Initio Oud for Greatness Review – Why You Need It
Oud for Greatness.
One of the best niche fragrances for beginners.
Initio Oud for Greatness was released in 2018. It is based on oud and spices. It lasts 12+ hours on the skin with excellent projection. In this review, I will describe its smell and performance and if it’s worth it.
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Table of Contents
What Does Oud for Greatness Smell Like?
A hefty dose of spices leads the opening. The Saffron and nutmeg are a complex blend. Nutmeg is exceptionally warm and blends well with the depth of oud. While Saffron is as prominent but subtle. It contributes a softer and fresher aroma.
In short, the opening has a unique blend of light and darkness. Adding to the spice duo is bright and slightly sweet lavender. It works well with both spice notes but leans more towards Saffron as it is more upbeat.
Oud nuances were always prevalent from the beginning. As the top notes weaken, oud becomes more prevalent. It is light but rather ultra-simple and mass-appealing. Oud fuses with the lingering spices.
Patchouli nuances add in the dry-down and take the scent in a darker and woodier direction. It is not overpowering but adds darkness to the oud.
Initio Oud for Greatness notes:
TOP NOTES
- Saffron
- Nutmeg
- Lavender
MID NOTES
- Oud
BASE NOTES
- Patchouli
- Musk
Performance
Oud for Greatness lasts 12+ hours on the skin with excellent projection. It has a room-filling projection for the first three to four hours. After this period, it recedes but maintains an arm’s length or more ambiance for the rest of the wear. When the oud is heaviest, the projection is lightest.
This wasn’t included in my longest-lasting fragrances for men list, but it could make the cut as it is a great performer.
The sillage is just as good. This rich, dense fragrance leaves a long scent trail as you move around. The more you move, the better this smells and the further it projects. This performance is with two sprays.
This is fall and winter wear. As for occasions, it is for special events and casual wear. The aroma is very sophisticated to stand out at a formal event, while the projection is loud and needs room to air out in casual settings. In other close-quarter situations, this is too overwhelming.
Lastly, mass appeal and likability are slightly above average. This is a beautiful blend of notes, but to a degree, it’s for acquired tastes. No matter what oud fragrance you wear, it will be slightly decisive. Oud for Greatness does a great job suppressing this dislike, but it’s still there.
Initio oud for Greatness Clones
There are a few similar fragrances to Oud for Greatness. Based on a fragrantica, they are Bade’e Al Oud Oud for Glory Lattafa Perfumes, Parfums de Marly Haltane, and Afnan Supremacy in Oud. I have yet to experience these dupes, but I hear in fragrance groups that Bade’e Al Oud Oud for Glory is almost an exact replica and high quality.
Final Words
Is Initio Oud for Greatness worth it? Yes. The performance and class of the fragrance are obviously excellent. But what I enjoy most about the fragrance is the blend of notes.
I don’t consider this a “beginner oud fragrance,” but it is close. And it’s this aspect that makes me enjoy it so much. It’s easy to wear and quality without being so tamed that you don’t get the full effect of oud.
If Versace Oud Noir and Tom Ford Oud Wood are the first steps in an oud fragrance journey, Oud for Greatness is the next step up.
After you try Initio Oud for Greatness, I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments.