Perfumer Reviews 'Oud For Greatness' by Initio

Reviewing the massively requested Oud For Greatness
Send me samples to review here:
Aaron Terence Hughes LTD
57 Waybridge Industrial Estate
Salford
M50 1DS
www.aaronterencehughes.co.uk
Instagram - AaronTerenceHughes
Music: Sleepdebt - I C U

[@ashwhite8610]

I love how generous you are to the perfumer, it shows a great deal of respect for others in your profession.

[@AaronTerenceHughes]

Ofcause. To slam a perfumer is to slam myself. It takes me unto a year to develop a fragrance. I Love the art of perfumery. I understand the money, time, effort and creativity to develop a finished fragrance. To slam a fragrance for views is gross.

[@thomaslandry1215]

I love how he doesn’t hype it up

[@iliriandisha9099]

@@thomaslandry1215 Oud for greatness reminds me of Home Depot.

[@CraxPfeife]

@@AaronTerenceHughes This has to be the sexiest answer i have ever read on KZbin from someone reviewing something. Literally in awe of your passion and respect for your art and fellow artists! Thank you very much good sir!

[@assreductionist8575]

“My oud bill is enormous” is a unique sentence 😂

[@dogslife4831]

I also enjoyed that phrase

[@KalebChesnicFlutist]

Weird flex but okay. 😂

[@christopherbird2739]

Haha ill never say that sentence

[@AaronTerenceHughes]

Yes. Thats not a normal statement is it:) Unless your a perfumer

[@sebsebseb1905]

@@AaronTerenceHughes can you please do a review of Zadig&Voltaire This is Him? I am not by any means an expert, but this just blew my mind and I think you will like it.

[@bone_thuggz6969]

This guy is quickly becoming one of my favorite reviewers .

[@chrisgoogler]

THE ONLY fragrance reviewer I believe in! I love the way you deconstruct the perfumes without bias and the way you educate frag lovers. Thank you! Stay safe... stay happy! 😊

[@rappingAK]

I cant believe after all these years i only found you today! I always thought why there is no a real perfumer reviewing popular fragrances with great depth and knowledge. I will be watching all of your videos. Absolutely great job!

[@Christian-rt3kg]

Love your reviews, especially how you break down the notes. I always liked chemistry and I love how you incorporate that aspect in your reviews.

[@thearnaoute]

You can tell that your nose is absolutely brilliant when you said that it smells like PdM as Initio and PdM are more or less sister companies. Always love hearing your take on perfumes Aaron!

[@josephralls]

Hey Aaron, thank you for your reviews. I love that you take time to check out different companies and give honest and fair opinions. Your knowledge and deep dives are wonderful and separate your reviews from many. It's a new level of knowledge that I love to hear. Also love your fragrances!

[@rickscars7395]

I love your incredibly detailed review of this fragrance, 👏🏻 bravo! Your videos are always spot on. You’re amazingly talented Aaron.

[@AaronTerenceHughes]

Thank you. Im trying to take the channel in a slightly different direction. When Applicable im going to talk about raw materials. I want all my viewers educated in the art of perfumery.

[@ursularodnite3008]

I KNEW IT! I like OFG, only because it's an easy , pleasant way to wear "Oudh" in the USA. I didn't think it had the real deal in it, or like you said trace amounts. Being of middle eastern descent, I know real Oudh because I have smelled it all my life. I'm so glad that you use the real thing in your creations. There really is a next level experience with genuine Oudh.

[@trader_bigs]

This is an amazing fragrance channel. The technical explanations make this content stand out from others

[@anonymousaviator277]

Just subscribed to your channel Aaron. The level of professionalism and the honest thoughts you have on this perfume and not only, make your reviews a work of art. Thank you for everything you do...unmistakably the best 🙏

[@FRAGTASTICO]

Thank you for this review, Aaron. It's truly educating, especially for those of us who can't get essential oils so easily because of where we live. I now want to try a decant of this one to see what is all about after seeing this one.

[@sharifradwan4515]

Absolutely love your reviews, not only interning, but highly educational, just love it

[@AaronTerenceHughes]

I appreciate that!

[@calisgroomroom]

You are phenomenal!! I have been binge watching your videos on and off all day!

