An olfactive tribute to French Indochina, Oud Indochine brings together perfumers Maksim Bortnikov and Rajesh Balkrishnan to recreate the smell of sea bound voyages from ports like Saigon in the late 1800s when ships would be laden with treasures from the east heading to western shores of Paris. The scent combines eastern spicy notes and western aromatic and gourmand notes in a deep woody base accentuated with precious oud from Thailand and Vietnam to create a deep mystical aura, an unforgettable scent of a bygone era of long haul voyages of trade ships from the east to the west.
The fragrance opens with a captivating blend of cardamom and red saffron, giving the composition a spicy yet elegant warmth. The gentle sweetness of vanilla softens these vibrant notes, creating a smooth and inviting introduction. At the heart, sacred warmth from frankincense Sacra intertwines with the rich resinous notes of labdanum and the earthy sweetness of myrrh. A light honeyed nuance from beeswax adds subtle sweetness, while guaiacwood introduces a smoky, woody character, enhancing the complexity and depth of the fragrance.
The base is a luxurious blend dominated by the rare and refined combination of Kinam oud, South Thai oud, and Hindi oud. These ouds form a deep, woody foundation, full of mystery and sophistication. Rich gourmand notes of chocolate and cocoa add a sensual warmth, while a hint of tar brings a dark, smoky touch. The long-lasting trail is rounded off by the smooth and oceanic notes of ambergris, giving the fragrance a sense of depth and elegance.
