Five hundred years of oud trade routes compressed into seven notes: Etat Libre d'Orange's 500 Year EDP opens on bergamot and cacao before rose and saffron carry it into an oud and vanilla base, for anyone.
500 Year EDP takes its name from a deep historical timescale and delivers a composition that references the ancient oud trade. Bergamot in the opening provides citrus brightness; cacao adds a dry, slightly bitter-earthy quality distinct from chocolate sweetness. Together the top reads as warm and slightly sharp before the heart materials emerge.
Rose and saffron form the bridge between the opening and the oriental base: rose provides floral warmth; saffron adds the metallic-rich, slightly medicinal quality that characterises much Middle Eastern-inspired perfumery. Oud in the base contributes woody-resinous depth; amber adds warmth; vanilla softens the composition toward a creamy, long-lasting drydown. Eight to ten hours on skin.
500 Year EDP suits autumn and winter from afternoon through evening. The saffron and oud combination reads most clearly in cool air. A fragrance suited to formal occasions and evening wear.
