Bond No. 9 New York Oud: Metropolitan Oud + ‘New York State of Mind’ Draw

 

 

Paul Desire Trouillebert

 

Oud has become the note of the moment, again. When you’re assigned to review another oud fragrance there is almost always some promise somewhere in the publicity chain which promises a “fresh take on oud”. Then I get it, try it, and stifle a yawn because it smells very close to one of the ground-breaking oud fragrances that have come before. On the other hand there are those perfumers and houses that have had a lot of success by truly looking for ways to display this versatile note in new settings. Pierre Montale, Killian Hennessy, and Martine Micallef have been the best at doing this. Laurice Rahme is going to have to be added to this list.

 

 

Begining with the Bond No. 9 Perfume, a lovely version of oud which accented the subtler characteristics of the raw material, an almost demure version which is memorable for that restraint. The second Bond No. 9 oud fragrance was the Harrod’s Swarovski Limited Edition which was almost 180-degrees different from Bond No. 9 Perfume. Harrod’s Swarovski Limited Edition displayed a full-blooded oud which was gorgeous in its unabashed immersion in oud. It manged to out-oud some of the other stronger oud fragrances out there and allow for the power to come through without overwhelming. Now, with the release of New York Oud, Bond No. 9 surpasses both of those previous attempts by taking that most Eastern of notes and melding it with a 'New York State of Mind' to create the first metropolitan oud fragrance.

 

Paul Desire Trouillebert
 

Ms. Rahme tapped Laurent Le Guernec who has almost become the unofficial in-house nose for Bond No. 9. He created both Astor Place and Brooklyn which swept 2010’s FiFi Awards, The Oscars of perfume; in the women’s and men’s nouveau niche category, respectively. M Le Guernec was also the perfumer behind the first two oud Bond No. 9 fragrances which helped make me feel that it was likely M Le Guenec could find a new perspective on oud. By truly making it part of an ensemble he has tamed oud and made it play nice with some other exotic notes to create the best oud Bond No. 9 has produced.

 

 

Francis John Wyburd, The Kiosk

New York Oud begins with orange and plum but it is the choice of saffron that makes the opening moments of New York Oud soar. The richness of the saffron adds a heft to the fruit that makes for an unexpectedly sophisticated fruity set of top notes. The heart is where the oud comes to life and at first it is joined by perhaps its most familiar dance partner, rose. Then orris arrives, and cuts in, sending rose to the sidelines. M Le Guernec has found a floral partner for oud, in orris, which matches it in richness and sophistication. This creates a new duality for oud that I would really love to see more of because as the orris fades away I kept wishing it would last longer. That is not to say that it doesn’t last long enough but that I enjoyed it so much I didn’t want it to stop. New York City never stops for anything and New York Oud emulates its namesake by moving on.

 

Eugene Delacroix- Odalisque

Because New York Oud has a high concentration of oud it lasts straight through to the base where it is joined by patchouli, musk, and vetiver. Those notes have been seen in other oud perfumes but the fourth note M Le Guernec chooses is what turns the ending stanza of New York Oud into something sensually exciting. Honey is that fourth note and it is here in all of its golden sweetness. That sweetness cuts the edginess that is presented by oud, patchouli, and vetiver while simultaneously enhancing the musk. The honey note makes this feel seductive and soft and it closes New York Oud with a flourish.

 New York Oud has outstanding almost 24-hour longevity and above average sillage.

New York Oud is one of those fragrances that allow for the wearer to appreciate oud in different ways. For those of you who have been put-off by oud in the past I think New York Oud could be a breakthrough fragrance. For those who are oud lovers M Le Guernec has added and surpassed what he has created before for Bond No. 9 when it comes to oud, this is a must-try.

