Liquid Gold: Oud perfume to pick up this fall

Earthy, woody and resinous, oud is a note that adds depth and darkness to fragrance, earning the moniker “liquid gold” for it’s luxurious impression.

We’ve touched on our love of oud before (here and here), so it comes as no surprise that when a new set of oud perfumes cropped up, we jumped at the chance to pick our favourites. Oud, as you may know, is the liquid gold of the perfume world—and is widely considered the most expensive ingredient in perfumery. The warm, sensual smell might be one reason why, or it could be because the ingredient (very popular in other parts of the world like Thailand, India and Saudi Arabia) is just beginning to reach higher levels of demand here.

This season? Pick up one of these.

Sweet spice

Saffron, pink pepper, oud, amber and vanilla are accompanied by raspberry, rose and jasmine for an intoxicating, warm spritz. Bond No. 9 Dubai Amber, $550 (100 ml), www.bondno9.com

Light musk

A light and fresh approach, oud is mixed with incense oil, honeysuckle, magnolia, praline and balsam for a warm, earthy effect. Clean Reserve Sueded Oud, $125 (100 ml), www.sephora.com

Dark luxury

Pink pepper, and cinnamon mingle with oud and vetiver for a spicy and rich take on the note. Ralph Lauren Polo Supreme Oud, $195 (100 ml), www.thebay.com

Dry warmth

Inspired by a desert journey, this scent mixes Turkish rose-infused oud with berries, apricot, leather, iris and vanilla for a sweet, warm scent. Atkinsons Her Majesty the Oud, $285 (100 ml), www.holtrenfrew.com