[@ghostfacekilla1928]

I looove your passion for fragrances! It really makes me appreciate fragrances so much more. Thank you sir!

[@ryansaadat7762]

I was waiting for this review for so long!!! Finally!

[@richardlee5157]

its so cool how you can deconstruct the scents! You definitely know what you're doing/talking about and are passionate about this craft

[@premshreepillai717]

I absolutely detect the similarity with Baccarat Rouge 540, especially on the late drydown. Bravo on a thoughtful and honest review!

[@davecoburn5193]

Lot's of respect for you Aaron, thanks for your unbiased review.

[@thurstonhowell-3]

You're the GOAT - thanks for such a thoughtful review. Cheers

[@BoChosen]

Excellent, excellent, EXCELLENT review. I truly appreciate how you've captured all of the nuances and took this fragrance through it's course. While I'm far from a perfumer, you've captured everything that I've gotten from this composition, including the Baccarat comparison, and then some. You've confirmed why I've never gotten much oud from it, but why I've come away with more leather and vetiver. You, Sir, are brilliant... YOU! Thanks for the education!

[@aikjones1]

It is an education listening to him alright! Amazing guy

[@AaronTerenceHughes]

Thank you for your kind words. It really is lovely to hear. Thank you

[@BoChosen]

@@aikjones1 : Agreed, 100%! He's thorough, experienced, and super methodical.

[@mrserious9619]

Thank you Aaron for educating us about the art of perfumery and introducing high ethical standards into perfume making. I will definitely be buying your fragrances when my wallet allows it 😁. Definitely do keep up your amazing work.

[@CS-mt8yo]

The only reviewer whose opinion I take into account! I purchased this and could not be happier!

[@Real.Estate.Motivate]

I bought OFG last year...wasn't for me considering the hype and price so I sent it back and bought BR540. There's a lot of good KZbinrs out there but your style helps elevate the senses on video which isn't easy to do...you just dig deeper than merely just breaking down the note accords. Instead, we get to experience an intelligent, emotional interpretation of the fragrances which I appreciate. Btw, just picked up the extremely affordable Salvatore Ferragamo Uomo Signature yesterday which is a perfect choice for the fall and winter. If you ever get your hands on a bottle, I would predict that it would be a good video to add to your collection. Keep up the great work Aaron. Cheers

[@kevinparker342]

There is nothing like seeing a masterful craftsman at work. A true respecter of his profession. I thoroughly enjoy his excellence. Keep up the greatness

[@PaladinJenkis]

I really appreciate how technical Aaron gets with his reviews, makes the review more objective rather then subjective whereas other reviewers always have their own taste in play. Amazing job, as always.

[@bryang3382]

I bought it a couple of weeks ago and absolutely love it, the dry down is awesome! Driving in a car with the fan blowing its quite the treat!

[@AaronTerenceHughes]

Yes the dry down is amazing.

[@loski8402]

Thank you for reviewing this fragrance! Educational as always! I really like Oud For Greatness but I've always thought it was overpriced. I'd love to hear your thoughts on another from this house called Atomic Rose.

[@scottwells8535]

Would be interesting to hear your take on Lattafa's Oud for Glory as it is getting a lot of hype for being a very good clone of this fragrance. Always interesting to watch you dissect these fragrances and educate us more.

[@dovic5201]

Yup

[@penisbutt4544]

i know this is two years late 😂 but i have had both and they are extremely similar. a couple of notes maybe switched around maybe the lavender but the oud for glory might actually be stronger however the oud for greatness definitely smells more refined and just professionally made

[@BoleDaPole]

One uses natural and safe chemicals, the other (latafa) is unknown. I'm not trying to spray carcinogens onto my skin.

[@fr3d611]

not necessarily. Like he said, he doesn't detect real oud on Oud for Greatness while you're paying a hefty price. Clone companies like Lattafa are showing that many of these houses are simply overcharging us consumers @@BoleDaPole

[@sandeepchawla8832]

Man Love your review about it, so beautifully explained can't wait to get my hands on it. Love from NZ

[@Ed-ce5mb]

Aaron, I am a new subscriber to your channel. I search your channel when I want your perspective on a fragrance that I am interested in buying. I am thinking about buying Oud For Greatness, after smelling the fragrance recently, and I decided to watch your review. Thanks for providing fragrances lovers with your superb reviews.

