Amouage Silver Oud Review (Cecile Zarokian) 2021 + The Red and The Black Draw

 

Amouage Creative Director Renaud Salmon and perfumer Cecil Cécile Zarokian selfie in Sur, Oman

Renaud Salmon selfie with Cecile Zarokian in Sur, Oman reunite with Amouage Silver Oud courtesy of Renaud©

Stendhal’s 1830 novel The Red and the Black which depicts the era’s dichotomy between French politics and seduction seems the perfect inspiration for Amouage Silver Oud. Composed by Cecile Zarokian Silver Oud is a perfect addition to the Omani brand’s “Epic” storytelling (pun intended as Cecile Zarokian created Amouage Epic Woman in 2011. In 2021, creative director Renaud Salmon tapped Mme. Zarokian for Amouage Material).

Amouage Silver Oud review

Amouage Silver Oud by Redolessence©

“Composing an Oud with a no limit budget for AMOUAGE is a perfumer’s dream.  With the powerful themes identified in the novel as my starting point, I chose to express Confusion in the opening through a disconcerting blend of woody notes instead of the usual more volatile notes. Through this first phase, I set the stage for a creation with tremendous power and complexity. The heart is all about the burning Passion. I selected a rich quality Oud from the best origin (Assam, India) associating it with Vanilla Absolute to reveal its depth and roundness. The dry down, with more woods and animalic notes, is a Destruction of the elements, bringing the creation into deeper territories.”-Cecile Zarokian

 Top Notes – CONFUSION: Patchouli Molecular Distillation, Cypriol Essence, Virginia Cedar Essence.

Heart Notes – PASSION: Oud Assam Essence, Vanilla Madagascar Absolute.

Base Notes – DESTRUCTION: Birch Essence, Guaiac Wood Essence, Ambrarome, Castoreum.

Just as Julien is the protagonist in The Red and The Black, Oud ASSAM is the central character of this fragrance. Amouage Silver Oud is one of the best niche perfumes of 2021 for both Steven and me.

–Michelyn Camen, Editor-in-Chief

Disclosure: Steven and Michelyn received bottles.  Opinions and commentary their own

CaFleureBon Video Editor Steven Gavrielatos reviews Amouage Silver Oud

Thanks to the generosity of Amouage we have a 10 ml travel spray of Amouage Silver Oud for a registered CaFleureBon readers in all countries EXCLUDING Canada, Russia, China, Italy, Spain, New Zealand and Latin America (if you are not sure if you are registered click here.) and a Redolessence subscriber. To be eligible please leave a comment ON THIS SITE with what you enjoyed about Steven’s YouTube review AND Michelyn’s Introduction.  Draw closes 10/29/2021

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71 comments

  • Jeremi says:

    I enjoyed the fragrance presentation and and the talk about the fragrance notes. I enjoyed the photos and interesting details in Michelyn’s Introduction. I live in Poland, EU.

  • drjedi says:

    Michelyn’s introduction to Amouage Silver Oud was interesting, especially the part about how the inspiration came from the novel The Red and The Black. Cecile’s remarks about how she brought confusion, passion and destruction as the underlying themes laid a good groundwork for understanding Silver Oud. Steven considers it one of the best creations ever, if one likes smoky and animalic perfumes. I certainly do, and I love oud so I am certain I will love it. Don’t have much experience with Amouage perfumes, but this one seems worth trying. I am a Redolessence subscriber and I enjoy Steven’s reviews for their clarity in describing perfumes. Thanks again Michelyn and Steven for your reviews. From USA.

