This is way better than people credit it for. Sadly though, it's like a slightly less magical Dead of Night (with no real oud unlike the strangelove), and as I own the latter, I don't need this. But if you want DON but would prefer to spend 500 euros instead of 1000 (LOL!) this could be the one. As another reviewer said, don't judge it by shoving your nose into it, as it doesn't do it justice.
This absolutely stinks, but in a good way. performance is insane, can still smell it on my clothes the next day. smells very close to jubilation after the opening, as its settling you can smell something woody and fruity and that amber hits you. 8.3/10
King Blue has been described as one of the stinkiest and most animalic ouds on the mass market, but I’m not sure I agree. It’s definitely got a pungent brutality about it, the likes of which is unusually bold for what is becoming a very mainstream house - I think it’s great. It’s refreshing in a market full of boring rose-ouds which all smell the same. The note of oud here, which I’m assuming is just an accord, smells amazing. It’s dry, earthy and smoky all in one, perpetuating darkness with added notes of leather and patchouli. Frankincense is what gives it that dry, smoky, almost scratchy quality which is tempered beautifully by the subtle juiciness of blackcurrant and mandarin. Whilst I think it’s great, I don’t absolutely love it, meaning it’s unlikely I’ll be getting myself a bottle. I enjoy the scent but it doesn’t feel like me, it doesn’t match up with my usual style. But in the world of fruity oud fragrances this is a stand out release.
I loved Silver Oud but I fell in love with King Blue more because it’s more wearable and easy reach, it doesn’t need a certain kind of mood. It needs certain kind of clothes though or no clothes at all. Assam Oud in King Blue is not as brash as it is in its predecessor Silver Oud and the leather which is quite strong in it is utterly tame in King Blue. I adore this scent. It’s so addictive with its fruity notes especially from Blackcurrant but Mandarin as well - those are so perfect with slightly dirty Oud and warm resinous Amber. Fruits bring sweet aromas which play hide and seek from the opening until the dry down. It’s like Blackcurrant jam covered with hefty Oud, not vice versa. Sweetness from fruits together with sweetness from resinous Amber works great. I love fruits and Oud together so much but here the combination is astonishingly beautiful because of other notes and a complex blend. Just right around of smokiness from Frankincense is not T*bacco like but smooth and hazy adding vibrance into this blend which is actually astonishingly calming like the deep blue sea. That is the only connection which I find here to the colour blue in the name. At the latest, somewhat cozy, creamy texture of Sandalwood blended with all these notes makes this one of my favourite perfumes to wear in the bedtime. These kind of scents are erotic as well imo (I know, sounds maybe strange). The most erotic scents from Amouage are "Gold Man | Amouage" and this one. I can’t get enough of King Blue. I want to enjoy of it as much as I can now when it’s warm since it performs so beautifully now on my skin. During wintertime my skin is too cold for this scent. This needs warm to shine and it doesn't feel too heavy in Finnish summer since it's not so hot, mostly 20-25c. Is this easy Oud? Yes if you love real Oud, this is gentle. If you don’t - you can forget King Blue. But I highly recommend to give it a chance. It’s ravishing. Yes, a little bit dirty Oud can be ravishing. Thank you for reading and if you want to follow me on IG: @ninamariah_perfumes
Incensey and resiney. Strong and beautifu, but not for everyone.