Oud has become an indispensable part of the world of niche fragrances. Hardly any other ingredient is as versatile, multifaceted, and adaptable as this precious incense wood. From dark and animalic to smoky, leathery, and medicinal, all the way to creamy, soft, and balsamic—we’ve smelled just about everything. And yet, there are always new interpretations that pique our curiosity—such as Hommage 1744 by Omanluxury. The fragrance is dedicated to the oud of kings, whose precious smoke once wafted through the palaces of Oman. To capture the unique notes of this majestic agarwood as faithfully as possible, the brand employed a very special technique. But more on that later. First, let’s take a look at what the mysterious year in the fragrance’s name actually signifies.
Omanluxury – What happened in 1744?
Omanluxury draws inspiration for its fragrance creations from the history, traditions, and culture of its homeland. The Eau de Parfum Hommage 1744 is no exception. The year in its name refers to a significant event in the history of the Sultanate of Oman.
Let’s take a journey back in time to the 18th century. At that time, the country was marked by political unrest, power struggles, and Persian occupiers. In 1744, a new chapter in Omani history finally began with Imam Ahmad bin Said. He is considered the founder of the Al-Busaid dynasty, which still rules Oman today. He succeeded in uniting the warring tribes, driving back the Persian occupiers, and laying the groundwork for new political and economic stability.
In Omani historiography, the year 1744 thus symbolizes unity, cohesion, and the beginning of a new era. Omanluxury pays tribute to this event with “Hommage 1744,” a fragrant monument to the occasion. And the fact that oud, of all things, takes center stage is, of course, no coincidence. After all, this precious agarwood has a long tradition in the Arab world.
For centuries, it has been used as incense to perfume living spaces, clothing, and even the body. Particularly high-quality oud was once reserved for the wealthy and powerful and was considered a symbol of wealth, luxury, and social prestige. To this day, this precious incense wood plays an important role in special occasions, celebrations, and traditional ceremonies.
Hommage 1744 – Oud with a Twist
For Hommage 1744, Omanluxury has come up with something truly special. The brand wanted to capture the original scent of the precious Ariyani oud wood from Indonesia as faithfully as possible—specifically, the way it smells in its untreated, unburned state. To achieve this, they used what’s known as headspace technology. This process allows for the analysis of the volatile fragrance molecules that the wood releases into its surroundings without having to heat or burn it in any way. Based on this, the natural fragrance profile of the agarwood can then be recreated.
And what does precious agarwood smell like in its natural state? We can look forward to finding out. By the way, perfumer Théo Belmas was responsible for the creative development of Hommage 1744.
Top notes: Grapefruit, bergamot, lemon, raspberry
; Middle notes: Agarwood (oud), white flowers, ambroxan
; Base notes: Cashmeran, smoky notes, patchouli, ambergris
Hommage 1744 opens with fresh, green, and tart notes. The citrus fruits are clearly perceptible and create a zesty, lively opening, to which a hint of raspberry lends a delicate, fruity sweetness. A hint of agarwood is also already discernible, though it reveals a rather unusual side here. You’ll search in vain for pronounced smokiness. Instead, the oud reveals subtle medicinal, light, and almost creamy facets that blend wonderfully with the citrusy freshness. Gradually, white flowers join the composition; with their milky-creamy nuances, they add extra softness and smoothness while remaining pleasantly in the background. The woody notes, too, come across as pleasantly gentle and understated, without becoming overly strong or dominant.
As the fragrance develops, Hommage 1744 becomes increasingly soft, airy, and almost fluffy. The initial freshness slowly recedes, giving way to a smooth, gently woody base. Patchouli adds subtle creamy-earthy notes, while amber underlies the composition with a delicate, comforting warmth. Everything feels very harmonious and finely balanced, without any single ingredient taking center stage.
Hommage 1744 is an elegant, light, and gentle interpretation of oud that avoids any sense of excessive heaviness or intensity. Citrus freshness, subtle fruitiness, creamy florals, and soft woods come together to form a wonderfully balanced composition. The agarwood is definitely noticeable, but it presents itself in a restrained way. I’d rate its presence as moderate, and it has good longevity. A modern, versatile unisex fragrance that works well all year round. Especially lovely for anyone who likes oud but prefers to avoid overly strong, smoky, or animalic notes.
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