Disclosure: This review was based on a sample provided by Bond No. 9

 

 

Mark Behnke, Managing Editor

Thanks to the incredible generosity of Laurice Rahme and Bond No. 9 we have one full 110 ml bottle of New York Oud to giveaway to one lucky commenter. Leave a comment below naming what puts you in a New York State of Mind, in the mood for oud, or your favorite Bond  No. 9. Draw closes March 4, 2011 at 3:00 pm est

http://www.bondno9.com

Art direction by Michelyn Camen

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75 comments

  • Claudia Kroyer says:

    OMG…i would just die to win this one…..amazing. I am a huge fan of Bond No. 9 and own several. I heard that this one was the nicest of the Ouds Bond has put out so far. Would have loved to see the Jay-Z and Alicia Keys version of Empire State of Mind…….What a fabulous prize!!!!!!…Love the writeup and art on here…..fabulous as always.

  • My favorite Bond: Silver Factory. I love oud in almost every manifestation, so I'd love to win. :o) But I'm not a fan of New York, I hate to say, so what puts me in a NY state of mind is nothing good. ;o)

  • taffynfontana says:

    The night life in New York is in a league of it's own. I have some fond memories from my time there. I would love to try New York state of mind. Great article once again 🙂 

  • I caught a whiff of this a few weeks ago – would LOVE a bottle! So far my fave Bonds have been Chinatown and Silver Factory. I sniff at least one any time I go to Saks.
     
    Lovely review!!

  • Carlos Powell says:

    Great review Mark. I sampled this, and really loved it, as I do many other Bond No 9 fragrances. I own several bottles, but Silver Factory is my favorite. NY state of mind? I live in NY, I'm always in a NY State of mind!

  • You know, Bonds in general have been very hit or miss for me (favorites are Brooklyn and Silver Factory). I haven't sampled any of their other ouds, but this sounds amazing — I'm especially intrigued by the idea of oud with orris. What a generous draw. This was a wonderful and enticing review.

  • Now this is the draw to win……This is *the* Bond that I have  high expectations of. I love oud and the accompaning notes make it sound divine. It is a fragrance I am longing to try. 
    great review as always mark:)

  • I have never been to New York but it must be one of the most interesting places in the world. Watching movies like "Manhattan" or reading some books by the french writer Guillaume Musso puts me in a New York State of Mind.
    My favorite Bond No.9 so far is Hamptons 🙂
    I would love to try this Oud. Thank you!

  • Laurice is one of the kindest most generous women I've met. She once took a few of us for a spin in the Bondmobile! I would love to enter the drawing. I was born in Brooklyn, so I'm always in a New York state of mind!  The photographs of Helen Levitt and the poetry of Frank O'Hara always take me there too.  My favorite Bonds are: Chinatown, Lexington Avenue, and Silver Factory.

  • I live in a small town right now, so I haven't had the chance to try many Bond frags. My aunt sent me a few samples and my two favorites thus far are Chinatown and Fire Island. I love the concept of the bottles, and I'm really impressed with Bond No 9's sillage. Great stuff!!

  • My New York state of mind is currently being cultivated by a writing project, and stealing time to view "Castle." With oud being one of my favorite notes, and never having tried any Bonds, I'd love the chance!

  • Since I am heading to New York in April New York Oud would put me in the mood for it. Oud is still a note that will never hit the"mainstream" Niche houses will explore it to death. But Mainstream houses will only dabble in it. Caron did 3 versions of Oud and those are just amazing creations. It was nice to see a western perfume company produce such a beautiful perfume. Bond will be hard press to achieve what Caron did.

  • I'm new to perfumery . . . . I don't know what I find more enticing the combination of scents; the romance, creativity that goes into it . . . its an art!  I'd love to own this one . . . Billy Joel, New York, the art . . . and the bold bottle . . . would be a good start for a beginner like me!!  I'd hit the lottery!!!  Make my day!!

  • I always learn something interesting from your reviews, Mark.  Thanks this time for putting a spotlight on Laurent Le Guernec.  For someone who has done so many noteworthy perfumes (Sarah Jessica Parker's Lovely in addition to the Bonds) M. Le Guernec has certainly kept a low profile.  My impression is that his work tends to be "user-friendly" as opposed to making highly personal artistic statements that can be difficult to wear.  Since I'm still looking for an oud that I can wear, having so far mostly found ouds that wear me, I'd love to give New York Oud a try.  The new Caron oud sounds quite promising, too!