  • Vahagn says:

    Thanks Michelyn for information about this perfume.
    I liked Steven very detailed review ! Steven sad this perfume is very bold, charismatic and enigmatic – this enough for me be intrigued !!
    Love smoky and woody perfumes with a little touch of animalic notes.
    Love Zarokyan style.
    from Armenia

  • Dnjake says:

    Michelyn’s introduction to Amouage Silver Oud was brilliant comparing this fragrance to the novel The Red and The Black which combines French politics and seduction. I love the note breakdown being described as the harmony of confusion, passion and destruction. I liked how Steven compared this to Amouage Interlude which we all know and love but shares the differences and describes it as another smoky beast while being animalic and vanillic. I certainly had to get used to the note of oud and I love experiencing the different takes of Oud from different fragrance brands and would love to get my nose on Silver Oud. I am a brand new subscriber of Cafleurbon and a long time subscriber of Redolessence subscriber. Thanks again Michelyn and Steven for your reviews and looking forward to learning and growing on my fragrance journey through Cafleurbon.
    – Jake From NY

  • Wildmanbill says:

    I love amouage. I look forward to watching Steve’s reviews to see what new fragrances are coming out.

  • kdub2675 says:

    Steven really gave this perfume high praise which sets a high bar for expectations. I really enjoy his “to the point” summations at the end of his reviews. I really liked Cecile’s quote that Michelyn opened the article with. Knowing the creators thought process is key to understanding a fragrance…especially one as complex as Silver Oud.

    Looking at the note breakdown, Silver Oud certainly has the blend of high quality and unique ingredients to back up Steven’s enthusiasm. I have sampled a few Amouage fragrances including Interlude Man which is also a smokier fragrance. All have been first rate quality wise so I doubt Silver Oud will be any different. The only ingredient I find a bit “puzzling/concerning” is the cypriol. It was the starring ingredient in Dunhill Century and I really did not like it. That said, Century is no where near the quality of Amouage Silver Oud.

    Thanks to Cafleurebon for giving us a chance to win such a nice fragrance.
    I’m in the USA.

  • joshuabrian says:

    I’ve been excited for this release for a while and this and Steven’s review made me even more excited! Amouge is always at the top of my wants list. Thanks for the opportunity. From Indianapolis.

  • Boyracer says:

    I love hearing about the process of creating a fragrance, so much thinking behind telling a story through one sense. It really is an art form.

  • Dosva says:

    Michelyn’s introduction to Amouage Silver Oud was interesting, especially information about perfume’s inspiration – novel The Red and The Black is intresting!
    Love Steven video-review! He said this is perfume is one if the best 2012 release! Smoky, animalic, charismatic – want to try this wild beauty as soon as possible!
    I am from Armenia.

  • jmmcmenamin says:

    I love love how the heart, top and base notes each have a word to describe the combination of notes – confusion, passion and destruction.
    Amouage is one of my favorites and I’m eager to try this.
    In Louisiana USA.

  • wandering_nose says:

    Very happy to learn about the new release from Amouage – thank you for that Michelyn, and also for providing some background story. Inspiration taken from a novel like Stendhal’s The Red and The Black means the fragrance must be truly special. I love Steven’s excitement and enthusiasm about Cecile Zarokian’s newest creation. I appreciate how he analyzes the notes and tells us how they work together. The notes themselves are out of this world – when I read there is patchouli among the top notes, I got more than intrigued. I love smoke’y, dark and gothic fragrances and would welcome the slightly sweet, balsamic richness at around an hour mark. Bold, rich, opulent and exotic – sounds like a dream to me. Based in the Republic of Ireland, EU

  • AleksCipri says:

    I really love how this perfume sounds. I like Steven’s taste and he really likes fragrances similar to what I like. I was so excited to hear he praises Silver Oud so much. I am particularly interested because he says it is a bit challenging, statement, making smoky and a bit animal out fragrance. Michelyn’s introduction was very useful for me to better understand the notes. I particularly like when sh quotes Cecil’s description and calles the top notes confusion because you don’t usually see woody notes in the top. But I love woody notes and finally I really like Cecile’s work so I’m sure Silver Oud must be great too. I’m from Illinois, US.

  • croxley says:

    Ooo yes! I love smokies… and I’m getting pumped the weather is finally turning in favor of flaunting some dark sensual smoky goodness. Naturally, my favorite part of Steven’s review was describing just how deep and smoky and unique Silver Oud is. I can only assume the fragrance he was eluding to from Profumum Roma is none other than Arso – one of my most favorites in the smoky category. Then to hardly no surprise, my favorite part of Michelyn’s intro was claiming this fragrance ranks among both her and Steven’s list of best niche perfumes of 2021. Mighty words have been spoken! Sign me up! U.S.

