Abu Dhabi AUH by The Scent of Departure bottle
The Scent of Departure

Abu Dhabi AUH

3.9/5 · 7 votes Unisex 2012
Main accords
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Fragrance notes

Top notes
Heart notes
Base notes

Character

Longevity3.3/5
Sillage2.7/5
Day50
Night0
Spring100
Fall50
Winter50
Summer0
Our take

Abu Dhabi AUH is a thick, resinous wood that smells like walking past a market stall where bundles of cedar and benzoin sit next to piles of fresh citrus. The opening hits with lime and bergamot that feel bright against the dusty heat of nutmeg and thyme. It is not a clean, office-ready citrus. The fruit here is wrapped in spice, giving the first impression a golden, slightly heavy warmth that suits a morning where the air is cool but the sun is already strong.

Patchouli and vetiver push through quickly, grounding the brightness with a dry, earthy texture. Rose and geranium add a soft floral lift that keeps the heart from feeling too rugged. Sandalwood and cedar provide a smooth, polished woodiness that runs through the center of the composition. The transition feels natural, moving from a sharp spice to a dense forest floor without losing the initial energy of the top notes.

Castoreum and amber give the base a distinct leathery, animalic edge that separates this from standard sweet ambers. Vanilla and tonka bean are present, but they do not turn the fragrance into a dessert. The musk and benzoin create a powdery, slightly medicinal cloud that feels vintage and bold. It is a scent that demands attention through weight rather than volume, sitting close to the skin with a rich, opulent presence.

This is for someone who enjoys smelling like expensive wood and old-world spice rather than fresh laundry. It pairs well with a heavy coat and a brisk walk through a city with stone architecture. The overall impression is one of amber and leather.

Smells similar

Built from the same materials — ranked by how unusual the shared notes are, not by how many.

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