The Aoud, from Mancera was released in 2011. The perfumer behind this creation is Pierre Montale. It has the top notes of Bergamot, Cinnamon, Cloves, and Pepper, middle notes of Geranium, Rose, and Saffron, and base notes of Agarwood (Oud), Cedarwood, Leather, Musk, Sandalwood, and Woody Notes.
Well I think the name is suited to this one very well. The Aoud is not just another Rose/oud combo it tips the scales well and truly into the Oud and sandalwood realm rather than the other way into overly rosy territory. The oud is pretty pure and dominant in this one, slightly smoky and medicinal. The opening is dense peppery woods and sharp exotic saffron which settles to a very nice deep dark oud. There's a traditional touch of rose there too but as I mentioned above it's very low in the mix allowing the more woody elements of this brew to shine. Excellent stuff I can't fault it at all. Minimal enough to let the oud shine but with enough creativity to make it a viable composition. Really good stuff from Mancera, does what it says on the tin!