and arresting, featuring a heavy dose of savory cumin and citrus that provides a spicy, almost medicinal lift before the dark woods take over. As it settles, the fragrance reveals a complex, smoky heart fueled by frankincense and papyrus. It feels rugged yet sophisticated, like charred timber cooled by an earthy breeze of patchouli and Javanese vetiver. While oud is the namesake, it acts here as a deepening agent—adding a leathery, slightly animalic grit—rather than a funky or "barnyard" focal point. Wearing it feels like donning a heavy, dark grey wool coat; it is dense, protective, and carries an undeniable gravity.

Details

House: Perris Monte Carlo
Concentration: Eau De Parfum
Gender: unisex
Year: 2012
Longevity: 8.4 / 10 · 252 Parfumo ratings
Sillage: 7.9 / 10 · 251 Parfumo ratings
Season votes on Parfumo: Winter (110 votes), Fall (101 votes)
Occasion votes on Parfumo: Evening (105 votes), Night Out (84 votes)
Scent Profile: Woody, Smoky, Spicy, Oriental, Earthy
Perfumer: Luca Maffei

Historical community ratings and votes imported from Parfumo. Values may have changed since import; the observation date is unavailable. Ratings reflect community opinions, not measured wear tests. Categories show up to two leading vote counts; votes are category selections and may overlap.

Community Insights

The community widely recognizes this as a "dry" oud, lacking the sweetness or floral trimmings found in many Western oud interpretations. It is frequently noted for its "sauna-like" or "pencil shaving" woody facets.
Performance is a major highlight; enthusiasts generally agree that it boasts exceptional longevity, often lasting ten hours or more, with a sillage that remains noticeable without becoming overwhelming.
It is frequently compared to the original Yves Saint Laurent M7 due to its medicinal woody profile, though it is considered more rugged and earthy.
While marketed as a unisex fragrance, the consensus among hobbyists leans towards a masculine-leaning profile due to the absence of sweetness and the heavy emphasis on spice and dry woods.
It is highly recommended for cold weather, specifically fall and winter evenings, with many users suggesting it is too dense for casual summer wear.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a good choice for someone new to oud fragrances?+

It is often recommended as a "starter oud" for those who prefer woody and smoky scents over sugary ones. However, the spicy cumin opening can be polarizing, so it is best for those who already enjoy dry, earthy fragrances.

How does the performance hold up throughout the day?+

This fragrance is known for its durability. Most users report it lasting a full workday and well into the evening, with strong projection in the first few hours before settling into a persistent, woody aura.

Is this fragrance suitable for office wear?+

Because of its smoky and spicy profile, it is generally seen as an evening or night-out scent. If worn to the office, it is best applied sparingly, as the woody-incense notes can be quite potent in enclosed spaces.

How does the oud in this compare to traditional Middle Eastern oils?+

This is a Western-style oud, meaning it focuses more on the dry, leathery, and woody aspects of the note. It avoids the fermented, "barnyard," or intensely medicinal qualities found in pure oud oils.

Appears in Collections

Date Night Fragrances1836 Evening Fragrances2333 Winter Fragrances480 Unisex Fragrances3693 Eau de Parfum Fragrances1394 2010s Fragrances3361+ 1 more

Similar Fragrances

Perris Monte Carlo

Bois d'Oud

Perris Monte Carlo

Ambre Gris

Perris Monte Carlo

Essence de Patchouli

Perris Monte Carlo

Lavande Romaine

Perris Monte Carlo

Patchouli Nosy Be

Eau De Parfum

Perris Monte Carlo

Cedro di Diamante

Parfum

Perris Monte Carlo

Cacao Aztèque

Eau De Parfum

Perris Monte Carlo

Absolue d'Osmanthe

Eau De Parfum

What does Oud Imperial smell like?

Oud Imperial is a stark departure from the syrupy, rose-heavy oud fragrances that dominate the market. Instead, this is a bone-dry, atmospheric wood scent that feels like stepping into a high-end cedar sauna. The opening is sharp and arresting, featuring a heavy dose of savory cumin and citrus that provides a spicy, almost medicinal lift before the dark woods take over. As it settles, the fragrance reveals a complex, smoky heart fueled by frankincense and papyrus. It feels rugged yet sophisticated, like charred timber cooled by an earthy breeze of patchouli and Javanese vetiver. While oud is the namesake, it acts here as a deepening agent—adding a leathery, slightly animalic grit—rather than a funky or "barnyard" focal point. Wearing it feels like donning a heavy, dark grey wool coat; it is dense, protective, and carries an undeniable gravity.

