Nawab of Oudh Intensivo
Ormonde Jayne (2015)

Unlike many "intensivos" that seek alterations in the original formula, I do not sense any key changes in the recipe of a lasting favourite - Nawab of Oudh. However, the concentration and resulting longevity are, as expected, bombastic. Go lightly, as the gorgeous opening of green magnolia and citrus elements (damn does Ormond Jayne ever know how to create beautiful green notes!) powers on and on and on.

This is a drop-dead gorgeous woody floral and after milking several 10ml travel sprays of the 2012 original, I opted for a full bottle of the intensivo because this is one of those scents that has a classic structure and will no-doubt be fashionable until the day I die.

Nawab of Oudh Intensivo definitely verges on the feminine at the start, but only because of the sheer projection of its flower power and the treble-clef feel that this imparts to the accompanying citrus notes. Rose and Magnolia are out in force (and It feels, in mood, a bit like Amouage Fate Woman transitioning over time to the creamy sandalwood of vintage Ubar.) With time, this spectacular rubbery creaminess (that must be the oudh?), richer and woodier florals (now more rosy), and the rooty green elements (vetiver) emerge. The result is entirely unisex. It shares DNA with Ormond Man in the base, however I most like the fact that the citrus sticks around, along with the fresh green (especially on paper!) and I ultimately get a sense of creamy sandalwood (though it supposedly contains none). More linear than evolving (beyond the nuclear-powered opening) and the sort of combo that will probably be clearly identified on unlaundered clothes for months after.

Interestingly, very different on clothes and paper (quite green and masculine) than on my skin (florals galore).

Strong, beautiful, fascinating stuff. No regrets.