If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably gone through a wannabe lumberjack phase at some point or another.
Besides the plaid shirt and occasional daydream of chopping wood in the great outdoors, my fascination found its true expression in woody colognes.
If you don’t know, a woody fragrance evokes a sense of rugged sophistication, typically through notes like vetiver, cedar, and sandalwood.
I’ve never forgotten the first time a woody cologne transported me to a forest of elegance.
But which one was it? Tom Ford’s Oud Wood, Creed Royal Oud, or maybe it was Santal 33? Keep reading to find out.
So, What is the Best Woody Cologne?
In my experience, the best woody cologne is Tom Ford Oud Wood. Besides the brand’s prestige, it’s a luxurious blend of exotic woods, spices, and amber. This blend gives you a sophisticated and deeply sensual aroma that’ll stand the test of time.
Envelops you in warm sandalwood notes.
If Oud Wood doesn’t quite do it for you, Creed Royal is a nice alternative for classic elegance, especially at formal events.
You could also try out Le Labo Santal 33. It’s a very unique scent that’s pretty much guaranteed to help you make a statement.
The 5 Best Woody Colognes For Men in 2024 – Full Reviews
1. Tom Ford Oud Wood – Best for prestige
Yep, you guessed correctly, Tom Ford Oud Wood was the woody fragrance that transported me. What I like about it is that it does sophistication and mystery so well. It has this truly unrivaled ability to captivate you with a deep, smoky blend of oud, which is complemented by rich spices and warm vanilla.
Another huge bonus with this feature is how balanced it is. You’ll find that it’s potent but not overpowering. It’s also incredibly luxurious without a hint of pretense.
Oud Wood is honestly the type of scent that just commands attention. When I’ve worn it, I’ve gotten loads of compliments, each acknowledging its unique and memorable character.
The longevity is also very impressive, lasting throughout the day and into the night, making it perfect for long events or a busy day where you want to maintain that aura of elegance.
| Top notes: | Oud Wood, Chinese Pepper, Cardamom |
| Middle notes: | Sandalwood, Vetiver, Tonka Bean, Vanilla |
| Base notes: | Amber, Woods, Incense |
| Occasion: | Formal Events, Evening Outings |
| Longevity: | 8 to 10 Hours |
| Age group: | 30+ |
| Projection: | Strong |
| Season: | Fall, Winter |
| Value for money: | 4.5 out of 5 |
Envelops you in warm sandalwood notes.
2. Bvlgari Man Wood Essence – Best for versatility
When I first tested this woody perfume, it smelt like nature in a bottle. It’s a woody scent that bridges the gap between urban life and the great outdoors, basically a fusion for the modern man who appreciates the raw beauty of nature.
The uniqueness of Bvlgari Man Wood Essence lies in the way it can blend crisp citrus notes with robust woody fragrances. Many fragrances try this but very few can actually pull it off.
It starts with a fresh burst of Italian citrus zest, which then seamlessly transitions into the heart of vetiver and cedar wood. Once you spritz some on, it’ll feel like taking a brisk morning walk in a lush forest.
This Bvlgari scent has a remarkable amount of versatility and is suitable for both office wear and casual outings.
| Top notes: | Coriander Essence, Citrus Zest |
| Middle notes: | Haitian Vetiver, Cypress Wood |
| Base notes: | Cedar Wood, Benzoin Siam, Ambergris Accord |
| Occasion: | Daily Wear, Office, Casual Outings |
| Longevity: | 6 to 8 Hours |
| Age group: | 25-45 |
| Projection: | Moderate |
| Season: | Spring, Summer |
| Value for money: | 4 out of 5 |
3. Creed Royal Oud – Best for classic elegance
Creed Royal Oud is one of the best woody perfumes for giving off airs of classic elegance.
Creed colognes in general are very prestigious but this one in particular makes you feel like you’re wearing an invisible crown. This is why it’s always mentioned among the top Creed colognes. Its majestic blend of oud, pink pepper, and sandalwood creates a regal aura that’s hard to ignore.
I like the way the perfumers behind Royal Oud interpret woody scents. I think it’s primarily because of the pink pepper. It adds a spicy, vibrant edge, while the cedar and sandalwood keep it reigned in, but just the right amount.
Creed Royal Oud is the fragrance you need when you need a woody scent to make a statement at formal events. Plus, it also lasts long, ensuring that the sophisticated aura lingers from the first toast to the last dance.
| Top notes: | Lemon, Pink Pepper, Bergamot |
| Middle notes: | Cedar, Galbanum, Angelica Roots |
| Base notes: | Sandalwood, Oud, Musk |
| Occasion: | Formal Events, Special Occasions |
| Longevity: | 7 to 9 Hours |
| Age group: | 30+ |
| Projection: | Strong |
| Season: | Fall, Winter |
| Value for money: | 4.3 out of 5 |
Commanding respect with its sophisticated yet understated presence, Royal Oud is a masterful balance of woody warmth, spicy intrigue, and subtle musk, making it an impeccable choice for any occasion.
4. Jo Malone Oud & Bergamot – Best for subtle sophistication
If you’re looking for a refreshing take on the classic oud scent, then you’ve found it. The first time I caught its scent on a breezy spring afternoon, it was an instant mood lifter. I’d say it stands out among lesser woody fragrances because of the bergamot, as it’s so uplifting.
The deep, woody notes are cleverly juxtaposed with the citrus ones, creating a much more approachable take on the typically heavy oud. It’s both intriguing and easy to wear.