  • Plum, saffron Aoud??? I am in! Enter me please!
    New York state of mind: staying in a hotel and at one point opening the closet and finding a kitchenette! Walking out of said hotel and being right in the middle of Korea town and the best Bulgogi I've ever had. And the best example of a NY state of mind? LIZA at the Palace! at Christmastime!
     

  • I would love to be in the drawing. I live in a suburb of New York and love NYC. As a matter of fact we were there this weekend, a concert at a club in Brookly on Friday and dinner and a couple of indie movies on Saturday. It was a great weekend in a unique city. 
    I thought Bond No. 9 Brooklyn was a perfect representation of Brooklyn, with lots of scents vying for your attention all at the same time, kind of like Brooklyn itself. I am fascinated to see how NY Oud represents the City. The only Oud I am completely smitten with is Kilian's Pure Oud, but it definitely does not remind me of NYC. 
    Thank you for this wonderful opportunity.

  • Well, I've been sitting on the fence with Bond fragrances, but there are 3 which have my attention…
    Harrods Rose, Harrods Oud and now this, New York Oud ……….which really does sound delightful!!!
    I think it's time to dive in!…..
    Fingers crossed….

  • I am always in the mood for Oud! One of my obsessions.. Love the base accord composition.
    Thank you for the opportunity for a lg Bond no. 9.

  • Whenever we go into a "big city," my wife and I always check out the Bond fragrances, but can never decide on one. But as to a NY state of mind, not only does Billy Joel put me there, but also NYPD Blue.

  • One of my favorite Bonds puts me in a New York state of mind but it's beach side.  Fire Island is an afternoon at the beach all year 'round. It's like smelling the breeze with sand between your toes.
     
    What a generous offer from Bond No. 9. Awesome!

  • NY Oud … must have.  Whether to buy or not to buy, that is the question … haaa!  Maybe I'll win it! 
    Starting the article with my man Billy was fabulous.  There are so many things that mean NY to me, Billy Joel among them.  So many "sit on the fence" about Bond.  Not I.  Last month my AW Silver Factory arrived and can I tell you … What an amazing scent.  I have worn and loved New Harlem for many years.  Perfection.  I look forward anxiously to adding a Bottle of NY Oud to my collection.  Thanks for the information and possibility to win!

  • My favorite: Wall Street! Hands Down. Just like the corporate style of Wall Street, it is very stylish, white collar perfume!
    I love New York Oud on me. It has a great depth and sensuality and savoriness to it just like New York City! Great combinations of all three notes and the lasting effect is forever just like New York City has always created a lasting effect on everyone!

  • New York Oud is a beautiful fragrance, with its not over-the-top oud note and also the very true to life rose note.  Longevity is superb.  Bond No. 9 fragrances get me in a New York state of mind.  I wear Central Park and feel like I am in the middle of Central Park on a warm Spring day picnicking on the greens!  New Haarlem puts me on 5th Avenue, sipping a latte and doing some Christmas shopping!  Andy Warhol Lexington Avenue puts me on the balcony of  a high-rise on a cool evening, swipping wine and looking at the city lights, before I head out to the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

  • My favorite Bond No 9 is Lexington Ave. I love it. Born in Brooklyn, not far from Coney island and lived 25 yrs in NYC, so I am always in a new york state of mind. yes, for me success was a job in NYC. union square is my favorite farmer’s market. I worked at Vibe up in New Harleem I also had a share in fire island. I am So NY. Spent many a nuits a noho. For shoes it saks nyc THATS 10 BONDS IN ONE POST.

  • My favorite Bond? Great Jones. Yes, it smells like a straight up, classic men's fragrance, but us New Yorker's know that inside of every Brooks Brothers, pin stripe suit, there's a wild man waiting to get out on the town.
    "It's always late at night when I wanna go out
    And New York City has for sure the horniest crowd."
    – Nina Hagen, New York, New York

  • My favorite Bond is Silver Factory, I love it, and I'd love to win this one as well, I am starting to like oud and this sounds like a winner.

  • I just tried NY Oud and adore it, it is so sultry and long lasting, a truly exquisite fragrance. I could smell it on my arm the next day.  My favorite Bond is Hamptons; smelling it reminds me of summer days spent by Long Island Sound, clam bakes on the beach (lobster roll anyone?), the smell of salty sea air mixed with the late afternoon sun and my aunt's garden. It is lovely soft and fresh, one of my absolute favorite scents to wear in the summer.

