Morning fragrance friends! The day arrives bright and blustery so I went with something that I hoped would bring intensity.

Testing Roja Dove UAE today and I’m pleasantly surprised. This is another high end synthetic rose-oud, a category that generally doesn’t agree with me. Of the pantheon of such fragrances I’ve tried, this one reminds me more of Dior Oud Ispahan and Tiziana Terenzi Gold Rose Oudh than FdB Sahraa Oudh and MFK Oud Silk Mood, the latter two which I find to be significantly harsher. That synthetic oud accord that hits my nose with a cool metallic tinge is definitely present, but the rose is richer and more natural smelling than the FDB or MFK, smoothing out the sharp edges.

It’s spicier than Oud Ispahan, with both cumin and cloves at the top and an inherent spiciness emerging from the incense in the base. And I’m getting a definite and prominent civet note that seems to be unlisted. Despite that civet, I seem to remember Oud Ispahan being more animalic, although that increasingly develops throughout the day so UAE may do the same. But the animalic component of Oud Ispahan is, like every other aspect of that fragrance, rounder and silkier, seeming to emerge as a dark funky muskiness from the oud rather than the sharp intensity of civet

If I had my decant of Dior Oud Ispahan with me I would definitely spray it on my other wrist, but alas it is out of reach for now. I may still do that in the future. But at the price, FOUR TIMES MORE for a 50 ml bottle Jesus bloody Christ on stick, and an even bigger price difference if you’re purchasing a larger Dior flacon, I can’t imagine what would possess me to pay for this one.

Even Dior Oud Ispahan isn’t FULL bottle worthy for me, but with the more reasonable price particularly at large volumes, well…blessed be the decanters that allow me to always have 10 mls of this baby on hand for a very reasonable price.

(Sample courtesy of the very sweet u/Bust_Nuttington1211)