by Alfred Dunhill
Dunhill Icon Absolute is a refined, masculine fragrance centered around oud, leather, and tobacco, with a sharp opening of black pepper and bergamot followed by warm saffron, jasmine, and a subtly animalic base. The scent is smooth, modern, and elegant, evoking a dark, incense-laced aura reminiscent of Tom Ford Oud Wood or Versace Oud Noir, but less aggressive and more wearable. It is best worn during cooler seasons—autumn and winter—especially for formal, evening, or intimate settings. The fragrance performs as a skin scent with moderate presence and discreet sillage, affording a gentle, close-to-the-skin aroma that lingers for several hours, particularly when applied to clothing. Despite its quality and favorable presentation, the longevity and projection are widely reported as underwhelming, with most users noting it fades significantly within an hour and is barely detectable beyond that. Its most consistent appeal lies in its balanced composition, tranquil depth, and sophisticated finish, making it a truly enjoyable and wearable oud-forward scent for those who appreciate discreet, rich, mature fragrances.