Oud Minérale vs Encre Noire

Oud Minérale is generally well-regarded by the community as a unique, mature fragrance with an appealing aquatic-woody profile that performs best on skin. However, it's not universally loved, and some find the mineral freshness off-putting or the scent difficult to pair with others. Recent availability issues and reformulation concerns have frustrated dedicated fans.

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.