Lazy 3-day weekend poll ~ open thread, early December 2025 :: Now Smell This

I’m in “Aoud Cuir d’Arabie,” my favorite from Montale. The listed notes are oud, birch, leather, and tobacco. On paper, that doesn’t seem too intimidating, but the perfume’s got a reputation for smelling of death. I don’t think that’s accurate.

I will say that its immediate opening is its most challenging stage, evoking a barnyard, rough leather, and a whiff of blue cheese. (I happen to love this stage, but I certainly get why others would be seriously put off.) The opening doesn’t last long, though, so don’t despair. A couple of minutes later, the barnyard and blue cheese are gone; the leather softens, the sweet floral notes of the tobacco come through, and the perfume becomes, dare I say, beautiful and sexy.

I bought my bottle, blind, several years ago, based on its terrifying reputation. Risky on my part, to be sure, but I actually find it a joy to wear.

Happy Weekend, everyone.