  • Cesar Abreu says:

    I’m impress with this launch as a lover from the oud and dark perfumes. As Steven mention is gothic, complex and enigmatic. Smoke, animalic and sweet. The description of the notes: Confusion, Passion and Destruction! So potent and poetic way to describe this fragance!

  • msnitechemist says:

    I don’t think I have ever smelled a scent that has smoke in it (?) and I’m having trouble wrapping my head around it (please exclude me from the draw). Thank you Michelyn and Steven for introducing this one. I need to read up and learn more on Cecile Zarokian’s work, for sure.

  • Mr Ashley Bissett says:

    I love oud fragrances and this sounds like the kind ‘dark mysterious’ or gothic scents that pique my attention-a stand out release from an undeniably quality house. Thanks for the content.
    Ash from midlands, UK

  • Mazikeen Smith 24 says:

    Thank you Michelyn for enlightening us with the inspiration behind this masterpiece. Also, Thank you Steven for as always a great detailed review of yours. The note that says that Silver Oud is one of the best niche for both Michelyn and Steven made me so curious and excited about this one. Two of the best journalist agreeing that this is one of the best.
    And a BIG plus, my favorite perfumer Cecile! <3
    I am really hoping to win this and try this masterpiece.
    Cheers from USA

  • rachel says:

    Confusion passion destruction sounds pretty epic IMO. I’m intrigued by the bold and mysterious description of this scent and have always wanted to try Amouage. I love dark and Smokey and this certainly sounds like a statement fragrance or perhaps a signature scent for Darth Vader. USA

  • Javier Cintron says:

    Hi! I would like to be entered for the giveaway. According to Steven Gavrielatos(Redolessence) what is attractive for me from this fragrance is the smokiness combined with the sweetness of vanilla.
    This is something that I don’t to imagine I want to smell the fragrance!
    Thanks for the opportunity!

  • Jason Baker says:

    I find his reviews are always informative and detailed to the point you have to try it because it just sounds so good and interesting

  • Sngash says:

    Michelyn’s intro with the themes of confusion, passion and destruction as described by Cecile Zarokian coupled with Steven’s detailed note breakdown and description of rich, dark, animalic smoky oud that’s also daring got my mouth watering 🙂 I’m in USA

  • Jameson Cruz says:

    Steven look excited about this one, that means something, and about the car seatbelt…two weeks, that’s serious. A scent that last two weeks on a seatbelt. I need at least to sample it. If i dont win where can i purchase a sample of this.

  • maps says:

    Great review and great video. I loved the comparison with The Red and the Black—I haven’t thought about that book since college. I swear that the reviews on this website just get more and more creative. Steven’s review is great as always. He has such an incredible breadth of knowledge and is an authoritative voice on perfumes. I feel like he really understands them. Thanks for the draw. Amouage is one of my favorite houses, and this one looks unique (and fantastic)! Cheers from NC, USA.

  • Jeff says:

    I want this sooo bad. I love Amouage.
    As much as I love the look of the full size bottle, based on what Steven said, just 1 or 2 sprays will do the trick so I’m sure a decant will last me a good while and I’d be thrilled to be able to win a sample of this. Steven did a wonderful job painting a picture of the scent profile here and the type of person it might appeal to… from the sounds of it, this is my kind of scent… strong smokey vanilla and woods with an animalic touch… sounds PERFECT!

    I’m from NY

  • Robert Kerr says:

    I enjoyed Michelyn’s detailed description of the creative process and the reasoning behind choosing each ingredient. On Steven’s review I appreciated his ability to compare Silver Oud with earlier Amouage releases as well as describing the difference between the opening and the dry down. Very helpful .

  • Jurate says:

    Steven is always so great in describing perfumes, so detailed and I love how he touches all the aspects of the perfume, the smell, longevity, the packaging etc, he draws the picture perfectly what to expect. So thank you Steven, great review as always and Michelyn. I love oud and smoky perfumes, so this Amouage creation sounds wonderful.
    UAE

  • Edward Flanigan says:

    This looks very nice, I love something that is different and stands out. I’m also excited to see the performance. Overall great video review and youtube channel.