[@domster67]

Dude I’m glad I found you. Super review. I will be following!

[@ericneal8582]

This video really helps me understand your dislike of clone fragrances and also why so many clones of this particular fragrance came to market so quickly. It must be quite frustrating, as a perfumer, to have put in the work to almost fool another professional only to have it quickly and cheaply copied / stolen. Thank you for another fantastic review.

[@Alexxf35]

Love the detailed breakdown. Very informative.

[@Ferrucci_1666]

Thank you so much Aaron. I was going to purchase this in the very near future, but not anymore. I have purchased 11 fragrances based on your reviews and every single one of them are excellent to say the least.

[@AaronTerenceHughes]

Thats so good. I am always aware that people are spending there money on what I review. So I try to be as clear and concise as possible.

[@aikjones1]

I’ll still buy this cos I enjoyed the sample I bought immensely, if you do some bargain hunting on reputable sites locally or abroad, it might be worth it. Aaron Jst a legend in his reviewing! Amazing how he’s caught my attention and I try to watch every video now.. I’m still to place an order for his brand, but will do next pay run for sure. The dpd next day delivery is awesome, but best buying more than 1 sample if paying that fee.

[@raviteja67]

Hey, can you list of all the perfumes you purchased based on Aarons reviews..? Im looking to buy a few for myself..! Thanks in advance..!

[@bradleygriffeth4403]

Been looking forward to this one. Thanks Aaron

[@AaronTerenceHughes]

My pleasure. I hope your well

[@bassama6958]

Excellent review Aaron! please continue doing these informative reviews. I wanted to mention something I have many ouds essential oils and raw ouds(woods for incense) from different regions and each region has different smell to it, oud can be dirty, leathery, woody, earthy etc.. So since you mentioned you smell leather I was thinking that could be the smell of Oud :) . FYII never smelled 'Oud For Greatness' by Initio .. peace

[@slopadams5590]

Oud for greatness is what I expected TF Oud Wood Intense to smell like. When you smell oud wood immediately followed by Oud for greatness, it doesn't clash at all, it feels just like an extra bit of complexity added on top, slight extra powdery sweet (but not too sweet) scent trail setter. Definitely one for colder days or evenings.

[@rogerwebster9826]

Awesome review! That was like a free class in perfumery school. I loved that.

[@iamlove5325]

I believe the same company owns PDM and Initio. So, that could be a reason for the similarities.

[@garthwright6308]

You're absolutely correct!

[@noseknowsnonotes6833]

the owner of PDM, has a distribution company for the Middle East (Sprecher Berrier), that distributes PDM, Initio, Mizensir, V Canto, BDK, Terenzi. I'm pretty sure they also did distributing in the Middle East for Creed, Lalique, Atlier Cologne and others.

[@sarahparfumlove4830]

That’s right

[@tenore8]

This is one of the VERY best fragrance reviews on KZbin. Educational and erudite. Bravo.

[@DaniloRod23]

Excellent review and, honestly, not surprising at all. You should try Rasasi Faqat lil Rijal for a very affordable approximation of real oud. I hope someone can send it to you. Thanks for your content, Aaron. It is always delightful.

[@BellumOmniumContraOmnes]

Most awaited review is finally here! Amazing and spot on as always. I’m layering this with some Cambodian oud and it takes it to another level. Side Effect is very nice as well, if you are a fan of hedione that is.

[@AaronTerenceHughes]

Real Oud in this would balance it massively. It would go up to a 9 or 10 then

[@andimoraru5539]

I have to say, 10 sprays on one arm of this beast of a fragance is impressive 👏 👌

[@rafaelhenck8169]

After a long day of work with headache and back pain as aftermath, your video has chilled me out. Thanks

[@AaronTerenceHughes]

Im so pleased. I hope your well and happy.

[@TrueNorth1217]

What do you do?

[@krantea]

Watched your video and decided OFG should be my SOTD :) . Refreshing to hear your perspective on not just the scent ,but also on the economics behind it.

[@TheGeorobe]

probably the best review I’ve seen from Aaron

[@Hungho-jd9pb]

You’re the living treasure, what you’re sharing is so priceless…amazing…. amazing… many many thanks to you.

