Oud 27 vs Encre Noire

Oud 27 is a severely hit-or-miss fragrance that divides the community sharply. While some appreciate its distinctive animalic funk and consider it a meaningful introduction to niche perfumery, many find it genuinely unpleasant, describing it as smelling like barnyard or cat urine. Its recent discontinuation has sparked both nostalgia and concern among loyal fans seeking refills or backup bottles.

The r/fragrance community views Encre Noire as an excellent value niche fragrance with distinctive character, praised for its woody, cypress-driven composition and quality at its price point. However, it's highly polarizing due to its dark, dry, and uncompromising nature that appeals primarily to fragrance enthusiasts rather than mass audiences. The flankers (Sport and A L'Extreme) offer more wearable alternatives while the original remains the most character-driven option.