  • Grzegorz Pankowicz says:

    Amouage is a great niche fragrance, I don’t know what smell silver oud , I hope I win draw

  • Amaziz89 says:

    A beautiful description by Michelyn I am intrigued by the notes especially Patchouli, Incense and Oud sounds like a magical concoction for winter. The fact that Steven said this was one of the best releases and the notes and perfumer seems like a no brainer to me. Thanks a million from the United Kingdom

  • Fragrance Capital says:

    I adore this OUD vibe atmosphere that represents confusion, passion, and destruction notes. What a mysterious picture! I liked Michelyn’s correlation between Oud ASSAM and the protagonist in The Red and The Black because it gives Silver Oud a soul. Steven gives the ultimate description, it is bold and gothic. I think it will be the successor of the interlude but as the black beast of Amouage in 2021. Greetings from Sarajevo, BiH

  • Ozzyaziz says:

    Composing an Oud with a no limit budget for AMOUAGE is a perfumer’s dream. With the powerful themes identified in the novel as my starting point, I chose to express Confusion in the opening through a disconcerting blend of woody notes instead of the usual more volatile notes. Through this first phase, I set the stage for a creation with tremendous power and complexity. The heart is all about the burning Passion. I selected a rich quality Oud from the best origin (Assam, India) associating it with Vanilla Absolute to reveal its depth and roundness. The dry down, with more woods and animalic notes, is a Destruction of the elements, bringing the creation into deeper territories.”-Cecile Zarokian A beautiful description my favourite perfumer ever. I loved the way Steven descibed this as an animal smoky oud. I love all the notes I am really fascinated by the notes especially Patchouli, Oud and smoky notes. Thanks a lot from the UK

  • Wik says:

    Steven’s review appealed to me because of the long description of this fragrance, so we can all accurately imagine what it actually smells like. Michelyn’s introduction on the other hand is just straight to the point, so you get the overview of the fragrance. Greetings from Poland.

  • MB7 says:

    This stuff looks intriguing. I do love Amouage offerings jubilation, Memoir,
    and Interlude. So this seems to by type.
    I did enjoyed Steven’s review. It was as usual informative and very detailed. He mentioned that Silver Oud share some similarities with most of my all time favorites formal, smoky, dark and oudy scents.

    Hopefully, I can win this travel spray ☺️

  • Rinto.P.R says:

    I liked Steven tells Amouage Silver Oud is entirely different from designer fresh fragrance like Dior Sauvage and Blue de channel as we are expecting different smell from this perfume house. Also was amazed as Steven was saying he can smell this fragrance in his car seat belt after 1 week of application.

  • Milos Momcilovic says:

    Steven has proven himself to be one of the top reviewers and an expert in fragrances. He has his own honest opinion and can articulate and explain something that can be only experienced with nose.

  • dapazin says:

    I loved Steven’s review, partly because he is always very detailed about fragrances, but also in part because of his infectious excitement while he reviews the perfumes. Same can be said for this review, also! Michelyn, as always, made a great introduction, but I would also love to read her review of this fragrance! 😀 I live in Croatia!

  • Nigel T Walker says:

    I’m glad she was able to live the perfumer’s dream while creating this fragrance and I liked Steven’s video because it was informative and well edited. His description of how it smelled definitely got me wondering how it would smell on my skin with the smokiness

  • ScentedSojourner says:

    This one has seemed so alluring to me since I first read the description when it was released. There hasn’t been a single fragrance from Cecil Zarokian which I’ve tried that I haven’t also loved, and this sounds like it just could be her greatest creation to date. I would be delighted and grateful to win this travel spray!

  • Greg Graham says:

    Thank you Steven for that Awesome review. You always make me want everything you review. The Red and The Black fascinates me I love to read. Thank you so much for the opportunity.

  • xoe says:

    I loved learning about the novel, and that there was no limit to the budget. That is amazing! Steven’s review seems that having no budget paid off in an amazing product! I am in the US.

  • Bassey says:

    Steven’s enthusiasm for the fragrance was infectious. I liked his description of the fragrance and its longevity. I appreciated Michelyn’s introduction and notes breakdown – confusion, passion and destruction.

