Introduction
If there is a color in the perfume world capable of devouring all light, it is Opus XIII – Silver Oud. Inspired by the themes of Confusion, Passion, and Destruction in Stendhal's realist masterpiece The Red and the Black, this creation is more than a fragrance—it is an olfactory opera of ambition and inevitable ruin. Master perfumer Cécile Zarokian uses Assam Oud and scorched woods to ink a high-tension legend onto the skin.
Fragrance Data Card
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Fragrance Name | Opus XIII - Silver Oud |
| Brand | Amouage |
| Concentration | Eau de Parfum (20% Concentration; 2 weeks maturation, 4 weeks maceration) |
| Perfumer | Cécile Zarokian |
| Fragrance Family | Amber / Woody / Animalic |
| Top Notes | Patchouli Molecular Distillation, Cypriol, Virginia Cedar |
| Heart Notes | Oud Assam Essence, Madagascar Vanilla Absolute |
| Base Notes | Ambrarome, Birch Essence, Castoreum, Guaiac Wood |
| Longevity | Mythical (Eternal). This is not measured in hours, but in days. It will survive a shower and cling stubbornly to skin; on fabric, it can persist for weeks |
| Sillage | Nuclear. It will rapidly seize control of the olfactory atmosphere in any room |
| Occasion | Harsh winters, formal galas with a personal edge, or whenever you require an invisible yet impenetrable "shield" of presence |
| Gender | Unisex |
Official Note Structure
| Phase | Composition | Scent Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Top Notes | Patchouli Molecular Distillation, Cypriol, Virginia Cedar | Powerful, chaotic opening; deep earth and industrial grit |
| Heart Notes | Oud Assam Essence, Madagascar Vanilla Absolute | Primal animality, dense leather, addictive balsamic sweetness |
| Base Notes | Ambrarome, Birch Essence, Castoreum, Guaiac Wood | Extreme smoke, dark embers, an endless sillage imprint |
Brand Introduction: Amouage's Library Collection is a tribute to the "laboratory of knowledge and the senses." Opus XIII is the most ambitious and challenging entry in the series, shunning mainstream paths to explore the contradictions of the human soul through raw, high-quality materials.
Core Evaluation
Scent Analysis
This is an extreme challenge to the senses. The opening erupts with intense Cypriol and Patchouli, creating an illusion of "Vantablack"—a scent so deep and viscous it carries a cold, industrial beauty reminiscent of gasoline or mechanical grease.
The true magic lies in its dramatic evolution. As the primal Assam Oud and Castoreum emerge, the scent reveals an untamed "barnyard" quality. However, Madagascar Vanilla intervenes just in time, like a thin veil of caramel silk draped over rough leather. This interplay of suffering and sweetness perfectly captures the tragic romanticism of the novel's protagonist, Julien Sorel. In the dry down, Birch Tar creates a parched, smoky atmosphere akin to a winter bonfire, a dark force so persistent it commands absolute reverence.
Style & Aura
Silver Oud belongs to the "Authoritative Ruler" or the "Avant-Garde Artist." It is not designed to please; it is designed to dominate. To wear this is to project an aura that is cold, mysterious, and high-tension. Beginners should approach with caution, but for connoisseurs, it offers an addictive magnetism—a scent that keeps the world at bay while simultaneously inviting deeper exploration.
Pairing Suggestions
Outfit: Structured all-black attire, heavy leather overcoats, or dark avant-garde aesthetic wear.
Occasion: Harsh winters, formal galas with a personal edge, or whenever you require an invisible yet impenetrable "shield" of presence.
Master Tip: Keep it away from the face and never over-apply. One to two sprays are the absolute limit. Apply to the lower back or behind the knees, allowing its dense cloud to rise slowly. Do not smell it up close within the first 30 minutes—give it air to bloom.
Performance
Longevity: Mythical (Eternal). This is not measured in hours, but in days. It will survive a shower and cling stubbornly to skin; on fabric, it can persist for weeks.
Sillage: Nuclear. It will rapidly seize control of the olfactory atmosphere in any room.
Visual and Atmosphere
AI-generated minimalist style scene, showcasing the visual atmosphere of the fragrance
Summary
Silver Oud is the Mount Everest for Oud lovers. It reflects the purest, most unadorned face of Assam Oud, elevating it into a form of high art. Buying this is not just a purchase—it is an exploration of your own sensory boundaries.
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