* New York Oud kicks off with a quite loud blast of oud and sweet plum.
* It is strong, quite strong, and lasts a long time.
* The sweet plum recedes and saffron comes into the forefront with the oud for a little while. Then on me, I suddenly get Ivory Soap (on top of the oud). I am not sure exactly of the notes – kind of sweet, but in an inedible kind of way.
* Projection on this is massive and it stays strong for several hours
* In the base, there is still the oud and saffron in the forefront. On different wearings, I’ve also smelled patchouli and a light musk – but it’s still all about the oud and saffron.
Summary: Bond No 9 is what I call, lovingly, a battery acid fragrance. Once it goes on, it cuts through everything and takes control. I wouldn’t say it’s linear (meaning the same from top to base) but it’s linear-ish, as if the main oud and saffron stay in the game with different players joining for a bried inning/appearance. This is definitely not an office fragrance – save it for the nighttime. If you find New York Oud too strong and want to stay in the Bond No 9 line, try their Signature Oud in the gold bottle.
Bond No 9 Royal Oud is available from Saks Fifth Avenue and Bond No 9 New York Boutiques.