  • NCJayG says:

    Is there such a thing as too much Amouage? I hope not, what was extremely helpful in Steven’s video was comparing it to other Amouage fragrances I am familiar with. And I love the Confusion/Passion/Destruction as ways to characterize the notes. As a fan of Mme. Zarokian’s Material, I feel certain I will find myself looking to get my hands on this regardless. thanks to both Steven and Michelyn!

    I’m in NC USA.

  • luckwonthelpu says:

    I am a big fan of Steven, this review was very interesting to me. I do not own an oud fragrance nor amourage one but this one seems bald and a stand out one, I would be thrilled to have a chance to win travel size of this beauty. The Michelin introduction was great and pretty interesting to hear.

    I live in Sofia Bulgaria (EU)

  • Kevin Pedrazs says:

    I enjoyed the description of Woody, Vanilla and Incense notes of this promissing fragrance. I´d really like to try it myself, since i haven´t tried any Amouage yet

  • Kevin Pedrazs says:

    I enjoyed the description of Woody, Vanilla and Incense notes of this promissing fragrance. I´d really like to try it myself, since i haven´t tried any Amouage yet.

  • Tsvetan says:

    Oud and vanilla sounds like a match made in heaven. Steven describes this scent as a unique one and a fragrance made for someone that would appreciate it. and i am sure many of us that appreciate rich and interesting oud would love. How Michelyn described the fragrance with a reference to the Stendhal’s novel was also very interesting and in some way helping you to imagine how it would smell.

    Thank you for the review and interesting description from Bulgaria. Keep up the great work!

  • emorandeira says:

    I liked a lot the mychelins introducción. I liked how she plays with the words confusión, passion and destrucción.
    The video review of Steven is just great. It has a very good rithm and help me to understand the perfume. I am writing from Tenerife (Spain).

  • GennyLeigh says:

    Using Stendahl’s novel, The Red and the Black as the basis for a fragrance is inspired. The description of the notes as confusion, passion and destruction lets us know the scent is complex and tells a story as it unfold on the wearer. Sourcing of the notes appears exceptional. From MD, USA.

  • samy says:

    I enjoyed the description of the note break down in Steven’s YouTube review. The smoke really interests me. Steven always describes fragrances very well. The bold smoke opening and wood makes me excited to try it! Also he mentioned birch, which is one of my favorite fragrance notes. Smokey, resins. Awesome.

    I enjoyed the part of Michelyn’s about Silver Oud being one of the best niche fragrances of 2021. That really excited me! I also think its cool that this fragrance has a backstory according to the introduction, I’ve never heard of “The Red and the Black” but it interests me. Other than that, there really isn’t a lot to go off of Michelyn’s introduction because majority of it is the fragrance note breakdown, a long quote, and the inspiration to the fragrance.

  • realtyisme says:

    As always, I enjoyed Steven’s comprehensive review of this fragrance. Very unique deep and dark…one I’ve got to try. USA

  • Lukáš says:

    I really like the idea of having oud, and vanilla in one fragrance! Beautiful release, hope I. Will have an opportunity to smell this gem!

  • Fedves says:

    I appreciate Steves ability to convey his experience with this fragrance in a way that I understand…..even without smelling it

  • Sam A says:

    Oud is easily one of my top three favorite notes in a fragrance. Being from a colder climate, I resonate with the coziness and passion that oud fragrances invoke. Michelyn sold me on it being the central character of this fragrance, which heavily intrigues me. I also noticed that Steven mentioned that he specifically loves the oud that is used in this scent and that performance and projection are greater than the typical oud fragrance. I think that this is great as I have a personal pet peeve with the lack of performance I have experienced with similar fragrances.

  • MikeJ says:

    If Michelyn and Steven AKA Redolessence said it’s one of the best niche perfumes of 2021… Then it most definitely is!!! Imma super big fan of oud/aoud fragrances & this is the best time of the year to bring out!! Amouage some would say is the top fragrance house, it’s hard to argue against it IMO they have some amazing fragrances I’ve ever been blessed to smell, it sounds like they hit another out the park with this one!! Notes consist of confusion, passion and destruction LoL love it!!!

