Driftwood

Subtitle: Bold, masculine-leaning and surprisingly smooth in the drydown

I’ve had some rough experiences with oud, so I approached Driftwood cautiously. The oud is unmistakable from the first spray, and one spray is plenty. It’s powerful, but never harsh or offensive.

Although marketed as unisex, it leans distinctly masculine to my nose. For the first hour, the oud dominates so strongly that the other notes are difficult to distinguish. I even layered a touch of vanilla over it, and Driftwood still remained firmly in control.

After three to four hours, it softens into a creamy, slightly powdery drydown while keeping its woody depth. That’s when I really appreciated how well the oud was handled.

It’s not necessarily one I’d reach for personally, but it’s beautifully composed, long-lasting, and perfectly suited for a man. I’d much rather smell this on someone else.