[@martysnarf]

Been waiting for this one!!! Though I have enjoyed this scent, once I got some of your oud-based fragrances, I became instantly aware that it’s not even the same sport.Thanks Aaron!!

[@AaronTerenceHughes]

I never try to 'push' my work as that sounds really tacky. But if you want to smell Oud. My Oud, Onyx and Oxytocin use a sweeter Oud. Violet delirium uses a barn yard type Oud. My Oud stays the same till the next day. The Oud note doesn't change and stays Oud. I personally love my Oud. I ware it loads. I find the incense quality really beautiful.

[@martysnarf]

@@AaronTerenceHughes YES! I love the sweet oud in Onyx, and now that I've learned more about these materials, the dirty, "naughtiness" that I smell in Violet Delirium and didn't recognize is that barn yard oud and it has such in interesting vibe that I love. It's so unique and long-lasting!

[@rzijl68]

Thanks for this insightfull info, I never would have know this otherwise. This is Reviewer++ just the best of the best, thanks a lot.

[@dannyboy9193]

Instant like when you came back 4 hours later. And subscribe lol. This guy is amazing. Been watching for awhile. Very well needed in the community. I’m tired of people saying it smells sexy it’ll get you compliments for years talking about the same creed. Sick of laziness from youtubers and the designer brands

[@KarloPetrov]

Damn... Since when are you a thing dude.. How did I miss your channel in search for fragrance reviews? Happy to find you, great content!

[@karolinak566]

I would love it if you could review brands like Rasasi, Al Haramain, Swiss Arabian etc. They are often much more affordable, I would love to hear your thoughts on them and their ingredients!!! :)

[@desertknights5003]

They are all synthetic, that explains the low prices.

[@bruceleeroy333]

@@desertknights5003 You poor soul, imagine thinking a price tag make a fragrance better lol

[@desertknights5003]

@@bruceleeroy333 your poor minded that's why you can't understand what I wrote

[@desertknights5003]

@Ivan Alexander almost

[@SherlockDave]

@@desertknights5003 We all understand what you wrote, it’s self explanatory... Poor Soul!

[@christopherames6819]

Your the best bro I love watching you your voice is very calming

[@danielvanmeter3396]

I just received my order of 'Oud for Greatness' and it is absolutely amazing, thanks for the influential review. This was a blind buy ($232 USD) but when I sprayed it for the first time I was mesmerized.

[@udaykumar1113]

Where did you buy it for $232

[@nikolakum9836]

Could you do like a list of best "bang for your buck" perfumes? Not bound by price, but like getting the most(performance, artistry and naturals) for your money... Even if the perfume is 300...

[@challangkucher5562]

I would like to see that too.

[@Ideasthatsparkcuriosity]

Ooh! Great idea, yes please!

[@alexgraham3525]

Yes, please!

[@nikolakum9836]

@wheats His line is not an option for me since i am from Serbia. And shipping plus taxes would make it double the original price...

[@nikolakum9836]

@wheats it doesn't, but i just can't bring myself to pay double the original price... Especially if all of that just gpes to the government and not the artist himself 😅

[@jaycagle8416]

Greatness if my favorite fragrance of all time!! 💪 Love the detailed breakdown and ingredients assessment I’m gonna continue loving this no matter what is in or not in it... Great review!

[@AaronTerenceHughes]

Its a beautiful fragrance

[@haroldsimpson8422]

Aaron you are a Beast when it comes to perfumery, what I love about your reviews is that you are so honest, and your critique of other perfumers is out of respect, but you call a spade a spade. The fact you said it was an 8 is all I needed. As you stated I need to get my noise on some real our, let me know if you would like to sale some original our. Peace n Happiness Fam!

[@stewartcabuyao7884]

A genius and unbiased review, as expected. I love this fragrance, tbh. 🥰

[@AaronTerenceHughes]

I love it to. Thank you for your kind words

[@christopherbird2739]

I've been waiting for this one

[@MrBLEENNOP]

Excellent review! Very honest and fair in its approach to describing its quality. Love how u still had much respect for the perfumer. Do u have recommendations on where someone can purchase raw materials to better educate themselves?

[@huimo4886]

Wow, so cool to see your thoughts on it after 4 hours and 12 hours! I love your content and channel!

