Fragrance is a journey. Scents are connected to memory and evoke emotion. Out of curiosity, I recently bought three sample sets from Tariq al Oud — including the pricey Umrah set. I didn’t know what to expect. But the outstanding quality and artistry of these oils tells a story that unfolds like a dream. Like a prayer. Like an embrace.
Based on my initial impressions, these fragrances are clear step up from many oils on the market. The materials are smooth and integrated. The blends feel composed, not linear. Tariq al Oud produces a variety of styles, from traditional attars to modern styles inspired by famous scents. The 12 fragrances I have are all very different, but the common thread is that the notes are combined to be harmonious.
The Sweet Tooth set is playful, modern and easy to wear. These are casual, fun. Spicy-sweet Barakah is the star, and will probably enter regular rotation. Ishta is a creamy gourmand that smells like dessert, while Dhahab carries a sense of mystery with a rich concoction of spice-and-dates. Hilwah is wistful, with tropical fruits and sandalwood.
If Sweet Tooth is a confection, the Sultan’s Den collection is like an iconic and culturally rich epic poem. Oud al Hijaaz is a traditional attar with warm spice grounded by oud and patchouli. Oud al Azamah has similar notes but is more regal. Afghani Blend is refeshing and balanced. Sweet by not cloying, it is very wearable, with an intoxicating blend of peppermint, musk, oud and sandalwood, Mukhallat al Makkah is beautiful, but calls for restraint. The earthy heena, fruits and florals are grounded. The musk component is syrupy — not powdery, not animalic, but addictive.
The Umrah collection brings together rich and luxurious fragrances that require restraint — a single dot is often enough. These oils are strong and complex, suitable for contemplating Dhul-Jalaali-wal-Ikram, the Lord of Majesty and Generosity. Hajar al Aswaad is flowery with a slightly animalic warmth. It can be overpowering, but it dries down nicely and layers well with Barakah. Kiswah el Kaaba is warm and resinous. It smells sacred, but can also give a “1970s record store” vibe. Misk al Rawdah combines white musk with florals that can overwhelm if not applied with control. Ghusl al Kaaba is beautifully balanced blend of black musk, oud, rose and sandalwood that carries the heft of ritual but doesn’t get weighed down.
Mevlana Rumi once wrote “Why not become fresh like the gentleness of the heart's spring? Why not laugh like a rose? Why not spread perfume?” I think of those lines when wearing Tariq al Oud’s scents. Not all of them will enter my regular rotation, but some of them definitely will.
