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For this head to head match up, I wanted to take a look at two Tom Ford fragrances but in particular, the two Tobacco Oud scents: the original vs. Tobacco Oud Intense. Which of these colognes smells better? Which has better sillage? Better longevity? Which one is the fragrance to consider buying?
Update: Both of these fragrances have seemingly been discontinued. For sure, Intense. Tobacco Oud seems to pop up and then go away, but you can still find it places online. If you want to try an alternative, The Dua Brand has their ‘inspired by’ take on each: Tobac Aoud and Tobac Aoud Attar.
Quick Overview
🏆 My Verdict
Tobacco Oud Intense wins on opening, projection, and overall scent, while the original Tobacco Oud wins on longevity.
Buy Tobacco Oud Intense if you want the smoother, sweeter, less harsh version with stronger sillage and a better overall wear experience.
Buy Tobacco Oud if you prefer more whiskey, spice, booziness, and longer wear time.
| Category | Tobacco Oud | Tobacco Oud Intense | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Opening | Big oud, whiskey, cured tobacco, coriander, earthy patchouli, rough smoky start | Tobacco, oud, amber, tonka bean, dark smoke, smoother sweetness | Intense |
| Projection | Strong early, but does not hold peak strength as long | Stronger sillage and maintains strength longer | Intense |
| Longevity | 10+ hours on skin | Around 7–9 hours | Tobacco Oud |
| Versatility | Cold weather, dressed-up situations, less casual wear | Cold weather, dressed-up situations, less casual wear | Push |
| Overall Scent | Boozier, spicier, harsher opening that improves into smoother woody sweetness | Smoother, sweeter, almost leathery amber-tonka oud with a better full wear | Intense |
| Best For | Fans of boozy, spicy, rougher tobacco-oud scents | Those who want the smoother, sweeter, stronger-projecting version | — |
Tale of the Tape: Tom Ford Tobacco Oud vs Intense
Tobacco Oud
Notes include: tobacco, oud, amber, whiskey, vanilla, cinnamon, benzoin, patchouli, sandalwood, coriander, cedar, incense
Click here to try: Tom Ford Private Blend Tobacco Oud Eau De Parfum Spray 100ml/3.4oz
Read my original review: Tobacco Oud Review
Tobacco Oud Intense
Notes include: oud, tobacco, amber, cedar, coriander, tonka bean, patchouli, sandalwood, labdanum
Click here to try: Tom Ford Tobacco Oud Intense by Tom Ford, 3.4 oz EDP Spray Unisex
Read my original review: Tobacco Oud Intense
Opening
Tobacco Oud opens up with a big dose of the oud, but also whiskey, which is more prominent than the tobacco at the start. Under that layer, there is the cured tobacco, spicy coriander, and an earthy patchouli. The start is rough and pretty smokey.
Intense starts off with the tobacco and oud notes, it is dark and smokey, but under that is a smooth amber and tonka bean blend. It is much sweeter and not as harsh as the original. For that reason, I will give the opening round to Tobacco Oud Intense.
Edge: Intense
Projection
Is the intense version better in terms of sillage? Yes. Tobacco Oud Intense reaches a higher level of strength and maintains that strength for longer than the original’s peak. Even after that, it is still stronger in its more moderate stages.
Edge: Intense
Longevity
This is where it is actually interesting. With the original, I could get 10+ hours of wear on my skin. With Intense, I only get 7-9 hours. Why? I don’t know. Maybe it’s the particular batch or maybe the original just has better staying power.
Edge: Tobacco Oud
Versatility
No real difference here. Both are cold weather fragrances. Better for dressed up versus casual. Both attractive, but not particularly sexy. The similarities don’t provide for distinctions in this category.
Edge: Push
Overall Scent
I like the dry down of the original Tobacco Oud, but the opening act, kind of puts me off. It’s too harsh and boozy. The latter stages get, better before it settles down into a smoother woody fragrance with an underlying sweetness…pretty much what Intense is throughout.
The original has more spice and booziness, which I usually enjoy, but not so much in the composition.
Tobacco Oud Intense, just has a better smell throughout. The amber and tonka bean help to create a smooth, almost leathery effect, in the fragrance.
Plus, the oud is toned down, the further along you get into the wear. For me, it is just a better overall experience. Between the two, I’d definitely go with Intense.
Once again, if you can’t find either of these Tom Ford fragrances, you can get a cheaper alternative(s) from The Dua Brand: Tobac Aoud and Tobac Aoud Attar.
Winner: Intense
Who Should Buy Each?
Choose Tobacco Oud if:
You want the longer-lasting fragrance
You like whiskey, tobacco, oud, coriander, patchouli, and spice
You prefer a rougher, boozier, smokier opening
You enjoy the original Tobacco Oud dry down
You do not mind a harsher start if the fragrance lasts longer
Choose Tobacco Oud Intense if:
You want the better overall scent between the two
You prefer a smoother, sweeter tobacco-oud profile
You like amber, tonka bean, oud, tobacco, cedar, and labdanum
You want stronger projection and sillage
You want a less harsh version that still feels dark, smoky, and powerful
Tobacco Oud FAQ
Did Tobacco Oud Intense get discontinued?
Yes, as did Tobacco Oud. As of this update, neither is available for sale through Tom Ford’s website. Will they come back? I don’t know. Much less likely that Intense does.
Is Tobacco Oud Intense smoother than the original?
For me, yes. I think that the Intense version comes across as less harsh and more well-rounded than the original Tobacco Oud.
Which one is better for winter?
They’re both at their best in the winter. So, there’s no real difference, it’s just which fragrance you like more.
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Best Men’s Colognes started back in 2013, as a way to share my learning experiences with the different fragrances that I’ve owned, as I dove head first into the hobby. Since then, that new hobby grew into a consistent passion, helping millions of readers along the way. I have personally written reviews for well over 800 perfumes and colognes for both men and women. This is along with writing hundreds of other in-depth fragrance guides. You can also follow me on: YouTube, Instagram, and Tiktok!