Montale Bengal Oud Fragrance Review + Roar Draw

Montale bengal oud review

 Drawing via dailydose of art and apped by Michelyn

 When you think of Montale Paris… chances are you associate the house with their oud fragrances. There are 1000s of niche, mainstream and designer Ouds on the market; Montale was one of the first  niche house to use Aoud in 2003 , a year after YSL M7 debuted and  the craze for Oud in Western perfumery began. Known throughout the world  as Oudh, Oud, Aoudh, agar,  agarwood, aloeswood, gaharu, eaglewood, kynam, sinking wood, incense tree, and calembac, it has many names and many scent profiles. One of the newest offerings, Montale Bengal Oud may have oud in its title, but the fragrance is more a woody leathery animalic. In Chinese astrology, the tiger is the third of the 12 cycles of animals and associated with with the “earthly branch” symbol- (not unlike wood, which, on my skin is the most prominent). One thing is for certain, this tiger roars. –Michelyn Camen, Editor-in-Chief

Editor Sebastian Jara reviews Montale Bengal Oud

Disclosure: Sebastian received his bottle for review.Opinions are our his own

Montale Bengal Oud

Photo of Montale Bengal Oud by Sebastian

Thanks to the US distributor of Montale Paris we have a we have a tester 100 ml bottle of Montale Bengal Oud/ $170  for a registered CafleureBon reader and Looking Feeling Smelling Great subscriber in the USA (if you are not sure if you are registered click here (you must register on our site or your entry will be invalid). To be eligible please leave a comment ON THIS SITE with what you enjoyed about Sebastian’s YouTube review of Montale Bengal Oud and your favorite Montale perfume. Draw closes 7/12/2020

Please note Michelyn lives in New York City and has to approve each manually if you are not registered or if you don’t remember your password.

Arabian Tonkas, which features a horse on the bottle was released around the same time as Bengal Oud and reviewed by Sebastian here

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Available at Krystal Fragrances here to sample or buy

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99 comments

  • ll grhm says:

    Thanks to the US distributor of Montale Paris we have a we have a tester 100 ml bottle of Montale Bengal Oud/ $170 for a registered CafleureBon reader and Looking Feeling Smelling Great subscriber in the USA (if you are not sure if you are registered click here (you must register on our site or your entry will be invalid). To be eligible please leave a comment ON THIS SITE with what you enjoyed about Sebastian’s YouTube review of Montale Bengal Oud and your favorite Montale perfume. Draw closes 7/12/2020

    I am a subscriber in the US. I really appreciate Sebastian’s perfume reviews because he gives such a good description of the notes and is fair. I love animalic perfumes and leathers perfumes, this sounds like something I would wear. I have not explored Montale perfumes yet so I do not have a favorite.

  • INYA says:

    I like the idea of a leather fragrance with a powdery touch. It sounds animalic also. I haven’t tried any Montale fragrances, hoping to get lucky with this giveaway. Thanks for the opportunity! Mich USA

  • theronmwilliams says:

    I just watched Sebastian’s video and I loved the note breakdown of this fragrance. I also loved how Sebastian described the note development. I start Law School in August and winning this fragrance would be the perfect gift!

  • theronmwilliams says:

    I just watched Sebastian’s video and I loved the note breakdown of this fragrance. I also loved how Sebastian described the note development. I start Law School in August and winning this fragrance would be the perfect gift! My favorite Montale at the moment is Sensual Instinct.

  • Chris says:

    Strange they would have OUD in the name but I like leathery perfumes.is it beast mode lol lol

  • Sngash says:

    Thank you Sebastian for another detailed review. I like the idea of a leather oud and the fact that you found it powdery and buttery got me pretty curious. My favorite Montale is Intense Cafe. I’m in USA

  • Mark says:

    I like the way sebastion brakes down the notes in the review and always seems genuine.

    I’d like to try this out because in the past i haven’t LOVED oud, but lately my tastes have been maturing and I’m beginning to appreciate it more.

    I’d like to try this to see if it can actually grow to enjoy oud

  • Mark says:

    I like the way Sebastians reviews because of the way he brakes down the notes in the review and always seems genuine.

    I’d like to try this out because in the past i haven’t LOVED oud, but lately my tastes have been maturing and I’m beginning to appreciate it more.