  • Somerville Metro Man says:

    Claudia,

    I used Billy Joel because New York Oud feels more like Billy to me. Also we already used Empire State of Mind. 🙂

    Mark

  • Somerville Metro Man says:

    Joe,

    The orris and oud in the middle part of the development in New York Oud is really fantastic. I would love to hear what you think.

    Mark

  • This perfume soudns beautiful, sultry and mysterious and I would love to try it.  My favorite so far, Chinatown.  Thank you!

  • Somerville Metro Man says:

    Todd T,

    I’ve tried and own Caron Oud Extrait and that is OUD in all caps. I’m looking forward to trying Secret Oud when it arrives in the US. Bond No. 9 New York Oud is not as oud-centric as Caron Oud Extrait. New York Oud has a much more modulated tone and depending on how much oud I want on a given day it would be my preference.

    Mark

  • Somerville Metro Man says:

    Karen,

    New York Oud would certainly be a very interesting place to start one’s niche perfume journey. There are many great Bond No. 9 fragrances that show a great diversity and if you just started your perfume sniffing there you would be well served.

    Mark

  • Living in New Jersey puts me in a New York state of mind! As teenagers, we all plotted weekend escapes via bus or train to "the city" (for there's only one "city", the other is simply "Philly").  My husband and I still go several times a year expressly to hit the Strand Bookstore and SuperMac for lunch.  But if an art museum throws itself in our path, well…. who are we to decline?

  • Somerville Metro Man says:

    Sean,

    I also miss NYPD Blue too one of my favorite TV shows of all time. I could see Fancy wearing some New York Oud.

    Mark

  • Somerville Metro Man says:

    Monica H.,

    New York Oud is very different than Silver Factory. The oud is really the only resinous note in New York Oud and it is really the plum, saffron, orris, and honey that take this fragrance in a different direction than Silver Factory.

    Mark

  • Somerville Metro Man says:

    Kevin Guyer,

    As a veteran of too many NYC late nights I have to agree completely with Nina Hagen who actually provided the soundtrack to a few of those nights of my own in the mid 80’s at CBGB and The Ritz.

    Mark

  • My favorite Bond No 9 so far is the one that maybe the favorite of most person: Chinatown. I love the complex fruity floral chypre that is Chinatown on my skin. It involves me in a very romantic aroma during the winter.
    Curious about this New York Oud now. I hope that this one is better than the signature bond, which had a very synthetic oud that i didn`t like.

  • The notes for New York Oud sound wonderful!
    My favorite is Chinatown, followed by Great Jones and High Line.
     

  • My favorite Bond so far is Saks New Orleans,,outstanding,,,but a limited edition:(  The bottle is beautiful, as well.  I am hoping New Oud will put me in the New York state of mind! It sounds like an oud I can happily wear,,,esp with Iris in it!!  Bring it on!!!

  • I am a transplanted New Yorker, with a daughter in school there. Love to go "home" to visit. Favorite Bond- Lexington Avenue, naturally.

  • Reading The New Yorker will do it. As a kid, I hoarded my father's discarded issues so I could read the music, dance, theater & film listings. My favorite Bond No.9 fragrance of the ones I have tried: New Haarlem.

  • Michelle Hunt says:

    I first experienced Oud years ago when I ordered some from Victoria Edwards of Leydet Aromatics (over the phone!  before the internet was a big thing), she was very passionate about this oil and it was a treat to learn from her about it. It was a precious, tiny bottle and quite an experience. It is intriguing to see this scent "take off" in modern perfumery.  I would love to enter the draw, thanks! 

