In 2002, “King of Cool” Tom Ford presided over the creation of a new masculine scent for the Yves Saint Laurent brand, and in doing so, pioneered the Westernization of oud. M7 was launched in an era dominated by fresh aquatic scents for men, and turned heads for its bold, unashamed opulence and richness. But its fame was somewhat short lived, and after several reformulations, it was retired in 2010. In spite of this, and much to the delight of M7 lovers, a new incarnation emerged in 2011: M7 Oud Absolu.

M7 Oud Absolu opens with a sweet mandarin ambery myrrh... it feels thick and pulpy. There is an interesting fruity/medicinal accord – a little like cherry cola - that peers through the swelling cloud of dry wood chips. As the scent unfurls, it gets darker and drier... an inky trajectory that is more earthy than the opening, with dominant notes of oud, rockrose and patchouli. Whilst the original M7 maintained its medicinal quality until the last whisper vanished from skin, M7 Oud Absolu feels somewhat more arid and woodsy as the scent evolves. It is mysterious and assertive.

M7 Oud Absolu is an example of cosmetic surgery done right. Instead of woefully defacing a classic, they've actually improved upon it.