    I’d like to try this to see if it can actually grow to enjoy oud

  • Michael Pahl says:

    An animal leather sounds right up my alley. Sebastian always has a great way of describing fragrances, to the point where you can almost smell it without smelling it. I appreciate the opportunity!

  • Egemen says:

    Thank you for another detailed review. I am curious about a leather experience with a powdery touch. With love from Pittsburgh.

  • Dou Yu says:

    Love the review for every word My fav Montale is Ristretto Intense Cafe. Please send me my bengal

  • Shamrock1313 says:

    Another great review by Sebastian. The leather note is what has me interested.
    I do enjoy Montale Intense Cafe and Vanilla Cake to name a few from the house.
    Pennsylvania USA

  • Amanda32828 says:

    Love Sebastian review as always. I have been slowly trying out some of the wonderful Montale Creations lately I have discovered a love affair with Starry Nights and Montale Soleil de Capri. I also enjoy Montale Gold.

  • ThatMulattoDude says:

    Enjoy how Sebastian walked us through the development of this fragrance. I’m new to oud but really like Oud for Greatness. I’m interested in the leathery and powdery aspects and then the vetiver. Appreciate the opportunity for this giveaway! Best from Virginia, USA.

  • ThatMulattoDude says:

    Enjoy how Sebastian walked us through the development of this fragrance. I’m new to oud but really like Oud for Greatness. I’ve never tried a Montale/Mancera though. I’m interested in the leathery and powdery aspects and then the vetiver. Appreciate the opportunity for this giveaway! Best from Virginia, USA.

  • Bryant Worley says:

    I appreciated Sebastian’s honest review of the fragrance, especially that its not going to be an oud-lovers dream. As far as a favorite Montale, Intense Cafe` I live in Waldorf, MD, USA.

  • dkeester says:

    I like Sebastian’s description of the fragrance as “buttery,” “powdery,” and “animalic.” It sounds like it will be an interesting experience. I definitely want to sample this one.

  • Andrei Artimon says:

    Big fan of the montale line in general , own a lot from them, would really want to be on the winning end of this one !!

  • Gökhan Gültepe says:

    Love love love Montale that’s my absolute favorite house of perfumes I already have five of their fragrances but I haven’t got the chance to try BengalOud.

  • Gökhan Gültepe says:

    I’m so happy that I discovered Sebastian because I love his reviews I’m also watching all his old videos to get more inside of perfumes as a perfume lover it’s amazing to get a review Of fragrances that I’m interested in. The most amazing part is he has so many different fragrances of designer And niche brands that you would never hear about if this platform would not exist.
    So thank you very much.

  • Tim says:

    Being a relatively inexperienced perfume user, I like oud but not in ultra heavy doses. So, more leather than oud sounds like my cup of tea, especially since I like powdery and amber qualities, which this fragrances seems to possess. My favorite Montale fragrance is Intense Cafe. I live in the USA.

  • Trinity33 says:

    Sebastian always does such a good job of describing the evolution of a fragrance on the skin. I like a buttery leather so Montale’s take on a woody animalic leather sounds interesting. I have a few Montale decants. My current favorite is Montale Patchouli Leaves. Commenting from MD, USA.

  • Russell Johnson III says:

    Love Sebastian’s reviews. Always “nose” the notes. Is unabashed in his reviews and shows real passion. I have Starry Nights and love that rose. It lasts for days!!!

  • Nick Bachert says:

    This sounds awesome! I’m a big fan of the TF Leathers and have yet to try any Montale as the Aoud is intimidating. This one however sounds right up my alley based on the powdery vetiver description!!
    Would love a full bottle to start my Montale journey!

    Thanks!

  • genmartini says:

    I’m wearing Montale’s Intense Cafe today. Would be over the moon to try their OUD!! Anything woody is very attractive to me, so if it’s more on that side of things, that’s superb!

