Experiencing Dark Aoud by Montale in its initial stages is akin to walking into a pitch-black room. Just as it takes a while for your eyes to adjust in order to discern the shapes, sizes, and nuances of the objects initially hidden in darkness, so too does it take time to realize that Dark Oud is more than a linear oud.

A minimalist exploration of two powerful accords — oud and sandalwood — Dark Aoud starts out with the smoky, camphoraceous, medicinal aspect of oud on display, accompanied by a dry and elegant sandalwood. A sweeter, softer, and rounder sandalwood comes forth from its initial asceticism, rounding out the oud note's inky darkness and revealing its soft, even powdery spiciness. Although Dark Aoud gets softer through its long dry down, it remains an intense and mysterious presence on your skin.

Dark Aoud Fragrance Notes

Indian sandalwood, Oud, Black Pepper, Saffron, Vetiver, Teak, Leather, Grey Amber

Dark Aoud Sizes Available:

100ml

~~$180~~ $140

0.7ml sample

If you like Dark Aoud Eau de Parfum, we recommend you try:

Duro by Nasomatto

Pardon by Nasomatto

Black Aoud by Montale

Interlude Man by Amouage

Black Afgano by Nasomatto

Jubilation XXV by Amouage

Here's what other people are saying about Dark Aoud...

my first impression was of a very striking, charismatic bitter oud+wood with good amt of depth. I do think this perfume is well named, "dark" is an accurate adjective that comes to mind when thinking of how to describe this perfume. It feels very masculine to me, not necessarily in the sense that it's a men's fragrance but in the more abstract metaphysical. like symbolically and etc. as an aside I had CDG Wonderwood on the other side and it came off gourmand level sugary in comparison to this one.

By Lillian - Nurse from Philadelphia on 1/7/2022

Another amazing fragrance from Montale, that stands out of all their oud variations. I have this "cold skin" type and this fragrance works perfectly on me. It's so interesting & enigmatic, it's fresh and warm at the same time. It's a darker version of IA "Slow explosions" for me. It opens up with a bright, spicy & electric saffron note, it dries down to slightly woody peppery musky sandal. Musk also seems to be subtle and "clean" if that makes sense. Oud here is not overpowering, it's rather calming. I even found just a tiny bit of cardamom note and some saltiness. Amazing, strong but comforting fragrance for fall/winter, I'm also sure it's unisex.

By Evgenia Jo - Photographer from Jersey City on 10/23/2021

A very compelling scent. There is some strong value to this fragrance as the sandalwood is quite distinct! Great fragrance.

By Andrew - Executive in Sales from Minneapolis on 5/11/2020

Stuck to my arm like glue all day the staying power was remarkable. Sadly it was all sharp, peppery, headache inducing bitterness. Some one said metallic spicyness yes that’s true and it’s very strong you only need ONE spray and that’s it or you may blow people away not in a desirable way...I’m usually an Oud-aholic and this one just isn’t for me. I want to keep trying more Montale though as everything else I’ve tried has been most impressive.

By Beck - Mom from North Pole on 7/15/2019

The best fragrance I ever smelled. Maybe it's just my skin? Either way there is nothing bad to say about it. 0 bitterness, 100% intoxicating spicy deepness. Incredible

By T Minus - Designer from Seattle on 2/13/2018

The worst fragrance I ever smelled. Maybe it's just my skin? Either way there is nothing good to say about it. 0 sweetness, 100% metallic spicy bitterness. Gross

By Lance - Fashion Designer from Montreal on 10/5/2017

Never received so many compliments about smelling so good. The scent is like nothing of this world. Amazing!!

By Shalom - CEO from Chatsworth on 2/4/2017

Ok, so this scent is a little linear in the dry down, but oh boy is linear good in this case. Never overpowering oud and I'm delighted to see the usual oud/rose combo replaced with sandalwood. FB worthy and a must try!

By Tiger Pounce - Technologist from Eastvale on 11/4/2016

I agree with Ryan! This is the standout of the ones I've smelled so far. Prefer it to Black Aoud or Oud Cuir d'Arabie, which I also like. Gorgeous from start to finish!

By Christopher - from Evansville on 7/8/2014

I have just received my sample of dark aoud and I am simply taken back by how fantastic this scent smells on my skin. On first sniff the dark and smoky tones hit you and I just can't stop sniffing my wrist. It takes me back to travelling through India on a warm evening with the incense and spices combined in the musky air. WOW! I certainly will be buying a full bottle of this. It is the oud in this scent that really attracts me and seems so on the surface of this scent followed by warm tones of sandalwood. Can anyone suggest another scent that is extremely strong in oud, as I think I have become addicted to it!!

By Marie - from Lincoln England on 8/16/2013

Hands down my favorite aoud from Montale right now, and I have Black Aoud and Cuir.

By Ryan - Researcher from East Lansing, MI on 5/4/2013

Just received my sample bottle today and like with all sample bottles it's hard to put your nose into 5th gear and get the true odeur of the fragrance. My fav Montale is Cuir D'arabie it wold have to be the closest thing to real leather I have ever come across, I received some Italian leather shoes and when I opened the box it simmer down quite a bit after the opening BUT this hasn't detered me the more leather I can get the happier I will be.ould have been sprayed with Cuir d. so I ran to my bottle sprayed my wrist and the two scents were identical. As for Dark Aoud the opening is so bold, striking, carnal and everso masculine I just wish the fragrance could hold those opening notes for 6 hrs or more. I found it did

By supaflyguy on 3/11/2013

This is a beautiful and unique fragrance. Basically an East meets West Oud. I dare to say perfectly balanced. At first I thought this was strictly a room fragrance but after consecutive wearings I find myself comfortable with the uniqueness of this scent being a personal fragrance. This is not for everyone. You really need to wear this and not the other way around. I wish they offered this in a see through bottle. I'd love to see the juice. Longevity and sillage are both respectable but not "NUCLEAR" on my skin. Have no fear it will be noticed. This one is a winner for me !

By CNYC - Freelance from New York on 3/10/2013

The opening is very dark and almost unbearably potent. I almost dismissed it a first sniff after being knocked back by the oud, dark leather without warmth or sweet notes at all. But as it wore on I could see the resemblence to LeLabo Oud 27 and Killian's Pure Oud but this one is much bolder at first. The saffron emerges and the oud eventually gives way to the leather. Vetiver in the base reinforces the coldness of the leather. Very masculine - use with caution! But it is satisfying.

By Incense(d) Lover on 7/21/2011

Curse you, Montale! Want, want, want. First you lure me with Red Aoud, and now when I thought I was immune, this! I have always loved sandalwood, and combined with the aoud it is like hearing a wandering melody played on a cello, raspy, moody, vibrant, soaring.

By Blackbird - Field Tech from Portland on 7/7/2011

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