You get great value for money with this unisex scent and it really shows its worth during the daytime and in warmer seasons. Generally, Jo Malone fragrances are best for those who want something in their cologne collection that’s on the more subtle side.
| Top notes: | Bergamot, Orange, Amalfi Lemon |
| Middle notes: | Oud |
| Base notes: | Virginia cedar |
| Occasion: | Daytime, Spring/Summer Events |
| Longevity: | 5 to 6 Hours |
| Age group: | 25+ |
| Projection: | Moderate |
| Season: | Spring, Summer |
| Value for money: | 4.7 out of 5 |
5. Le Labo Santal 33 – Best for trendsetting
To cap off my picks for the best woody colognes, Le Labo Santal 33 is a fragrance that truly defines trendsetting. Compared to other woody scents, it stands out for its ability to blend traditional elements with a modern spin.
This eau de parfum has a very different composition; different in a good way of course. It has a mix of creamy sandalwood, spicy cardamom, and leathery notes. Plus, it also melds extremely well with the wearer’s natural scent.
With it, you’ll be able to make a statement without saying a sound, whether you’re attending a creative workspace or a chic social gathering. I’d really recommend Santal 33 if you want to mingle with the more fashion-forward circles and set trends rather than follow them.
Be sure to check out my roundup of the best Le Labo scents.
| Top notes: | Violet, Iris, Cardamom |
| Middle notes: | Papyrus, Australian Sandalwood, Cedarwood |
| Base notes: | Leather, Amber, Musk |
| Occasion: | Social Gatherings, Creative Workspaces |
| Longevity: | 7 to 8 Hours |
| Age group: | 25-40 |
| Projection: | Moderate to Strong |
| Season: | All Seasons |
| Value for money: | 4 out of 5 |
Powdery, spiced sandalwood with a warm and sweet finish.
Impressive longevity that covers a full 10-hour day.
Factors To Consider When Buying Woody Colognes
Longevity
Since colognes became a thing, longevity has always been a big deal. A lot of wood colognes have some good staying power, but here’s how long the best woody fragrances last:
- Tom Ford Oud Wood – 8 to 10 hours
- Bvlgari Man Wood Essence – 6 to 8 hours
- Creed Royal Oud – 7 to 9 hours
- Jo Malone Oud & Bergamot – 5 to 6 hours
- Le Labo Santal 33 – 7 to 8 hours
What occasion, or season, are you wearing it for?
Oud Wood‘s luxurious aroma works best during high-end events or romantic evenings. It’s got the depth and sophistication you’d need during colder months, like autumn and winter.
Bvlgari Man Wood Essence, on the other hand, strikes a balance between earthy and fresh, so it could be your go-to scent for everyday wear. Its lighter, more vibrant character suits warmer seasons like spring and summer.
If you’re looking to smell elegant during special occasions, then Creed Royal Oud is your best bet. Its regal scent profile is a real head-turner in the colder months, adding a touch of warmth and refinement.
Jo Malone’s Oud & Bergamot is a subtle yet fresh twist that’s perfect for daytime events or professional settings. Because it’s on the lighter side, it works well during spring and summer.
Lastly, you can benefit from the enchanting nature of Le Labo Santal 33 during practically all seasons. It’s arguably the most versatile woody fragrance out there.
Where to Buy Woody Colognes
I know the term “woody colognes” makes them sound vastly different but when it comes down to buying one, the process is the same as regular colognes.
The first and probably easiest method is going to the fragrance’s official website or store. They usually always have stock and you’re definitely getting the real product.
Alternatively, you could go with other online shops like Fragrance X and Amazon. I particularly like this option from time to time, as they have a diverse selection and the possibility of snagging a nice deal.
Department stores are also a good option. Besides them having wide collections they also often have helpful staff who can guide you through buying a cologne.
Other than that, you can always look for dedicated perfume boutiques, especially if you’re looking for a scent that’s particularly hard to find. Just make sure the place is legit.
How to Apply Woody Colognes
Applying a woody cologne like Tom Ford Oud Wood, a strong eau de parfum, requires a bit more finesse compared to a lighter eau de toilette.
Woody perfumes, in general, can be quite potent, so it’s important to use them in a way that brings out their best qualities without overwhelming the senses. Here’s how to do it right…
- Start with clean skin: Apply cologne after a shower when your pores are open and can absorb the fragrance better.
- Spray on pulse points: Target areas like behind your ears, as well as on your wrist and neck. These spots emit warmth, helping to diffuse the fragrance.
- Don’t rub it in: Gently dab the cologne if needed, but avoid rubbing. Doing so can break the molecules and completely change the scent, usually not for the better.
- Moderation is key: With strong scents like Tom Ford Oud Wood, less is always more. 2 – 3 of sprays are enough.
- Reapply if necessary: For long-lasting effect, reapply a small amount after several hours, especially if you’re transitioning from day to evening activities. Pro tip: apply a layer of petroleum jelly on the target area and spray your cologne onto it, it’ll last longer.
FAQs
What is the most expensive wood scent?
This is kind of hard to say because of how the definition of a wood scent can vary a little. But I can tell you that the most expensive wood scent at any given time would likely be one that incorporates agarwood, as it’s one of the priciest ingredients in the world.
Do girls like woody fragrance?
Absolutely! Many women are drawn to woody fragrances, mainly because of their warm and comforting effects, not to mention their earthy and natural essence. Also, woody fragrances are often mixed with floral or citrus notes, so they give you a nice grounding aroma. They’re a great way to attract the ladies who appreciate a scent that’s both elegant and rugged.
What does a woody scent say about you?
A woody scent usually says that you’re someone who appreciates strength and sophistication. These warm, sensual fragrances give off confidence and a strong personality. A woody scent is often associated with a mature, refined character. If this sounds like you, go for one.
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