[@jarrahdrum]

A very excellent review/analysis. It"s like forensics ;)

[@AaronTerenceHughes]

Thank you for your kind words:)

[@QuincyPendleton12]

I’m so excited for this!

[@chrisfairbarn9908]

I get 540, Instant Crush, multiple Montale frags. Just not necessary for my collection but smells great nonetheless. Aaron explaining it is fascination as always.

[@Sugarrushhh90]

Man, this may remind you of bacarrat because of the saffron in the beginning, however after 10 minutes they are totally different scents :)

[@michaelwalton470]

Wonderful as always but a particular education in this video. Always learning. Thank you.

[@edwardmorra541]

Super excited to hear your thoughts :) i love this one

[@broadbent96]

Educating myself to smelling the raw materials of fragrances is something I’ve wanted to do for a long time. A suggestion for a video maybe explaining where you can get the raw materials from and which ones are good ones to start smelling as a beginner.

[@catrionaaaaaaaa]

Third!!

[@sidanx7887]

Fourth

[@darriangario3447]

Appreciate the approach you take. My intro to oud was through a Japanese incense and I'm trying to find a perfume that is similar and after studying I think I really like the oud guiac wood cinnamon combo.

[@SerenityChamber]

Wow! I have waited for this review, and I loved it!! I love the details. Excellent intro about oud. So what is really interesting is that the rep for Parfums de Marly at Nordstrom told me that Initio and Marly are a team! Initio is the wife's frangrance line while Marly is the husbands so it doesn't surprise me if you smelled a similarity. LOL! I don't know if this is true info, but it wouldn't surprise me.

[@AaronTerenceHughes]

That makes a lot of sense. Hope your well Joshua.

[@SerenityChamber]

Aaron Terence Hughes thanks Aaron. I’m doing well!

[@MyScotty7]

I love watching your videos. Very educational.

[@outyonder33]

Whenever I want to authenticate a fragrance that has oud I always come to see your opinion on the chemical ingredients I totally agree with you a lot I think a lot of companies are cheating and being very clever with their ingredients to make it smell like oud

[@zakhaddad5222]

♥️ Best reviewer!

[@AaronTerenceHughes]

Thank you for your kind words

[@edselrico16]

ATH you always amaze me. My guy. The Rainman of frags.

[@danielmarin3819]

Thanks for the honest work and review. 👏👏👏👏

[@AaronTerenceHughes]

My pleasure

[@kzm4275]

Brother Aaron, thank you so so much for your contribution to the community, for opening our eyes and our noses, of course. Would you be kind enough to provide us with a video or just a list of the ones that you consider the best Oud fragrances out there? Mostly for men, but wouldn't mind unisex too. That would be phenomenal and so so so much appreciated. Stay fabulous!!

[@sistera8315]

I agree! I smell raw materials and that’s how I have educated myself. It started as a child with collecting orange blossoms from the tree at the front of my house. It was so intoxicating to me and that was my introduction into perfumes. Love your reviews Aaron, hope your Oud bill is less large these days 😊

[@PerfumeswithPat]

Hello this was a wonderful review and very educational. Thanks so much for sharing.

[@JneBrr]

I love your reviews !

[@RyzFragz34]

Wonderful video as always😊

[@bosanac3174]

Thank you for your honest info much appreciated

[@mattmartin8981]

Thank you for a very enlightening and thorough review as always! I can't get down with this fragrance as hard as I've tried with decants, it's just not for me and I don't understand the hype. But, fragrance is subjective and to each their own! Love you, ATH!

[@AaronTerenceHughes]

I think if you love it. You really love it. This is like marmite

[@mattmartin8981]

@@AaronTerenceHughes Ha! Truth!

[@Fadel_Abbas]

6:20 wow thank you, this is so enlightening.

[@AaronTerenceHughes]

Thank you:)

[@kevinbell4570]

I am in the process of purchasing 2 bottles of this perfume. All based on how well you described this fragrance. You,Sir, are amazing.

