Pure Oud
Kilian (2009)

The aptly-named By Kilian Pure Oud includes a heavy dose of the eponymous note, balancing slightly medicinal and animalic nuances. It's smooth, specifically due to the animalic side being rather leathery, as opposed to castoreum- or cumin-like.

It's a bold oud scent without being even borderline offensive, in my opinion, which is a difficult tightrope to walk with oud-intense fragrances, which tend to be overbearing even when pared down via a blend with rose or gourmand elements.

Pure Oud performs excellently, roughly the best of house, save Pearl Oud, which is more exceptional.

The retail cost of $395 for 50ml, like many of the oud-named By Kilian offerings, is absurd, but there are usually deals to be found that omit the expensive (albeit lovely) presentation of the coffin and key.

This is certainly one I'd consider buying at a much lower price point.

8 out of 10

One of the better oud's avaliable. More subtle and nuanced than a Montale product, od which I own several. But Montale formulates for the Middle East with more Rose in their formula. Pure Oud is not a complex formula, it has some sandlewood in it but it's Oud notes are very nice. You can not compare this to a oud a Arabian Oud in a oil perfume formula. Which incidentally can cost hundreds of dollars more. It is a nice grounded oud with deep earthy tones to it. It is not sweet nor flowery, which some people like. but I want oud pure and simple, but I will not pay that much money for oud in oil perfume prices. Sillage lasts all day into next for me. And its projection is within several feet. It will not announce yiou several blocks away. It is not a punch you in the face oud or arabian mans perfume. The sandlewood and cedar are subtle but noticable. I hardly notice any rose in Pure Oud, but I know it is there. Oud and Rose and insepperable. If you want a good Oud, you will have to pay for it.

First review? Wow, the pressure!
Dry, spicy oud. Gorgeous natural materials in the top, supple and rounded, light sandalwood/cedar aspects dominate in the heart with dry leather with a touch of something else (synth musk?) underneath . Pleasant ....
....and totally not worth whatever it costs. Projection measured in single digit centimeters at best. If you want a soft up close oud and don't have a mortgage, this might do it.