The Story
Why it exists.
The beginning
Cider Oud sets a deceptively simple challenge: bring the lively brightness of cider into the same frame as oud, then make that contrast feel deliberate rather than novelty. Ibrahim Fuhaid reaches for apple cider, lilac, and Omani frankincense to establish the opening, and each ingredient pulls weight. The apple reads crisp and slightly sweet, almost like a chilled pour rather than a baked dessert. Lilac lifts the fruit with a soft, powdery floral, and the frankincense adds a clean, resinous brightness that keeps the top from tipping into something candy-like. As the top notes fade, Azerbaijani rose and Hungarian tobacco take hold, layered with leather, red apple, saffron, and Laotian oud.
The unusual part is the meeting point. Cider brings a sparkling, almost edible brightness, while lilac softens the opening with a floral edge. Omani frankincense introduces resin and smoke, preparing the ground for Laotian oud, leather, and tobacco. Red apple keeps the fruit thread alive through the heart, where it sits beside saffron and Azerbaijani rose. That gives the composition its shape: fruit isn't a garnish, and oud isn't the only voice. The final woods and ambergris make the drydown feel grounded, woody, and quietly magnetic.
The evolution
It begins with a lift: cider brightness, lilac, and frankincense meet in a clean, sparkling opening. The first impression is lighter than the name suggests, with fruit and floral air giving the fragrance a little air around its edges. Then the heart takes over. Red apple, rose, saffron, leather, tobacco, and Laotian oud build a denser, spicier warmth, as if the bright opening has stepped back to make room for something more tactile. Gradually, Indian oud and Guaiac Wood replace the sharper fruit with a smoky woody pulse, while Mysore sandalwood and ambergris smooth the edges. Musk stays close in the final phase. The result is a scent that moves from fresh brightness to polished darkness and keeps a warm, lasting trace.
Cultural impact
Cider Oud earns its attention by taking familiar territory and turning it slightly on its head. Oud is a material most fragrance wearers recognize, often associated with darker, heavier compositions, and pairing it with a bright fruit-and-floral opening creates an immediate point of tension. The cider accord lends a fresh, almost effervescent quality to the top, while the lilac adds a soft floral sweetness that softens the edges without dulling them. As the top burns off, the heart settles into rose and tobacco, with leather and saffron adding depth and texture.
The House
Ibrahim FuhaidIbrahim Fuhaid is a niche perfume house that emerged from Saudi Arabia in the early 2020s. The brand focuses on limited‑run, hand‑crafted scents that blend traditional Middle Eastern ingredients with contemporary compositional techniques. Each launch arrives in a modest batch, inviting collectors to experience a fragrance that feels both personal and adventurous. The line includes bright citrus‑oud hybrids, smoky woods, and floral‑rich accords, all anchored by the founder’s own nose.
The Creator
Ibrahim FuhaidHis technique centers on minimal processing and layered extraction. Ibrahim often begins with a cold‑pressed oud oil, allowing it to rest for months before blending.
