I’ve always loved the elegant, woody smell of Versace Oud Noir on my husband. So, when I was trying to restock this luxurious scent for him, I couldn’t find any.
Sadly, such a situation can happen to many of you, as Versace discontinued this rich cologne very recently.
Hence, using my experience and enthusiastic desire, I researched and successfully sorted some colognes smelling in the close vicinity of Versace Oud Noir.
So, stay put to know about them in detail.
What Does Versace Oud Noir Smell Like?
Versace Pour Homme Oud Noir is a warm, amber, woody fragrance. Initially, it gives a spicy, cardamom vibe layered with pure, green neroli nuance. Soon, the scent spreads richness with oud, olibanum, and patchouli, which further intensifies with leatherwood.
Let’s see what notes are used to give Versace Oud Noir such a luxurious texture:
Top Notes: Black Pepper, Bitter Orange, and Neroli
Middle Notes: Saffron, Cardamom, and Olibanum
Base Notes: Agarwood (Oud), Patchouli, and Leatherwood
This exquisite designer fragrance has a spicy cardamom-pepper start, along with agarwood that is a little rough around the edges. However, it still conveys the virility and strength that it is supposed to do.
Moments later, saffron and olibanum give warmth and elegance to the composition. It then finishes with a creamy, sweet, vanillic dry-down with the constant presence of oud.
Plus, its smoky, leathery effect leaves a strong and long-lasting scent trail around you.
Overall, I would say Versace Oud Noir is a resinous, modern, and more contemporary interpretation of agarwood. And if you’re new to the world of royal oud, this is the scent you should start with.
Yet, I suggest you also try out some of its affordable and readily available clones for a similarly rich, woody experience.
What Colognes Smell Similar To Oud Noir Versace?
A lot of designers and niche brands have released their interpretation of agarwood. But not all of them are as well-formulated as Versace Oud Noir.
Hence, in this segment, I’ll let you know about some great oud-dominating scents that I find fascinatingly close to this Versace scent.
Here is my list of the best Oud Noir Versace alternatives:
1. Absolute by Exclusive Avon
Top Notes: Sicilian Lemon, Lavender, and African Geranium
Middle Notes: Agarwood (Oud), Texas Cedar, Incense, and Safraleine
Base Notes: Amber, Indonesian Patchouli Leaf, and Ambreine
Perfumer Marion Costero and Stephen Nilsen designed Absolute by Exclusive in 2020, which has a luxurious scent throughout.
It opens with an intense oud aroma. However, instead of cardamom’s spiciness, the woodiness here is complemented by a floral, lemony blend in the beginning.
The core is very similar as it has a warm, smoky, oud aura along with the refined touch of saffron.
During the dry down, a soothing ambery patchouli aroma cuddles the whole woody blend, creating a classy, masculine sensation that lasts for about 8 hours.
However, even though it misses the spicy quality, I think this can be a perfect dupe for Versace Pour Homme Oud Noir.
When To Wear
Avon’s Absolute by Exclusive goes perfectly with all kinds of occasions throughout the fall, winter, and spring.
Why Should You Buy
- Affordable.
- Sweet, floral touch.
- Strong sillage.
- Long-lasting.
- Balanced, oud composition.
- Elegant, sexy, and very masculine.
2. His Oud Noir by The Dua Brand
Top Notes: Black Pepper, Neroli, and Bitter Orange
Middle Note: Cardamom, Frankincense, and Saffron
Base Note: Oud, Patchouli, and Leatherwood
When you’re on a limited budget, the His Oud Noir by The Dua Brand can end your longing. It opens with a balanced, spicy woodiness of cardamom, neroli, and oud.
Gradually, the spiciness fades, and the agarwood becomes more prominent as soon as it reaches the core. Giving more richness and masculinity to the woody tone, leather, and amber come to the scene when the scent starts to dry down.
Well, this is an exact Oud Noir Versace clone, and I think the perfumer did a great job at replicating the scent.
However, the woodiness of this cologne feels a bit synthetic and edgy to my nose. But seeing the incredible performance and affordable price-point, I think this would be a great option for you.
When To Wear
His Oud Noir is a night-time scent that is perfect for special or formal gatherings in the colder months.
Why Should You Buy
- Reasonable price.
- 8 hours of longevity.
- Heavy projection.
- Great value.
- Good for office wear.
- Gets compliments.
- Sensual and masculine blend.
3. Dunhill Icon Absolute Alfred
Top Notes: Black Pepper and Bergamot
Middle Notes: Saffron, Black Rose, and Jasmine
Base Notes: Agarwood (Oud), Leather, and Tobacco Leaf
If you’re an experienced oud lover and need a dirtier dupe of Versace Oud Noir, try out Dunhill Icon Absolute. Launched in 2015, this scent will always rest among the best smelling Alfred Dunhill colognes.
From start to closing, intense oud and luxurious saffron go hand in hand, along with a good pinch of spicy pepper.
Towards the middle, the woodiness gets a subtle floral undertone that takes its addictiveness to a whole new level.
Finally, the aroma gets an interesting feel of leather and tobacco in the dry-down.
In simple words, this is a precious amber-woody blend that offers premium quality and Versace’s Oud Noir vibe in a cost-effective way.
When To Wear
Dunhill Icon Absolute smells best at any formal or special winter or fall time events or parties.
Why Should You Buy
- Noticeable yet delicate oud nuance.
