Ramon Monegal Ocean Oud Image by Karl
Life is fraught with danger and challenges and sometimes we feel out of our depth or pushing ambitiously into the unknown. For me Ramon Monegal Ocean Oud encapsulates the challenges we face and the understanding that we have within us the inner strength to push through and persist in our endeavours until they become our reality.
Scents can transcend time, space and evoke deep feelings. Ramon Monegal Ocean Oud is one of those rare treasures in my collection. The perfume is inspired by the interesting juxtaposition between oud wood and sea water. It is a scent of contrasts laying bare the essence of protection versus a daring adventurous nuance. This duality plays an intrinsic role as we are met with both facing the unknown and being comforted at the same time. There is such beauty to this perfume.
Ramon Monegal + Ocean Oud Image courtesy of the brand.
The unexpected is what this fragrance delivers in abundance. There is both a dark undertone and a soothing quality about it, equal in its ability to surprise and provide security. The opening is a journey of new horizons and risks as we are immediately met with a fusion of calone, cistus ladanifer and amberwood. Whilst the initial experience is a bracing mineral melange reminiscent of a tidal wave of saltwater, deep azure depths and sheer power; this is juxtaposed with a warm leathery accent, and it ebbs and flows between these aspects and there is an airy spacious aspect which allows one to move effortlessly back and forth to enjoy this strange but wonderful encounter to the fullest. I also pick up on a slight animalic twist to it right from the first spritz. This is hugely entertaining and sets the scene for an unusual olfactory journey: this may come from ambergris which flows from top to base.
Driftwood image courtesy of Unsplash
The coexistence of these opposing accords is linked with an incredibly soothing and beautiful rose and jasmine. The floral touches seem to act like a seamstress weaving together the strength of these protagonists in a multitude of swells. The warm tones float above the depth of the seascape as a smooth piece of driftwood steering this scent across the ocean. The heart of Ocean Oud is a myriad of warming oud tones, Oud Assam and Oud Padong from Laos settle our journey and bring through a sweet resinous experience as we glide serenely through now lilting lapping waves.
Sea Scape Creative Commons + Ocean Oud Double Exposure Image by Karl
The base of Ramon Monegal Ocean Oud is where the story of our unexpected journey reveals itself with ambergris, oakmoss and musk. The ambergris adds a subtle sweetness, which plays a soft and comforting role here. Oakmoss is the perfect note to partner with as it is deeply sensual and has a musky amber warmth which acts beautifully with the distinctive ouds. To enhance this enveloping feeling musk allows us to feel that we are finally steering a safe course to our destination and have braved the elements successfully. These notes blend everything together and seem to bring a clear understanding to the vision of this highly complex masterpiece of a perfume.
This to me is the beauty of this incredible composition. It really is a magical experience. Oud wood and Sea water should not mix well. However, they do, and they do brilliantly. They present us with the Ying and Yang of polarising components through the genius of Senor Monegal’s immense talent we find in Ramon Monegal Ocean Oud a fragrance that has brought to me a new appreciation of the depth and scope of his perfumery. Released in 2017, this perfume feels incredibly modern and forward thinking and I wonder if the world is ready for such a sea change.
Disclaimer: Bottle of Ocean Oud sent by Ramon Monegal. My opinions are my own.
Karl Topham, Editor
Notes: Calone, Cistus Ladanifer, Amberwood, Oud Assam, Oud Padong Laos, Rose, Jasmine, Ambergris, Oakmoss, Musk.
Please read: Nicoleta Tomsa’s Review of Ramon Monegal Hazy Rose.
Karl Topham’s Review of Ramon Monegal Next To Me.
Stephen Gavrielatos’s Ramon Monegal – 3 you should be wearing.
Thanks to the generosity of Ramon Monegal we have a draw for a 50ml bottle of Ocean Oud for one registered reader EU, UK & USA YOU MUST REGISTER. To be eligible please leave a comment about what specifically interests you about Karl’s review and where you live. Do you have a favorite Ramon Monegal perfume. Draw closes 6/5/22.
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