  • Doni says:

    The fact that it’s more of a leather dominant fragrance is not necessarily a bad thing! Certainly isn’t for me! Seb’s description actually reminded me of several of the leathers from the Memo Paris line. Maybe a combo of some of my favourites? The artwork on the bottle certainly seems reminiscent of one – wink wink. Great to hear about the loads of vetiver in the base though. Doesn’t sound like it would top Ristretto Intense Cafe for me though. Favs are favs. We’ll see. USA

  • TJ Norris says:

    This is exciting. I absolutely love leather leaning fragrances but have not (yet) experienced this house of Montale. The bottle is striking, dare I say oppulent. I do not use Facebook but do check in on this site regularly as a weekly reader.

  • soup13 says:

    Very nice review by Sebastian. I like how he describes it as not a super powerful “oud”. Such a thing can be fairly off putting to some people. Haven’t had a chance to get my nose on Montale, but would love to get the chance. Thanks for offering the giveaway!

  • FC says:

    From Sebastian’s review, it seems Montale is revisiting leather oud with animalic vibes concept after cuir d’arabie which remains the most challenging leather oud fragrance I have smelled. My fav. from Montale is Lime Aoud. USA

  • masum311 says:

    Sebastian is very dear to me. I respect his suggestions a lot. Thanks for selecting him to do the review.

  • uncle_stinky says:

    I love Sebastian’s vids – always passionate about what is being reviewed. Been in the market for a Montale oud for a while now; winning one would be choice!

  • StephyyT says:

    I enjoyed that the video was short and concise. My favourite Montale is Honey Aoud. Cheers!

  • sniffinggood says:

    I enjoy Sebastian’s insight and description of the fragrances he reviews. Most of his opinions align with my fragrance preferences. My favorite Montale perfume is Intense Cafe and I like unique scents.

  • NiceVULady says:

    Sebastian always takes time to tell us about the notes in a very straight forward fashion. Many thanks for another great interview and many thanks to the US distributor of Montale Paris fort his generous draw of Bengal Oud. I’m in the USA

  • Eric Enzman says:

    I have a sample of Red Aoud and I simply cannot wait to Get a full size and wear it once the weather cools down a bit. I have been a fan of Animalic scents as well as pure leather scents, but nothing in my collection combines both, aside from a sample of Rhinoceros from Zoologist. Would absolutely love to win this bottle!

  • Eric Enzman says:

    I have a sample of Red Aoud and I simply cannot wait to Get a full size and wear it once the weather cools down a bit. I have been a fan of Animalic scents as well as pure leather scents, but nothing similar to this. Would absolutely love to win this bottle! USA

  • Hugo adam says:

    I love my intense cafe I should try that one how interesting thanks for the review I love your chanel

  • Bacuzzi Babs says:

    Love this house but I do not have a leather scent in my collection. I would love to try it. Another descriptive review.

  • Brayton Beanland says:

    Finally it gets reviewed! I’ve been wondering about this one. Appreciate your thoughts on this Sebastian.

  • naomi rooney says:

    This sounds interesting. I like Intense Cafe and Vanilla Cake to name a few.
    Great review and thanks for the giveaway.
    Checking in from Iowa

  • tridungnguyentdn says:

    My favorite from montale so far is honey aoud still. I also own red tobacco by mancera which is slightly reminiscence of honey aoud slightly on my skin. Id love to win this i need more montales and manceras any suggestions would be awesome please thank you great review.

  • Johnny Brown says:

    I love Oud fragrances. The smell, scent, and notes of Oud fragrances are amazing. My favorite Montale scents are: Sweet Vanilla, Pretty Fruity, Oudmazing, Soleil de Capri, and Day dream. All smell amazing!

  • Tony Duncan says:

    I was waiting for someone to review this one because I don’t see much on it out there. Thank you. I’m going to give it a try.

  • Bailie Babbage says:

    You had me at oud. A creamy leather oud w/amber, vetiver and animalic touches. The note combination as you describe sounds nice. My most recent Montale is Dark Aoud and I fell in love immediately. Thank you, great video! USA

  • Derrik Owen says:

    I love everything about your description of this fragrance, and not to mention the bottle is a huge plus

  • henry cole says:

    Montale has the price / potency & plenty of choices covered.
    I’ve not tried this Montale so it was great to learn more about it from you :

  • Hadley Farlow says:

    Thanks for Hooking us up with the opportunity to win something awesome like this

  • Kenny Clinton says:

    Hi Sebastian it’s Kenny Clinton Form Iowa thank you so much for the review Montale is my absolute favorite house. I already have five of their fragrances and I hope soon another one.