- Invigorating spicy opening.
- Heavy in saffron’s fineness.
- Smoky, leathery hint.
- Inexpensive.
4. Woody Oud Maison Alhambra
Top Note: Agarwood (Oud)
Middle Note: Sandalwood
Base Notes: Agarwood (Oud), Amberwood, and Cambodian Oud
Another great Versace Oud Noir substitute in this list is Woody Oud from Maison Alhambra. It is less spicy and woodier.
It starts with a prominent oud aroma mixed with a light sandalwood nuance. Oud is not overpowering but has a little animalic nature.
Finally, the cologne dries down into a cozy, masculine, woody, ambery base balanced with a subtle vanillic sweetness.
Overall, I think this is a good Versace Oud Noir replica if you like woody colognes tuned with a smoky, animalic tone. In addition to the top-notch quality, Woody Oud offers over 6 hours of longevity.
When To Wear
Woody Oud by Maison Alhambra is perfect to compliment your dashing personality when the days are kind of cold and chilling. It works great both as a day and nighttime fragrance.
Why Should You Buy
- Great value.
- Good performance.
- Well-balanced woody nuance.
- Pure oud aroma without any spiciness.
- Compliment getter.
- Classy, masculine vibe.
5. Oud Wood Tom Ford
Top Notes: Cardamom and Chinese Pepper
Middle Notes: Agarwood (Oud) and Brazilian Rosewood
Base Notes: Sandalwood, Vanilla, Vetiver, and Amber
With a high-end smelling tone, Tom Ford’s Oud Wood is the best option when it comes to premium Oud Noir alternatives. This cologne is masterfully formulated by Richard Herpin, so you can definitely gamble on the quality the scent will deliver.
Well, I will describe TF’s Oud Wood as a classier and smoother version of Oud Noir by Versace. And you’ll feel its elegance right from the first spray, which strikes with a creamy, spicy cardamom sensation.
The heart is jammed with the majestic manliness of oud and powdery rosewood. As time passes, the fragrance is further enriched with the sweet, cozy, amber-earthy base.
Furthermore, it projects really well, and you can enjoy its clean, woody vibe over 8 hours.
Also, my husband loves to wear this scent on our dinner dates. However, due to its expensive price, he sometimes opts for cheaper fragrances in a similar style to Tom Ford Oud Wood.
When To Wear
You can wear Oud Wood to leave a memorable experience on everyone present in any special party, night-out, or formal meet-up during the fall or winter.
Why Should You Buy
- High-end quality.
- Royal, sensual, and manly blend.
- Long-lasting.
- Versatile.
- Creamy, nutty cardamom.
6. Oud Venture Novellista
Top Notes: Saffron, Cardamom, and Osmanthus
Middle Notes: Guaiac Wood, Patchouli, and Papyrus
Base Notes: Agarwood (Oud), Myrrh, and Black Pepper
Oud Venture by Novellista is a solid and most underrated Versace’s Oud Noir dupe in this list. Its quality and balance between strong and delicate accords blow your mind right away.
The opening of Oud Venture releases a spicy, floral sensation of saffron and cardamom. From there, the aroma slowly changes into a woody, earthy core with the powerful presence of patchouli.
Oud comes out when the cologne is on the verge of drying. It is not dirty or animalic; rather adds a rich and luxurious quality to the blend.
What’s more interesting is that the base offers a warm sweetness of myrrh that balances the woodiness to the ultimate point.
Also, it is less pricey and offers a good performance overall. So, definitely, a good Oud Noir replica to venture on.
When To Wear
Autumn, winter, and spring days are the ideal time to wear Oud Venture. It is versatile and goes brilliantly both on formal and casual occasions.
Why Should You Buy
- Stronger oud nuance.
- Soapy, powdery undertone.
- Great value for the money spent.
- Over 6 hours of lasting power.
7. Oud Noir Intense Fragrance Du Bois
Top Notes: Cardamom and Bergamot
Middle Notes: Rose and Jasmine
Base Notes: Agarwood, Musk, Saffron, Sandalwood, Patchouli, Amber, and Vanilla
Oud Noir Intense by Fragrance Du Bois is a cleaner and more refined substitute for Versace Pour Homme Oud Noir. Both colognes have a comparable woody, ambery tone.
However, this one has a zesty start with bergamot and cardamom at the top. The core sparkles with a sweet, beautiful blend of floral notes.
The oud smells incredible with a slight animalic tone and comes out when the cologne sets for the dry-down. Finally, an exquisite combo of sandalwood, amber, and saffron grounds all the accords into a musky base.
Also, this niche-quality fragrance provides over 10 hours of longevity with strong projection and sillage.
However, as a high-end cologne, it is quite pricey. So, only go for it if you don’t have any limit to your budget.
When To Wear
FDB Oud Noir Intense is an evening or night-time scent that you can wear to any luxurious gathering, dressy occasion, or any big night to come.
Why Should You Buy
- Superior quality.
- Smooth and balanced combination.
- Outstanding performance.
- Rich and masculine woody texture.
- Solid projection.
- Sweet, floral twist.
Final Words
If you’re a fan of Versace’s Oud Noir, you’ll surely love the woody effect that all the above colognes offer. In addition to this similar smelling tone, all of the alternatives bring their own interesting facets.
Whether it is your tough day at finding an Oud Noir flacon or just wanna try something more unique, the list will help you till the end.
So, just go through the options and find the best one for you.
