Note Pyramid
Spirits Noble Oud
Oud is usually sold as the expensive, difficult material, so it is worth knowing that 18.21 Man Made Spirits Noble Oud Eau de Parfum 100ml uses it as a dark floor under a very bright citrus top rather than as the whole point.
Bergamot and grapefruit lead, and the grapefruit is the one you notice, bitter rind rather than juice, with amber already sitting alongside them from the first spray so the opening never reads as thin or purely fresh. Lemon arrives next and keeps that lift going into the second stage, where the oud finally comes up. It is a smooth, slightly sweet oud, closer to dark resin and old furniture than to the sharp medicinal version, and it is this contrast with the citrus that gives the scent its shape.
Brazilian rosewood and musk finish it. The rosewood is dry and a touch peppery, the musk soft and skin like, and together they stop the oud from becoming heavy. Seven materials in all, arranged simply, with no complicated middle act to follow.
In wear it is more civilised than the name suggests. Expect a clear presence for the first hour or so, then a close warmth that stays put through an afternoon. Two sprays is the right dose at this concentration. It works for evenings and cooler weather, but the grapefruit keeps it wearable in an office, which a lot of oud fragrances are not.
18.21 Man Made grew out of the professional haircare trade, started by three people in 2014 and sold through barbershops and salons for some years before it reached general retail. Its fragrance line is branded Spirits, in keeping with a name drawn from the amendment that began Prohibition and the one that ended it. It has belonged to New World Natural Brands since December 2019.
Please note: images are a guide only. Packaging and bottle design may occasionally differ from those shown due to manufacturer updates or promotions.
Similar Notes
The Scent Vault
Join thousands earning on every order
Earn points as you shop, redeem for money off, and unlock member perks.
Find out more
The Scent Vault Gift Cards
Give the gift of choice
One card, every scent. Let them pick the fragrance that is truly them. Send it instantly by email, or schedule it for a future date with a message of your own.
Shop gift cards