  • sheldon butt says:

    Hey Sebastien, what is the ratio of layering Hacivat and Hundred Silent Ways ? Is it one spray each ?

  • Baxter Bartlett says:

    This is exciting. I absolutely love leather leaning fragrances but have not (yet) experienced this house of Montale. Mmmm, warm oud, leather, yes.

  • Mark Reagan says:

    I don’t think the name is really the program here.
    I simply bought the scent blindly and did not have to regret it.
    Although the composition and appearance of the bottle pointed in a different direction, I was pleasantly surprised by this extremely sociable tiger. A subject already urban tiger, which has got used to the contact with people.

    I do not perceive the scent as animalistic. The oud is also hardly or not at all perceptible for me.
    In the beginning it is rather the bitter orange that is in the foreground, but after 5 minutes it recedes benignly into the background.

    Now a slightly wicked and elegant woody-creamy aura appears. Iris and leather slightly dominate here, without the iris bringing in any powderiness.

    In the beginning I was a bit sceptical, before the scent arrived, if it wouldn’t become an Oud-Rose combo again, where you can’t smell anything else. But, somehow, fortunately, I can barely see the rose here myself.
    Everything seems well rounded and harmonized with each other, except for the bitter orange mentioned at the beginning, which makes the fragrance for me a pleasure only after 5 minutes.

    What then remains on the skin after 7-8 hours is a soft bed of fragrant woods with a touch of cream
    Sillage is Montale typically room filling at first go.

    Only the flacons are and remain a disaster.
    I’ve had deodorant bottles that looked better. Well, so be it. The content is what counts and it is really charming.

    On cold days his potential really comes into its own, as I had to realize

  • Bayntun Beavers says:

    Another Montale excursion to the shoe shop, but this is sufficiently different to the most obvious others visiting this idea: Aoud Leather and Aoud Cuir d’Arabie. After a very chewy leather opening – equal parts inside of brand new shoe and something slightly curdled almost cheese-like – there is a refreshing relaxing of this perfume; bitter notes common to Aoud Leather make their appearance, but the overall balance is different. Whereas AL comes wrapped in diffusive cool musks, here the clean aspect of the profile includes intriguing glimpses of greens and soft florals. The drydown sadly is where Bengal Oud wants to re-join Aoud Leather at the hip, so you probably wouldn’t want to own both. Bengal Oud is on the whole in a quieter style than we are used to from Montale, and that for some may be just what they were looking for.

  • David Cooper says:

    Bitter citrus juice, poured over wood chips. More wood rises. Some very dry iris here. Other flowers are very pale. Leather shows up underneath after 15 minutes.

    A rather muddled amber accord in the base, with muted sandalwood and a touch of vetiver. Not, one of Montale’s better fragrances.

  • myquyenle says:

    Bengal Oud is a recent release from Montale and it’s overwhelmingly a dry, semi-rubbery leather scent that’s accented by some patchouli, vetiver, and woods, but the leather is the main story of this one. It performs well but feels a little repetitive with other past Montale/Mancera creations, and like others have pointed out, Leather Oud in particular rings a bell. Still, it might be for you if you dig this formula.

  • tronghieubui says:

    My only montale bottle is Aoud Leather. Would it be redundant if I were to buy bengal oud?

  • hayden thomas says:

    Whats ur favorite montale? Is it intense cafe or intense cafe R? I really want to try vanilla cake, Ive heard u talk abt it several times

  • rowanatkinsonbui says:

    Siegfried and Roy flashbacks. Help! Zee Tiga!!! Rette mich vor dem Tiger! No wait, that was the Simpsons. Methinks the leather is what was missing in Memo’s African Leather. Perhaps a layering?

  • congressman says:

    Maybe you could do a Montale oud guide? I don’t have any Montales. I had Chocolate Greedy, hated it, and sold it, so I am a little scared of their fragrances. But everyone does love their ouds and Intense Café.

  • richard william says:

    I have Black Aoud – and it is STRONG. A Little too rose heavy for me, but great. Have been eyeing up Red Aoud for the upcoming fall into winter period. Loving your description of the animalic yet buttery leather smell on Bengali. Would love to try it out!

