Oud for Greatness Neo

The Verdict

Initio Parfums Prives Oud for Greatness Neo arrived in 2024 as a collaboration with Harrods' H Society, offering what the brand describes as a reimagined version of their best-selling oud fragrance. Where the original Oud for Greatness was a wall of dark, smoky oud that commanded attention, Neo presents a lighter, brighter, more contemporary interpretation -- essentially designed for those who loved the original but only after the first two to three hours of wearing it.

The community response has been genuinely polarized. Enthusiasts call it "delicious" and "amazing," with one reviewer rating it 9.5 out of 10 and declaring it the best Initio fragrance by far. Critics, however, see it as an unnecessary flanker from a house that previously avoided flankers, dismissing it as a "Harrods cash-grab attempt" that trades the original's raw personality for broader commercial appeal.

What It Smells Like

The opening immediately announces Neo's point of difference from the original. Bergamot provides bright, emotional warmth, while lavender (specifically Lavender Orpur, a premium ingredient) introduces a soapy, barbershop fougere quality that gives the fragrance a clean, contemporary feel. Saffron adds its characteristic medicinal warmth, while fir contributes a cool, green freshness. The overall first impression is woodsy and soapy with a traditional masculine character, though executed in a thoroughly modern way.

The heart retains the oud-fougere DNA of the original but presents it through a softer, more nuanced lens. The agarwood is present but restrained, its smoky darkness tempered by the lavender's brightness and the bergamot's citrus warmth. Reviewers describe this stage as "a soft and gentlemanly fragrance" that evokes a garden after a rainstorm -- humid, earthy, and fresh.

The base deepens with oud and musk, maintaining the dark undertones that connect Neo to its predecessor while never achieving the same level of intensity. The drydown is warm, sophisticated, and decidedly wearable -- a modern gentleman's oud rather than a challenging niche statement.

When to Wear It

Neo's lighter character gives it significantly broader versatility than the original. While it maintains enough depth for fall and winter wear, the lavender-bergamot opening makes it work in spring and even mild summer evenings. It transitions easily between office environments and evening events, a versatility the original could not claim. Business meetings, date nights, and special occasions are all within its range.

Two sprays are described as sufficient for compliments, with one reviewer noting double-digit unsolicited compliments during a three-hour work shift. The projection is substantial without being overwhelming.

Longevity & Projection

Performance is genuinely impressive and one area where Neo earns universal praise. Longevity consistently ranges from 8 to 12 hours, filling a room without being overpowering. The sillage is described as strong and projecting well, with a controlled radiance that draws attention without dominating a space. Multiple reviewers note that a little goes a long way, with two sprays providing all-day presence.

This is not a skin scent -- it projects confidently and maintains noticeable sillage well into the middle hours of wear. The fir balsam and oud combination in the base provides excellent tenacity on both skin and clothing.

The Community Says

The community is sharply divided along a clear fault line: those who evaluate Neo on its own merits versus those who judge it as a flanker of a beloved original. Perfume Posse described it as having "money spent on the juice" with less intensity but more nuance than its predecessor, though acknowledging the aspirational pricing is challenging. ParfumExquis reviewers praised the balanced blend and exceptional performance. Fragrantica's editorial called it "Neo-Classicism," exploring how Initio reinvented rather than diluted their signature scent.

Critics on Basenotes describe it as "addictive but lacking the character and uniqueness every other Initio fragrance has" and characterize the Harrods collaboration as commercially motivated. The price point, hovering around $315-430 depending on market, remains a consistent sticking point.

Who Should Buy This

Oud for Greatness Neo is ideal for those who admire the original but found it too intense for regular wear. If you want a sophisticated, office-appropriate oud fragrance with excellent performance and modern refinement, Neo delivers. It also works well as an entry point into Initio's oud offerings for those intimidated by the original's reputation.

Diehard fans of the original should approach with tempered expectations -- this is deliberately lighter and more commercial. At its price point, extensive sampling is essential before committing, as the value proposition is debatable.

The Bottom Line

Initio Oud for Greatness Neo is a competent, well-made modernization of a modern classic that succeeds in being more wearable while inevitably sacrificing some of the original's memorable intensity. Whether that trade-off represents thoughtful evolution or commercial dilution depends entirely on what you valued in the original. As a standalone fragrance, it is a polished, sophisticated oud-fougere with impressive performance. As a flanker, it carries the weight of comparison -- and for some, that weight proves too heavy to justify the price.