Details

House: Perris Monte Carlo
Concentration: Eau De Parfum
Gender: unisex
Year: 2012
Longevity: 8.4 / 10 · 252 Parfumo ratings
Sillage: 7.9 / 10 · 251 Parfumo ratings
Season votes on Parfumo: Winter (110 votes), Fall (101 votes)
Occasion votes on Parfumo: Evening (105 votes), Night Out (84 votes)
Scent Profile: Woody, Smoky, Spicy, Oriental, Earthy
Perfumer: Luca Maffei

Historical community ratings and votes imported from Parfumo. Values may have changed since import; the observation date is unavailable. Ratings reflect community opinions, not measured wear tests. Categories show up to two leading vote counts; votes are category selections and may overlap.

Community Insights

The community widely recognizes this as a "dry" oud, lacking the sweetness or floral trimmings found in many Western oud interpretations. It is frequently noted for its "sauna-like" or "pencil shaving" woody facets.
Performance is a major highlight; enthusiasts generally agree that it boasts exceptional longevity, often lasting ten hours or more, with a sillage that remains noticeable without becoming overwhelming.
It is frequently compared to the original Yves Saint Laurent M7 due to its medicinal woody profile, though it is considered more rugged and earthy.
While marketed as a unisex fragrance, the consensus among hobbyists leans towards a masculine-leaning profile due to the absence of sweetness and the heavy emphasis on spice and dry woods.
It is highly recommended for cold weather, specifically fall and winter evenings, with many users suggesting it is too dense for casual summer wear.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a good choice for someone new to oud fragrances?+

It is often recommended as a "starter oud" for those who prefer woody and smoky scents over sugary ones. However, the spicy cumin opening can be polarizing, so it is best for those who already enjoy dry, earthy fragrances.

How does the performance hold up throughout the day?+

This fragrance is known for its durability. Most users report it lasting a full workday and well into the evening, with strong projection in the first few hours before settling into a persistent, woody aura.

Is this fragrance suitable for office wear?+

Because of its smoky and spicy profile, it is generally seen as an evening or night-out scent. If worn to the office, it is best applied sparingly, as the woody-incense notes can be quite potent in enclosed spaces.

How does the oud in this compare to traditional Middle Eastern oils?+

This is a Western-style oud, meaning it focuses more on the dry, leathery, and woody aspects of the note. It avoids the fermented, "barnyard," or intensely medicinal qualities found in pure oud oils.

What are the primary differences between the Eau de Parfum and the Extrait?+

While both share the same DNA, the community notes that the Extrait version is even more concentrated and emphasizes the darker, base-heavy notes like labdanum and oud, whereas the Eau de Parfum has a bit more lift from the spices and citrus.

Does the cumin note make it smell like body odor?+

Some sensitive noses may find the cumin and saffron combination to be "savory," but most enthusiasts feel it simply adds a warm, spicy texture that bridges the citrus top notes into the smoky wood base.

More in this fragrance line:Oud Imperial — Extrait

Accords

Notes

TopCumin//Citrus notes//Jasmine

HeartFrankincense//Patchouli//Saffron//Papyrus

BaseOud//Java vetiver//Labdanum//Birch//Atlas cedar//Sandalwood

No tracked prices yet

We are not tracking a current retailer offer for this fragrance yet.

View price details

No tracked prices yet

We are not tracking a current retailer offer for this fragrance yet.

View price details

Where to buy Oud Imperial

No tracked prices yet.

We don't track a retailer offer for this fragrance yet — check the Amazon link below for current availability.

Amazon

Price not trackedBuy

No price tracked yet. Join the list and we'll email you if one shows up.

Fragrance Fragrance is an independent price-comparison service, not a retailer or marketplace. We do not sell, stock, ship, or accept payment for products. Purchases are completed on third-party retailer sites. We are not affiliated with or endorsed by fragrance brands. How buying works.

Prices are collected from third-party retailers and updated periodically. Always verify the price on the retailer's site before purchasing. We may earn a commission on purchases made through our links.

Appears in Collections

Date Night Fragrances1836 Evening Fragrances2333 Winter Fragrances480 Unisex Fragrances3693 Eau de Parfum Fragrances1394 2010s Fragrances3361+ 1 more

Similar Fragrances

Perris Monte Carlo

Bois d'Oud

Perris Monte Carlo

Ambre Gris

Perris Monte Carlo

Essence de Patchouli

Perris Monte Carlo

Lavande Romaine

Perris Monte Carlo

Patchouli Nosy Be

Eau De Parfum

Perris Monte Carlo

Cedro di Diamante

Parfum

Perris Monte Carlo

Cacao Aztèque

Eau De Parfum

Perris Monte Carlo

Absolue d'Osmanthe

Eau De Parfum