Aoud Leather by Montale

This is Tuscan Leather by Tom Ford, but cleaner and fresher.

The first hour is my favourite of everything I’ve tested; if it lasted longer, it would be my number one. Once the opening fades, it reveals a hard, almost smoky leather. Unfortunately, the dry-down is short and doesn’t stand out in the cold, so I only wear it when it’s 12 or 15 degrees. The dry-down reminds me more of a hard leather than Ombré or Tuscan, although I tested those a while ago; it’s closer to Leather Eau de Parma or Akdeniz Unique’e Luxury.

Maximum sexy leather with a very strong oud. I recommend it for cold nights. The dry-down is imposing, lasting over 10 hours on the skin and projecting four metres easily. It’s for formal or special occasions. Be careful with the sprays as it can be invasive; it’s very strong and oily.

It’s a leather within the Ombré Leather family. At first, it smells the same, but after a few minutes, it becomes dry and spicy. In another fragrance, I would dislike this, but here it adds class and versatility. It’s not just for formal events; it’s more usable. The dry-down attempts to be citrusy but isn’t quite; over time, it turns woody and spiced. It’s wearable for winter and performs superbly. For the price, it’s an interesting option: office leather without breaking the bank. Added to the price and performance… it’s leather in a bottle.

Many compare it to Ombré Leather by Tom Ford, but within the leather family, they follow different paths. Aoud Leather is a fresher, airier version, ideal for summer, while Tom Ford’s, with its amber and floral notes, is sweeter. In terms of price, along with LaYuqawam, they are the best in quality/price: they deliver leather as the star for less than half the cost of Tom Ford’s iconic scents or Godolphin by PdM. To my nose, Godolphin is the closest. When I think of this fragrance, I imagine clean, dry equine leather, like the skin of a young horse in a new stable with bales of straw. I don’t detect the oud, or it is so subtle it only accompanies the overall sensation; from my perspective, it is only in the name. Some inexperienced friends say it smells like hay, and I think they describe that dry green part well. It’s a fresh, airy and green leather without being herbal. It has good performance, lasting longer than average on my skin, although it stands out more in projection. It’s a great leather for warm, intermediate and cold climates, with good projection and excellent price. It doesn’t appear as much on YouTube as its Tom Ford or Rasapi counterparts, but it deserves its place in comparisons.

How hard it is to be objective with this perfume. I love it. It’s one of the richest leather creations I’ve ever smelled. Very similar to Ombré Leather, but with a fresher opening due to the citrus, which then give way to a suede leather heart, well-treated (without the crudeness of Tuscan or Yuqawam). If you want to start with leathers, this is the gateway (or Amber & Leather by Alhambra). Additionally, it has an accessible price compared to Tom Ford and good longevity. You can’t ask for more. 10/10.

At first, it smells fresh and citrusy, but after 20 minutes, it becomes 95% identical to Tom Ford’s Ombre Leather. It is exquisite, realistic leather with just a hint of saffron and oud. I think it is a wonderful fragrance for any occasion or weather.

I do not quite like it; it is a bit strong for my taste and not at all feminine. It is totally masculine.

This perfume follows the characteristic Montale line: projection, trail and longevity very much to be considered. With two symmetrical sprays, the wearer is already noticeable, especially in enclosed spaces; outdoors, perhaps a few more. It is a leather perfume, in my opinion, more wild than T.F. Tuscan Leather (more refined), more rugged than T.F. Ombre Leather (less intense and piercing), more piercing than Marly Godolphin (more elegant and developed). I consider it good, but one must like leather combined with oud and spiced notes. Better for autumn-winter and above all try on skin before buying. A.C.R.

I already own Tom Ford’s Ombre Leather and Mancera’s Yuqawam Pour Homme. This is almost identical, which is why I didn’t buy it… though I certainly could have. It is delicious like the others, though I find it more pleasant and subtle. It carries that Montale and Mancera DNA with its oud note, making it more wearable. The longevity is the same: around eight hours.

It is a fragrance with a very prominent leather note, very well achieved, upon which spiced and ambered touches revolve, making it very pleasant in almost any season, except with excessive heat. Nothing to discard for summer nights. The aroma is very linear, but for me it is a virtue; I find it impressive. The longevity is notable, it will accompany you all day; the projection is not excessive but is noticeable during almost all its life. It is more masculine than feminine and, in my opinion, requires a certain age and personality. Quite similar to Ombré Leather; it can be found online for about 70 euros, which, given its quality and longevity, is a very recommended purchase.

What a fragrance! It has a unique standout: it is an incisive, philosophical leather with spectacular sillage and projection. It is one of those you either love or hate. Do not buy it blindly; it is not for everyone. Paired with the powerful leather, notes of oud, saffron, and pepper, it can create a synthetic sensation that some may reject. It is quite linear, excellent on cold days, suitable for formal or semi-formal attire, with a serious character and personality, best for those over 25. For me, using it is an experience; over time, the intensity subsides and leaves that spectacular sensation of new leather, super pleasant. But initially, the powerful opening rarely receives compliments. One gets used to it and finds oneself wanting to feel it again.

What a beautiful fragrance Aoud Leather has! It begins with an energetic and sensual burst of gorgeous leather, herbal and with a floral touch, so balanced yet bold. A few minutes later, when the cardamomo takes over, a delicious, addictive, and super-masculine aroma emerges, with a metallic and bright nuance, very well executed… roses, tobacco, something fresh yet dense, woods, mist, dew, a scent simply… spectacular! This phase lasts a relatively short while before transforming into a very attractive unisex scent that lasts several more hours. Addictive, you can’t stop smelling your own arm. Its projection is relatively soft but noticeable; very balanced, all the notes are exactly in their place, it’s striking and elegant. At times it reminds me of La Yuqawam (I don’t know Tuscan Leather), but without the raspberry and more sensual. I sense it as more herbal, with some spices. At other times it slightly reminds me of MYTHS Man, with that soft mineral touch. I have loved this Aoud Leather, I think I will have to go for a large bottle, I will go on a campaign and save… I would love to have it in my collection. And well, if tomorrow misfortune befalls me, at least I will have this one luxury in life, to feel this scent. What exquisite leather, what a curious and exceptional aroma!

I like it, it is different from everything I have tried (the first from Montale). Moderate longevity, I have been using it for two days and apply 8/10 sprays. By 8 hours it is already skin-scent. The trail is moderate-heavy for the first three hours and then drops a lot. The aroma is curious, as Shisheido says: the leather and oud are felt quite clearly, although I do not have a good nose for this. More than unisex, I would say it is feminine; a man can wear it if he likes the style, but it tilts the balance towards the feminine gender. Curiously, to several people who are not enthusiasts but use perfumes it has not been liked; there is something that bothers them. I think it is special, not for any occasion nor for formal situations. For romantic use I see drawbacks due to the oud. To stand out at a party or wedding, yes it would be worth it. I like it, but I do not love it; if I had tried it before I would not have bought it for seeing few opportunities to use it. What is clear is that I will try other Montale ones that are not unisex, as it has abundance of quality, perhaps I chose badly.

I thought Montale would be invasive like the Narciso, but this is fresh and vigorous, delicious! Among the leathers I have tried (Halston Z-14, English Leather, Gucci by Gucci, Borsalino), Borsalino was my favourite, but this jewel changes everything. It smells like a brand new Italian leather shoe with spices. The pepper is present as in Hugo Red, marked but not annoying. The oud and cardamomo dominate with their own light. I do not know saffron, but every note shines on its own shouting ‘smell me!’. A sublime creation that deserves an award.