A Date With Oud

The Verdict

Nishane A Date With Oud, composed by Catherine Jarno of IFF, represents the Turkish fragrance house's first special edition created exclusively for Al Tayer Group. Launched in 2025 at an extrait de parfum concentration of 35%, this fragrance is a tribute to the richness of Gulf heritage and the traditions of Khaleeji hospitality. It is ambitious in concept and largely successful in execution, marrying the sweetness of Ajwa dates with the smoky intensity of oud in a way that feels both celebratory and reverent.

The fragrance stands as a significant release within Nishane's portfolio, demonstrating the house's ability to craft region-specific compositions that honor local traditions while maintaining their signature quality standards. Early community feedback has been enthusiastic, with reviewers praising its scent quality, longevity, and projection.

What It Smells Like

The opening presents a sumptuous Ajwa date accord that is immediately arresting. This is not the dry, packaged date you might expect but rather something closer to fresh, juicy dates with a young, sweet aroma, as one reviewer described it. Grapefruit brightens the sweetness with citrus clarity, while black pepper provides a subtle spicy edge that prevents the opening from becoming cloying. The combination evokes a richly laden dessert table at a Gulf celebration.

The heart shifts toward sacred and primal territory. Frankincense radiates with mineral clarity, recalling the smoke rising from a mabkhara, the traditional incense burner found throughout the Gulf. Leather contributes dry, tactile nuances that add sophistication and bridge the sweet top notes with the smoky base. This middle phase is where the fragrance reveals its emotional depth, creating a meditative quality.

The base is built on the foundation of smoky, animalic oud resting upon the almond-like warmth of tonka bean. The oud here is rendered with genuine depth, neither synthetic-smelling nor aggressively barnyard. The tonka bean softens the oud's edges just enough to maintain refinement while allowing the woody, smoky character to assert itself fully. One reviewer compared it favorably to other Nishane offerings, describing it as a mixture of the best elements from the house's existing catalogue, beautifully executed.

When to Wear It

A Date With Oud is unequivocally an evening and special occasion fragrance. Its richness, depth, and considerable projection make it ideal for formal gatherings, cultural celebrations, and significant events. The fragrance commands attention and occupies space in a way that demands appropriately grand settings.

Cooler weather enhances the experience, allowing the sweet date and smoky oud accords to unfold gradually rather than projecting with overwhelming force. This is a fragrance for autumn evenings and winter nights, where its warmth can be appreciated as a luxurious embrace.

Longevity & Projection

At 35% extrait concentration, A Date With Oud delivers the powerful performance one would expect. Community feedback consistently highlights amazing longevity and projection, with the fragrance persisting well beyond a typical workday. The leather and oud base notes have exceptional staying power, and the sweet date accord remains detectable in the drydown for hours after application. Even moderate application produces substantial sillage, so restraint with the sprayer is advisable.

The Community Says

Early community reception has been notably positive. Reviewers have praised the fragrance's scent quality, with one giving it a perfect 10 out of 10 for its skillful blending and long-lasting character. The date accord has been singled out for particular praise as feeling authentic and evocative rather than synthetic or one-dimensional. The leather note has also been highlighted as contributing subtlety and sophistication. Given the fragrance's very limited availability through Al Tayer Group retailers in the Gulf, community discussion remains somewhat contained, but those who have experienced it have been vocal in their appreciation.

Who Should Buy This

A Date With Oud is designed for oud enthusiasts and those who appreciate the rich fragrance traditions of the Middle East. If you have access to Al Tayer Group retailers in the Gulf and you value exclusive, culturally resonant fragrances with genuine depth, this should be high on your list. Collectors of limited niche releases will also find it compelling. However, if you prefer lighter or fresher compositions, or if you are new to oud fragrances, this may not be the ideal starting point.

The Bottom Line

Nishane A Date With Oud is a masterfully crafted tribute to Gulf hospitality and heritage, pairing an addictive Ajwa date accord with smoky oud and luminous frankincense. Its exclusive availability limits its audience, but those fortunate enough to experience it will find a fragrance of genuine artistry and exceptional performance.