Amouage Opus V

Amouage Opus V Review: A Masterpiece of Iris and Oud

Jacques Cavallier Belletrud's 2011 unisex opus blends powdery iris, woody oud, and rum for a sophisticated scent.

By James Whitmore, Fragrance News Reporter · · Updated

James covers releases, brand news, and industry shifts in fine fragrance. Former beauty desk editor; trained nose since 2014.

Amouage Opus V is the fifth installment in the brand's exclusive Library Collection, a series of limited-edition fragrances that explore different olfactory themes. Launched in 2009, Opus V is a warm, spicy-woody composition that showcases the richness of Agarwood (oud) paired with a symphony of spices and floral notes.

Created by perfumer Pierre Negrin, this fragrance is a study in contrasts: the brightness of citrus and davana meets the intensity of saffron and cinnamon, while rose adds a delicate floral touch. The base is a powerful blend of oud, sandalwood, and amber, creating a scent that feels both ancient and modern.

Opus V is not for the faint of heart. It demands attention and rewards patience, evolving beautifully on the skin over the course of hours. It is a fragrance that speaks to those who appreciate complexity and artistry in their perfume choices.

4.2 Overall
Longevity
0.0
Projection
0.0
Sillage
0.0
$320-$380
๐ŸŒธSpringโ˜€๏ธSummer๐Ÿ‚Fallโ„๏ธWinter

Accords

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Notes Pyramid

Top
bergamotbitter orangedavana
Heart
rosesaffronnutmegclovecinnamon
Base
agarwood (oud)sandalwoodpatchoulivanillaambermusk

Performance Dashboard

โฑ๏ธ Longevity 0.0/5

๐Ÿ“ข Projection 0.0/5

๐Ÿ’จ Sillage 0.0/5

When to Wear

๐ŸŒธSpringOK
โ˜€๏ธSummerAvoid
๐Ÿ‚FallBest
โ„๏ธWinterBest
๐Ÿ“Œ evening wear๐ŸŽฉ formal eventsโœจ special occasions๐Ÿ“Œ cool weather day wear

Community Verdict

โญ Overall
4.2
โฑ๏ธ Longevity
4.0
๐Ÿ’จ Sillage
3.8
๐Ÿ’ฐ Value
4.1
๐Ÿ’Œ Compliment Factor 0.0/5

Pros & Cons

  • โœ… Exceptional longevity and sillage
  • โœ… Unique, complex blend of spices and oud
  • โœ… High-quality ingredients with beautiful evolution
  • โŒ May be too intense for warm weather or casual settings
  • โŒ Price point is very high
  • โŒ Not versatile โ€” limited occasions

Price & Value

$320-$380

“Premium pricing in line with niche luxury; justified by quality and longevity”

๐Ÿ“œ Reformulation History

Some batches have been reported to be slightly smokier or more animalic, particularly earlier formulations. Generally consistent post-2015.

The Family

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๐Ÿงช Layering Ideas

๐Ÿ† Final Verdict

Amouage Opus V is a masterpiece of spicy-oud perfumery, offering depth and longevity that few can rival. It is a statement scent for those who appreciate the art of fragrance, though its intensity and price limit its appeal to a niche audience.

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AmouageOpus VIrisOudUnisexLuxuryFragrance ReviewJacques Cavallier Belletrud