  • anna jackson says:

    Thank you Sebastian for another detailed review. I like the idea of a leather oud and the fact that you found it powdery and buttery got me pretty curious. My favorite Montale is Intense Cafe. I’m in USA. I wanna win

  • bradkunz says:

    This sounds awesome! I love that it’s a bit animalic and powdery. I don’t have anything even close to it in my collection so this is something I’d love to experience!

  • kenton edwards says:

    I enjoy Sebastian’s insight and description of the fragrances he reviews. Most of his opinions align with my fragrance preferences. My favorite Montale perfume is Intense Cafe and I like unique scents.

  • wincenzo says:

    Greetings from NYC. I’ve blind bought stuff because of Sebastian’s reviews (Amouroud’s Santal des Indes for example). Here, I’m glad the scent is not so much oud-forward as leather-forward, with that amber-sandalwood-vetiver accord that I’m sure I’ll enjoy. Very intrigued.

  • xoe says:

    Sebastian is so great at these reviews. I like how honest he is. The leatheriness and vetiver attract me to the scent. I haven’t tried any fragrances from this house.

  • HiMyNameIsWaste says:

    A “powerdy leather…buttery creamy” oud sounds magical.

    My favorite Montale is either Nepal Aoud or Full Incense. Or Red Vetyver. Or Black Aoud. Or Dark Aoud. Or…

    I live in Nashville, TN, USA.

  • Michael Ambrosio says:

    Would love to try this fragrance. I thought the bottle was stunning and sebastian review sounded like something I would really enjoy. I love leather smelling fragrances. Thank you for holding this contest

  • drjedi says:

    Enjoyed this review of Montale Bengal Oud by Sebastian. Have only tried Honey Aoud and Black Aoud by Montale, and I must say these fragrances have a depth and unique character not found in other fragrances. Like both leather and oud, but this is more leathery-woody-animalic, with sandalwood, vetiver, etc. at the base, so I guess it will be different from Montale’s other oud fragrances. Given my experience with Honey Aoud and Black Aoud, I look forward to trying this fragrance some day. Thanks for the review and the draw. Writing from the USA.

  • Brandon Johnson says:

    Montale is one of my favorite perfume house’s. My favorite Montale is Dark Oud. I love everything oud, so it’s only natural. I really like leather fragrances with oud. Sébastien always does great reviews, and makes the fragrances come to life, as if i can smell the notes as he speaks of them. Can’t wait to try Bengal Oud.

  • Surfdavid says:

    I am always so excited when Cafleurebon and Sebastian do giveaways! I love leather sents and in need of something for next winter. Leather, powdery iris, patchouli, and musk will undoubtedly fulfill my needs! I have Black Aoud from Montale and can say its one of my all-time favorite frags.

  • patrick_348 says:

    I liked how Sebastian, as always, gave his reactions but always with the qualification that the fragrance might work differently on other people’s skin. I liked Sebastian’s precise descriptions of the stages of the fragrance, which made it sound like wearing it would be a multi-faceted experience. I have never used nor sampled a Montale perfume. I am in the US, in NC.

  • d3m0lici0n says:

    Thanks for another great review , I like his description and I love leather in general, it’s one of my favorite notes in perfumery plus buttery and some animalic aspects throw in the mix makes it sound really good.
    I don’t own any Montale but I tried and liked their Red Oud
    Thanks
    I live in the US

  • JoeFrank9 says:

    My favorite Montale so far is Starry Night, even though it has no oud in it but a lovely playful rose. What I liked about Sebastians review is that he honestly states that even though the name of the fragrance says oud, he gets more leather than oud. Sounds great actually. Thanks for the draw im at the USA.

  • Randy Herron says:

    It’s funny. I had just smelled this for the first time on July 2nd and Sebastian’s review came out a week later! I’d love to give this one a try again. I’ve been getting more into animalic and oud forward fragrances. My favorite from the house is Intense Cafe. I don’t have experience with many of them.

  • Sean Stevens says:

    I like Woods and Spices and Starry Nights this sounds like it would be great to especially fall and winter

  • vtilwani says:

    I recently had my 1st Montale I.e. leather oud and absoutely love it. This one was on my radar as there are very few which does not have note of Rose in them and Sebastian sweet short review was spot on what I was hoping for. I’m a subscriber from Los Angeles, USA if both Sebastian channel and Cafleurbon.