  • This was such a "busy" write up! I loved that, from beginning to end, it felt fast paced and really captured the busy atmosphere of New York, putting you instantly in the "New York State of Mind"! The review/description on New York Oud was so descriptive that I almost caught myself leaning in to smell the screen! (Hey, you never know with the technology now a days! Smell-o-Vision could be a thing of the future!) My favorite Bond No. 9 is, by far, China Town! I have been a long time fan of almost all of the Bond No. 9 perfumes, and the chance and anticipation at the possibility of winning the New York Oud has me on the brink of busting at the seams! I would LOVE to be able to add this to my collection! =]

  • If oud is the note of the moment for perfumers, plum is the note of the moment for me!  Can't get enough … love the plum note in Success Is A Job In NY and I think it would be very interesting paired with the oud.
    I've been to NYC once, when I was a teenager back in … well a LONG time ago.  I've never forgotten the City and going back is definitely on my bucket list …
    Favorite Bonds?  I own Success, Fire Island, and Coney Island.  I want Lexington Ave,  Astor Place, High Line, Hamptons, and Signature Perfume.

  • I love anything oud (real or inspired-as in oud accords even though they don't contain any actual oud).  Love my Bond. No 9 Chinatown and Silver Factory, too.  I am into incense just as much as oud.  Oud may be the "flavor of the moment" and that is just fine by me.  I can't seem to get enough of it.  Now, as to what puts me in a New York state of mind, I'd say being busy with work and school 7 days a week makes me feel sort of New Yorkish (or am I thinking of the army?).  I prefer to stay in a laid back California state of mind were it my choice.  Thanks for the opportunity to win a phenomenal prize (a whole bottle!).

  • My favorite Bonds so far are West Side, Broadway Nite and Chinatown. I love Fire Island on my husband. I also appreciate (but not own) Silver Factory and Lexington Ave.

  • My family is from NY so it's very easy for me to get into the NY state of mind. A visit, a phone call, looking at old family pictures- these all bring back memories of trips to the city throughout my childhood. As soon as my son was old enough to appreciate it, I started taking him with me to visit.
    As for ouds, I collected samples of various Indian and Cambodian ouds a few years ago and decided that if I went any further, I would go broke! It is interesting to see what the various houses are doing with this note. NY Oud sounds great.

  • Having written a review on this fragrance myself, I cannot express my love for this scent enough. Being a long time Bond fan this has quickly moved up to my list of favorites and it's sure to stay. Nothing says "I'm here" better than the sensual scent of Oud. A must for every collection! Well done Laurice, you have delivered a winner once again!

  • For me, it tends to be about Italian food. Ever been to Cafe Ferrara, Benito One, or Rocky's Cafe around Little Italy? They are the trifecta of excellence. Also, hats, clothes, and sidewalks.
    Also, the specialization of things. NYC is the only place I've ever been to that has restaurants specific to macaroni and cheese, peanut butter, and rice pudding. I can't imagine another place in the USA having enough stuff to justify making those glorious fripperies a reality.
    I don't know much about Oud. I have YSLs M7 and a sample of By Kilian's Incense Oud. But this New York Oud sounds like nothing I have ever smelled before.

  • I'd love to win this one because recently I've been exploring this oud thing and I like it, so far I smelled the western interpretation and someday I'd love to smell the real thing, but so far what I tried I liked. My favorite Bond No9 is Chinatown. Please enter my name in the draw, Thanks!

  • Sitting outside of my apartment building watching people walk by, being able to ride the train or bus at any time day or night. The confidence and swagger of the people. The ability to truly be who you are no matter where you are from. The music, sights, stores, drama all put me in a New York state of mind. *Plus I'm a native New Yorker* Bond has some of the best scents I've ever smelled. My favorite at this time is New Haarlem. I must thank Bond for New York Oud for I felt Oud was too strong for my taste. Bond has truly set presidents with their Oud. As others have stated the staying power is awesome. Great Blog! 

  • My faves are definitely Brooklyn, and Silver Factory. Two exceptionally well made scents that furnish me with a yearing to visit the big apple!

  • OMGosh!!!! If this scent is as amazing as that blog describes it New York Oud is going to become the cult fragrance!!! Anyhow , thanks to Bond no. 9 I am in the New York State of Mind everyday-even though I live in Alaska. One day I smell like Coney Island the next I will be spreadind the scent of Wall Street around. I truly appreciate all of Bond no 9 fragrances but my favorite is definately Bleecker St. and Washington Square. I cannot wait to try New York Oud- great name , fantastic blog and I am sure beyond amazing fragrance!

