Almost 10 years after it was released in 2016, Gucci Intense Oud EDP remains one of my favourite ouds, designer or otherwise.
Who cares if it’s real oud or not. Aurélien Guichard knows how to create an effective semblance of the precious ingredient through the skilful work he brings to his own brand, Matiere Premiere, and others. He’s the man behind oud standouts such as Robert Piguet Oud EDP (2012) and Matiere Premiere Oud Seven EDP (2021).
From the bottle to the scent, Gucci Intense Oud EDP is solid stuff. It gets going with the slight fruitiness of raspberry and pear notes. The perfumer makes the most of the inherent fruitiness of frankincense while also taking it in a woody spicy direction, with soft hints of rose and orange blossom in the background. The oud effect is subtle but noticeable, with earthiness from patchouli and animalic leather adding to the warmth.
While wearable, accessible and versatile, it also manages to convey something mysterious, exotic and, dare I say it, oriental (now flagged as a sensitive geopolitical reference when I use Microsoft Word Editor to check my document). That’s an impressive balancing act.
If you’re looking for a challenging barnyard oud, Gucci Intense Oud EDP ain’t it. But if you’re looking for something commercial with quality, this is it.
It’s one of those fragrances that make me think when designer brands get it right, they can’t be beat (another fragrance from the Italian designer brand, Gucci Guilty Absolute Pour Homme EDP immediately comes to mind). Take that, niche snobs. Ha! Ha!
It looks like it has been discontinued but is still widely available online and even in some stores for a most reasonable price.
Gucci Intense Oud EDP is available in South Africa from selected Woolworths, Edgars, Truworths and Arc Stores.