Amir One
Ajmal (2021)

A properly dirty-bum oud, the kind which usually gives the impression that the wearer is capable of unspeakable acts behind closed doors. But it’s haloed with clean lemon-and-lavender radiance and brought yet closer to civilisation by some floral sweetness, so polite company needn’t run for the hills. Does this make it some kind of split personality? Not really, as Arabic perfumery has been pulling this trick for ages with the more feral ouds. Skilfully executed and with materials that ring true (not always the case with Ajmal, a house that often delivers garish synthetic syrups as its lower budget options), this makes me feel like I’ve just stepped out of a barber’s after a thorough pampering, and in the mood for decadence. I won’t fight that.
The woods sweeten and deepen with the wear, making the whole thing classier as it evolves.