  • My favorite Bond is Chinatown. I love aoud and cannot wait to test New York Oud!!!!

  • OOOh…this sounds wonderful:) Can't wait to see Bonds take on oud. My favorite Bonds are: Saks en Rose, West Side, and Chinatown. Thanks again for the draw.

  • Watching 'Sex and the City' always puts me in a New York state of mind…and if I had to guess, I'd say Carrie would definitely wear Chinatown!! Samantha- New York Oud; Charlotte- definitely Harrods Rose; and Miranda- Success is a Job…Seriously, NYC is the greatest city in the world, and I've been to most of the world's capitals…the City has so many things going for it than no one else has, not least Bond no. 9 and its fabulous variety of sublime scents…such a brilliant idea to have a scent for every neighborhood…something for everyone, no matter who you are!!!

  • Bond's perfumes are like a beautiful and tender love letter to the city of New York…

  • I'm put into a New York state of mind each week when , after finishing the articles in The New Yorker, I browse the "Goings On About Town" listings and imagine seeing many of the plays, viewing the latest gallery exhibits and listening to some really good jazz.
    I've read so many positive reviews of New York Oud and am very much in a state of mind to try it.

  • Bagels and Billy Joel put me in a NY state of mind.  I'm so hoping to get up there this spring to take a leisurely stroll in Central Park. 
    I agree with Isabella – New York has the most interesting smells.
    Please enter me in the draw.
    Best,
    Geordan

  • Shirley (Ramsey) says:

    My favorite Bond is Silver Factory.  It never dissapoints me when I am looking for a smoky insense scent.  New York state of mind……well living on the west coast I am trying to get to New York at least once every two years for a visit and nothing compares to New York!!   

  • My favorite Bond #9 are Chinatown and New Haarlem.  Interestingly, these were the first two Bonds I tried, so I am determined to explore the line, especially now, when I got some samples! 
    What puts me in New York state of mind? To tell the truth, a thought of my aunt living there, and… Bond #9 and Carons!

  • Just a walk on the street and I am in a NY state of mind. It is impossible to ignore the energy, the noise, the smells, the street fashion. Generally it feels great but sometimes it is overwhelming and annoying.  
    Still, it is home and I wouldn't change it for anything else. 
    So far, I didn't find an oud fragrance that I love. Maybe this is the one? 🙂 

  • Wow! Oud is everywhere nowadays, I'd love to win this one, I read so much about the Harrods that is supposed to be an awesome oud and now this one, my favorite Bonds are Ne Haarlem and HOT Always, and also Silver Factory.

  • Jan Lugenbuhl says:

    POWERFUL! Just like the magnificent city that Laurice and Company so splendidly pay tribute to. Mark, your *evocative words*  just put me in a New York state of mind *.* Impressive, colorful, vivid description of this exquisite fragrance that honors the incomparable elegance, pace, sophistication, energy, depth, sparkle and rhythm. Sinatra, Minelli, and New York Oud….

  • mariotgomez says:

    I agree with Dimitri, my favorites are also Brooklyn and Silver Factory. Out of the 12 Bond No. 9 scents I own, those two are less than 1/2 full, almost needing to be replenished.
    Out of the Oud scents,  Harrods Swarovski Limited Edition blew me away. Although Harrods is in London, Bond No. 9 , a New York company will make you want to travel the world for its creations.

  • Oud is my obsession, how gracious of a draw. Lovely article and oh that I could be so lucky! I love that it also has such longevity.

  • Jennifer Skibins says:

    New York, to me, represents boundless creativity, individuality and acceptance…it's the only place on earth where you can be completely enveloped by people yet simultaneously experience solitude. It's sultry; it's energizing; it's alive! Just like my favorite Bond No.9 scent: Nuits de Noho!

  • I am a New York state of mind…
    I have a sample of this and have been loving it – what a lush nd smooth blend!
    I'm very partial to West Side – my favorite Bond  – and I also like New Haarlem a lot for its coffee theme.
    I love the celebration of the uniqueness of the different neighborhoods of NYC.