Tom Ford Oud Wood

Oud Wood is the oud for people who think they do not like oud: smooth, polished and warm, more like a wood-paneled bar in a fine hotel than anything barnyard or medicinal.

Agarwood and rosewood set the tone with a dry, refined woodiness. Sichuan pepper and cardamom give it a gentle, tingling spice. As it settles, sandalwood, vetiver, tonka bean, amber and vanilla turn it creamy and comforting, the oud softening into a velvety hum.

Part of the Private Blend collection, it is framed for men but wears easily on anyone who likes soft woods. It suits office days, dinners and cooler weather. Because it is so polished, some find it too tame while others call it the perfect daily oud. Compared with Oud Wood Intense, it is the calmer, sweeter one. A 5 ml helps you pick between them.

Notes. Agarwood (oud), Brazilian rosewood, Sichuan pepper, cardamom, Indian sandalwood, tonka bean, vetiver, amber, vanilla. Launched in 2007. Perfumer: Richard Herpin.