The Story
Why it exists.
The beginning
Founded in Italy in 2016, The House of Oud has built its identity around agarwood, sourcing the finest grades from Southeast Asia and incorporating them into blends that respect tradition while embracing modern perfumery. The house asked perfumer Abbas Al Afreedi to translate a memory of Taiwanese ice-cream parlors into scent form, a creative brief rooted in nostalgia rather than geography. The result bridges cultures, taking inspiration from a specific culinary corner of East Asia and filtering it through Italian craftsmanship, resulting in something that feels both familiar and entirely novel.
The house chose milk as the core of this composition because it represents the bridge between cultures, a dairy element found in both Italian cuisine and East Asian desserts. Green Mango and Green Tea reinforce the Taiwanese inspiration, two ingredients that are unmistakably tied to that region's flavor profile. Lemon and Pineapple open the experience with universal brightness, ensuring the scent appeals before revealing its more specific identity. The drydown notes of Amber, Cedarwood, and Vetiver bring the composition back to The House of Oud's oud-centric philosophy, grounding the playful opening in the woodsy, resinous character that defines the house.
The evolution
The evolution of Nuances of Tea follows a trajectory that mirrors that first lick of ice cream on a humid afternoon. The opening bursts with Lemon, Pineapple, and Plum in rapid succession, the citrus cutting through the heaviness of summer air while the tropical pineapple adds sticky sweetness and the plum deepens the effect with dark fruit. As the opening settles, Milk takes center stage, its creamy richness shifting the scent from bright to indulgent. Green Mango threads through to add tropical tartness that prevents the milk from cloying, while Green Tea adds a leafy, contemplative element. The drydown anchors everything with Amber warmth, Cedarwood structure, and Vetiver earthiness that keeps the scent grounded long after the memory has faded.
Cultural impact
Since its exclusive launch at Cherif in Taiwan, Nuances of Tea has sparked conversation among niche enthusiasts for its daring sweet‑green profile. Wearers note its bright fruit‑first approach, a departure from the house’s usual oud‑heavy focus, positioning it as a bridge between gourmand and green‑tea trends. The fragrance often appears in summer‑time round‑ups and is praised for its playful yet grounded character, making it a standout in 2025’s niche releases.
