Opus XIII : Silver Oud
Eau de Parfum, Amouage (2021)

From Amouage:

"A protruding depth of Patchouli (molecular distillation) and smoky Cypriol (essence) confuses the senses. Instead of a top note, a wide variety of woods appear, foreboding a deep evolution. An exquisitely rich Oud Assam (essence) dances in unison with a leathery Madagascar Vanilla (absolute), while Ambrarome, birch, castoreum and Guiac Wood leave dark sillage imprints on the skin, blending in an endless finale."

To me its a nice smelling thing that's somewhat addicting. The opening is a bit harsh but only for a minute. Otherwise its a scratchy patchouli with smoky Cypriol. Soon an almost rubbery oud note appears which is sweetened ever so slightly by an unlisted berry-like note. Raspberry?
Vanilla comes to play but it isn't overbearing and blends well with the overall vibe. The patchouli is at times chocolatey but this is no gourmand.
Performance is dynamite in the longevity department and just fine sillage-wise.
This is top tier Amouage.

The burnt birch note reminds me of Tauer Lonestar Memories, but while Lonestar Memories is strident and repulsive to some, Silver Oud is perfectly composed while still displaying the powerful complexity of smoke and oud. Great scent, I kept smelling my wrists over the day - and exceptional longevity, as it was still present the next morning. I'm not going to buy a $500 bottle but a few 2 ml samples might be a good option at comparable price per ml !

To me this is a masterpiece

On my skin - the opening has a dark smoky incense, with a touch of sweetness that my wife described as "burnt marshmallow". You get not-so-little hints of oud in the most fantastic ways, reminds me of some of the pure oud oil samples I have. There is an animalic warmth that I think might be castoreum, as there is a similarity with some materials in TF Oud Wood Intense which I believe heavily relies on this ingredient.

The longevity is INSANE - this stuff is like glue, it lasts through showers and sweaty workouts, very strong juice with high performance / sillage, however I would expect absolutely nothing less for the price tag.

Cecile Zarokian stans unite! Great stuff!