    USA, thanks Cafleurebon this is a special draw to me, happy to have a opportunity to win it!!! Good luck people!!

  • Anna H says:

    My word, the packaging is so sleek and smoky — very modern. I enjoyed the quote from Cecile. A frgarance that exudes a state of confusion intrigues me.
    As for the video, Tango by Masque Milano is one of my favorites! In fact, I wore it yesterday 🙂 If Silver Oud is anything like it, I know I will fall in love.

  • rachelng says:

    Michelyn! ❤️ I love your literary analysis (that really clicked for me as a way of thinking through and imagining the scent). Steven, as always, excellent presentation! I’ve only started understanding & enjoying oud, so I’d really enjoy experiencing something with complexity and intellectual depth. I enjoy smoky, Amber, and animatic fragrances, especially when they make me think. Thank you for the opportunity! USA ❤️

  • davidzev says:

    I liked how Steven explains that the smoky and daring opening gives way to balsamic resins after some time. Sounds perfect! I like how Michelyn emphasizes the idea of oud as a character, relating it to the character in the novel. Sounds amazing.

    US

  • Michael Prince says:

    I enjoyed Michelyn’s Introduction about Stendhal’s 1830 Novel Red and Black being the inspiration for Silver Oud. A brilliant perfumer like Cecile Zarokian gets an unlimited budget to create an oud fragrance for Amouage and creates a masterpiece according to Steven from Redolessence with the perfect amount of smokey, balsamic, and woody facets you come to expect from Amouage with a beautiful Oud and Vanilla combination. I would love the opportunity to try this fragrance. I am from the USA.

  • Brian says:

    I’m interested in trying this fragrance for different reasons, e.g. because Michelyn and Steven are saying that it is one of the best niche fragrances of 2021. I tried an Amouage fragrance for the first time this year, and now I own three of them. My favorite Amouage fragrance so far is Jubilation XXV Man. Steven’s review of “Silver Oud” caused me to think that it is certainly something which I would like to try. I appreciate Steven’s insight into this fragrance. I live in MD., U.S.A. I subscribe to Steven’s channel.

  • perfumerami says:

    Great behind the scenes insight on Silver Oud here from Cecile. I love the fact that this is a very long lasting fragrance according to Steven from Redolesence. I love my oud and especially Indian oud. Cannot wait to try this soon.

  • Cho-Han Lee says:

    By saying Amouage Sliver Oud is one of the best niche perfumes for a while from Steven that really gets me, Personally I’m very into inspiring perfumes, I enjoy the movement of the scents playing hide and seek in the air like invisible Art.
    Hopefully the new creation is both beauty and beast, till will tell.
    -Lee from Taiwan (R.O.C)

  • wallygator88 says:

    Thanks for the great review Steven! Also thank you to Michelyn for the introduction highlighting which oud is the star of this fragrance.

    The presentation is so neat! I haven’t seen anything like it and it captures the dichotomy of this scent so well.

    I really love how Steven encourages wearers of this fragrance to take their time with their fragrance

    Cheers from WI, USA

  • mronhubbard says:

    There are a lot of fascinating things going on here. The parallels with The Red and The Black, Cecile Zarokian’s surprisingly abstract scheme for the formula… and on the other hand, Steven gives a very practical take on how this smells to him and what to expect. (USA)

  • sephrenia300 says:

    Lovely review and introduction! What I enjoyed about Steven’s YouTube review is learning that it is a fairly unusual smoky fragrance in that it’s paired with animalics that sweeten and mellow out the daring smokiness. Steven pointed out it’s a pairing that is unusual, but that he really likes when he’s seen it before in other fragrances, such as Amouage Interlude Men- and I agree that it is uncommon, and really sounds appealing.

    What I enjoyed about Michelyn’s Introduction is learning that the fragrance has these emotional “themes” that it is expressing in the opening, heart, and base of “Confusion”, “Passion”, and “Destruction” respectively, and that these phases are inspired by the novel The Red and the Black. How unusual and yet evocative! I live in the US.