Amouage Opus XV King Blue EDP

Description

Opus XV King Blue sets bright blackcurrant and mandarin against a dark, animalic oud, and that contrast is the whole idea. Amouage released it in 2023 in its Library Collection, composed by Alexis Grugeon and Hamid Merati-Kashani. Pink pepper sharpens the fruity opening, frankincense and amber bring smoke and resin to the heart, and the base lays oud, leather, oakwood, sandalwood and patchouli together. Reviewers keep coming back to the oud, which they describe as barnyard-tinged rather than polished. That makes King Blue divisive: some love the funk under the fruit, others find it too much.

Scent Character

Translation: oud is the backbone, with woods and a resinous sweetness close behind. The sweet share comes from blackcurrant and amber, and the fresh share is the mandarin that fades within the first hour.

Fragrance Pyramid

• Top: Blackcurrant, Mandarin Orange, Pink Pepper
• Heart: Frankincense, Amber
• Base: Oud, Leather, Oakwood, Sandalwood, Patchouli

Performance

Longevity: Reports vary more than usual. Many wearers get 8 hours or more and find it on fabric the next day, while others say it drops to a skin scent after 2 to 3 hours.
Sillage: Moderate to strong in the first few hours.
Projection: A noticeable scent bubble for the first 3 to 4 hours, then a closer, more intimate aura.

An honest note: the spread in reported longevity is wide for this one, so test it on your own skin before buying a full bottle.

Best Occasions & Season

Made for Fall and Winter, for evenings and a night out. Unisex, though the oud and leather lean masculine. Skip it for the office, for hot weather, or if animalic ouds are not your thing.

Concentration & Provenance

Concentration: Eau de Parfum
Perfumers: Alexis Grugeon and Hamid Merati-Kashani
House: Amouage, Muscat, Oman
Launched: 2023, Library Collection

Try Before You Commit

A divisive, animalic oud is exactly what a decant is for. A hand-poured 1mL decant is $8.99, enough to wear it through a full evening and see how it behaves on your skin.

100% Authentic

Every Venba sample is decanted from a factory-sealed bottle, never diluted, never mixed. We have filled 200,000+ orders and hold a 4.9★ Trustpilot rating. Free U.S. shipping on orders $100+, with hassle-free returns.

FAQ

Does King Blue contain real oud?
Yes. Oud sits in the base with leather and oakwood, and it reads as animalic and slightly barnyard rather than clean or smoky.

Is it men's or women's?
Unisex. The oud and leather lean masculine, while the blackcurrant opening keeps it approachable.

Is it fruity?
Only at first. Blackcurrant and mandarin lead the opening, then frankincense, oud and woods take over.

How long does it last?
It varies. Many wearers report 8 hours or more, while some find it quiet after a few hours, which is why a sample is worth it here.