[@chrisperry5244]

How did you find it mate? I'm just about to pull the trigger myself 😮

[@mattdittmer2527]

Aaron!! Before I EVER buy a fragrance I always know to check and see if you’ve reviewed it first so that I know what your opinion is before I purchase it. I love hearing your thoughts on each scent

[@phoebetsau9635]

I love how informative and educational from your videos. I learned a lot. Thanks! I love Oud for Greatness! I got many compliments from it and it’s super long lasting. I knew there’s no real Oud before I bought my bottle but I still got a full bottle of it. That proves how much I love it. Overpriced? Yes but I think all perfumes are overpriced. I’ve been hunting and collecting niche fragrances and I couldn’t find something cheaper that has the same quality as OFG and better imitation of oud. It is about the whole experience. I have some cheaper and amazing perfumes but they’re different than the OFG and not oud fragrances (real or not). The other oud fragrances that I have and loving it is the Oud Satin Mood from MFK and Alexandria II by Xerjoff. They are both so different from OFG. OSM is not a oud dominant fragrance tho but it has about the same faction of price as OFG. Alexandria II is amazing oud fragrance with a different take and contains real oud (agarwood) but much more expensive than OFG. Like I said, all perfumes are overpriced that needs to cover all costs: time and costs of creating & developing a new perfume, mass production of the perfume, the cost for the perfumer, packaging, marketing, overhead cost of the company, distribution, profit shares for the department stores and for the brand/company. I think this is how the economy runs.

[@RA-zk4gg]

I like the way you express yourself...is relaxing👍

[@dadwithtwins1585]

Great review! This is one of my favorite fragrances.

[@AaronTerenceHughes]

Thank you

[@AliEbrahimian]

Hi Aaron, thanks for this in-depth review. I loved your descriptions. I have 2 questions. What you are describing in 6:24 is that perfume retailers generally sell 3 times the finished product price just because they can?! Do you have a reliable online source so we could buy raw materials for testing and training our noses as you are recommending? :)

[@nucknick]

I would love if you would review CHANEL 1957 from the exclusive collection. They don't do samples as far as I know, but there's something special in this parfum. The way it reacts on skin and how it changes and morphs over time! Really looking forward to find out what you think :) Keep up the awesome work!

[@restlessgypsy3505]

Brilliant review

[@dinamiena6186]

It’s one of my all time favorites! The transition to the middle notes for me is Alpha male smell ! I can detect Oud but is excellent blended ! Nutmeg gives something extra ! There is a part in the perfume that smells a bit acidic and I guess it might be the vetiver with the patchouli and It can be off putting for some ! Base is classic ambermusc sweet and elegant ! The opening where the saffron is mainly detected is why some people saying that smells like BR540 but br is too inferior made only by aromachemicals don’t get me wrong is pioneering and very pleasant smelling but full synthetic! My final review for OFG is 9.5/10 ! Nice review Aaron !

[@BigSteve93015]

Thank you for the review on this. It's a great scent but I've always been lost to say it's "oud". I don't get the oud signature smell from it at all. My wife loves it, as do I. It's a great fragrance but not my "go to" oud fragrance. Your review educates and enlightens, so thanks for sharing the knowledge. Keep it up.

[@AaronTerenceHughes]

My pleasure. I think its a great fragrance.

[@bun-n-cheese1290]

I bought oud for glory a long while back just from some random womans review online not knowing that it was a dupe of this. Now I'm wondering if I should get the original because the dupe smells really good.

[@SalahEd25]

Very nice review as usual

[@jhors7777]

Thank you for posting this helpful video

[@iFrankie.]

Oud for greatness was divine , I remember I smelled it at a perfumery shop instantly fell in love with it on skin, purchased immediately

[@marcelo1458]

It's absolutely disgusting. Grandma sweetness with a nauseating medicinal oud underneath.

[@Itsunclegabby]

​@marcelo1458 First I've ever heard regarding.-

[@KylerBorn]

Great review. Expert review

[@shawnerickson2325]

Thank you Aaron for this well thought out review. I have been wanting to purchase this fragrance for sometime now. Your honest interpretation of this fragrance is very helpful. I'm trying to understand and smell single fragrance notes on there own so I can try to understand what I'm smelling better. Most of the time it's very hard for me to separate the notes unless there very prominent or I have smelt the notes before. Looking forward to Friday !!!!!

[@AaronTerenceHughes]

You need to really train your brain over a long period of time. Its like learning a new language