Citrus and oud rarely meet without one overwhelming the other. In Aoud Crystal Parfum, Roja builds bergamot and lemon verbena over a floral heart before a sandalwood and agarwood base resolves the contrast, for anyone.
Aoud Crystal Parfum, released in 2012, takes the house's approach to oud-based fragrances and rebalances the opening with more citrus structure than is typical in this category. Bergamot, lemon, and lemon verbena (the verbena adding a herbal, green-lemon quality) create a bright, clean opening unusual for an oud composition. Geranium in the heart adds a slightly citrus-rose character that maintains the brightness as the citrus fades.
May rose and jasmine provide the classical floral foundation while ylang-ylang adds a creamy tropical quality that transitions the heart toward the base. The base is Roja's signature deep oriental: agarwood as the central note, supported by cedar, sandalwood, and cashmere wood for dry-woody structure; cinnamon, nutmeg, and saffron for the spice register; and ambergris, leather, musk, patchouli, and vanilla completing the construction. Projection extends for twelve or more hours.
Aoud Crystal Parfum suits autumn and winter from evening through night. The bright citrus opening transitions into deep oud territory; the overall composition is richest in cooler temperatures. An evening and formal occasion fragrance.