  • wildevoodoo says:

    Bengal Oud sounds like such a lovely fragrance! I love leather fragrances in general- my favorite from the brand is Arabians but I love every leather offering I’ve ever smelled from Montale! I also love oud, but the powdery leather. The orange and bergamot in the top of the fragrance sound wonderful, as does the creamy, buttery orris mixing with the leather in the middle, the animalic/castoreum aspect, and the amber/sandalwood/vetiver drydown! I would love to win a bottle of Bengal Oud; it sounds like a great fragrance that would suit my tastes very well. I am in the US!

  • vickalicious says:

    I knew I wanted to try this new release as soon as I saw Montale’s ad campaign for Bengal Oud, and Sebastian’s review just further reinforced that. I’m glad he reviewed this and emphasized that this is a largely leather fragrance, apart, from perhaps, the initial spray. It’s interesting that he mentioned that this is a “green” leather. I’m very curious to try this one! Thanks for the review and the giveaway! Writing from the United States.

  • Zanetta says:

    Sebastian excels in his descriptions in the videos. He break it down simply, describes the changes as the fragrance sits on your skin. I have learned so much watching his videos…but I have no idea what Oud is. This comes from being new to learning about fragrances.
    Leather, creamy, buttery…it sounds great.
    I am so interested in the House of Montale. If there were ever goals, they are one of mine! The purple bottles first captured my attention but I enjoy learning about all they offer.

  • redwheelbarrow says:

    Most of the Montale fragrances I’ve sampled have been rose based so I’m really interested in how they do leather. As always I love Sebastian’s reviews! Thanks for the draw. In the US.

  • CuteGuy says:

    Nice, enjoyed the review. Sounds like a Slightly daring fragrance. I’m interested to try it out. Haven’t explored Montale much. Thanks, Ca

  • Michael Prince says:

    I love Sebastian’s review of Montale Bengal Oud. I love leather and fragrances and a dominant leather fragrance with a powdery iris and oud sounds amazing. With Sebastian’s amazing reviews he literally brings the fragrance to life before your very nose. I am from the USA.

  • Steve A. says:

    I right off liked the idea of the powdery touch. My favorite is Boise Vanille. US

  • doveskylark says:

    I am a fan of leather and animalic fragrances, so Sebastian’s review captured my attention. I, am also curious about the orange note at the beginning. I’m not sure about the powdery note from the orris, but it does sound interesting,
    I like Montale Aoud Leather.
    I live in the USA.

  • ScentitarFragrance says:

    I loved how he explained notes , like orris, which we might not be familiar with ! I love how Sebastian always tells us the opening , mid and dry down !!!! Another thing I found interesting is that the leather is stronger than the oud. My favorite montale is instense cafe ristretto !!!!!!

  • Nathank says:

    I love the sound of this fragrance! it sounds simply amazing. Sebastian always describes fragrances superbly and I would love to try this one. My favorite Montale fragrance so far is Instant Crush, its just a beautiful smell.

  • wallygator88 says:

    Thank you for the great review Sebastian. As usual, you always tell us the difference between the name, their description and tyour experience.

    This sounds like a pretty cool fragrance – oud and orange is not a combination that I’ve smelt before.

    Montale’s Wild Aoud is a scent that I enjoy.

    Regards from WI, USA

  • dgoldtco says:

    The review mentioned that is is animalic leather and that type of perfume is among my favorites.I have Aoud Leather and rally like it, so if this is similar but more animalic then it should be my style. The iris I’m interested in. Cuir Ottoman is a really nice soft leather with an animalic touch. I interested to see how this compares.My favorite Montale is probably Aoud Leather or Intense Cafe. Thanks for this opportunity.

  • Ben A says:

    I love Sebastian’s reviews…both for their enthusiasm and the precision of his descriptions. As a fan of animalic leathers, this sounds like something I’d like. I haven’t sniffed that many Montale’s, but my favorite of the ones that I have is Black Aoud. Thanks for the draw. I’m in Oklahoma, USA.

  • Victor Rangel says:

    I really like and trust your videos, feel more comfortable went blind buying. Thank you .