Introduction: The Hunt for the Perfect Leather Scent
If you're a fragrance lover, there's a good chance you've encountered the iconic Tom Ford Tuscan Leather—that bold, smoky, luxurious leather scent with its unmistakable raspberry twist. It's legendary... but it's also pricey, intense, and not the easiest to wear in all situations.
Enter Al Haramain Leather Oudh, a fragrance that's quietly built a reputation as a versatile and affordable alternative. Launched in 2016, it's part of Al Haramain’s broad portfolio of Middle Eastern scents that aim to bring luxury-style blends to the masses. And Leather Oudh, in particular, promises a softer, fruitier take on the leather DNA that fans of Tuscan Leather crave—without breaking the bank.
After waiting years to finally get a bottle (well, a partial one), I’ve spent some quality time with this scent and I’m ready to dive into what makes it unique, how it compares to its more famous siblings, and whether it deserves a spot in your collection.
Packaging & Presentation: Modest but Charming
The first thing you’ll notice is that the bottle is simple but warm—a clear amber glass that immediately gives off a sense of vintage, leather-inspired charm. It has a wooden cap engraved with the Al Haramain logo, which is a nice touch that elevates the overall look.
It’s not the heaviest or most luxurious bottle you’ll find, but it feels authentic and well-made. The atomizer works smoothly, providing a generous mist. Mine came with a little wear and tear (and even needed a bit of glue on the sprayer), but it’s still a lovely bottle to hold and display.
This scent comes in a 100ml Eau de Parfum concentration, which is generous, especially considering the price point.
The Scent Journey: Fruity Leather with a Green Twist
Opening – Raspberry Meets Citrus
The opening is surprisingly juicy and bright. You’re greeted with a bold note of raspberry, which is both sweet and citrusy—definitely more playful than the darker, more rugged intros of Tuscan Leather or Rasasi La Yuqawam.
There’s no aggressive smoke or sharp edges here. Instead, you get a clean, slightly tart opening that’s immediately inviting. It still captures the DNA of its inspirations, but it's more crowd-pleasing and daytime-appropriate.
Mid Notes – Leather, Thyme, and Suede
As the top settles, the leather note begins to shine. But this isn’t a dark, smoky leather. It’s softer, smoother—more suede than rawhide. It feels warm and well-blended, giving the fragrance its backbone without overpowering the fruity top.
A surprising and very welcome twist is the thyme—a herbal-green note that adds a breezy freshness and keeps the leather from feeling too heavy. This is one of the elements that makes Leather Oudh feel versatile and wearable, even in warmer climates.
The balance here is impressive. You get the richness of leather, the energy of raspberry, and the freshness of herbs—all wrapped into a cohesive blend.
Drydown – Woods and Musk
In the base, woody notes and musks begin to show up. There’s a clean, mildly sweet drydown that lingers close to the skin. The raspberry fades but never disappears entirely—it stays like a soft glaze over the suede and musk.
It’s at this point that Leather Oudh becomes a skin scent, but it’s still very pleasant. No harshness, no offensive edge—just a cozy, leathery warmth that lasts for hours.
Performance: Solid for the Price
Let’s talk numbers:
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Longevity: I consistently get 6–7 hours on skin, which is great for a $30–$50 fragrance. It sticks around a bit longer on fabric. Compared to Tuscan Leather (which lasts about 5–6 hours on me in humid weather) and Rasasi La Yuqawam (which can push 10+ hours), this one sits nicely in the middle.
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Projection: Moderate. It’s noticeable for the first 1–2 hours, then settles into a more intimate zone. It's not a beast, but that actually makes it easier to wear daily.
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Sillage: Soft trail, not overbearing. Perfect for personal enjoyment or close encounters.
This is a fragrance that you won’t need to overapply, and that makes it ideal for office settings, casual evenings, or when you want to smell good without dominating the room.
How Does It Compare?
Tom Ford Tuscan Leather
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Price: ~$200 for 50ml
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Vibe: Dark, smoky, bold, luxurious
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Wearability: Best for cold weather or evening wear
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Persona: Confident, alpha energy
Rasasi La Yuqawam Pour Homme
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Price: ~$85 for 75ml
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Vibe: Smokier and stronger than Tuscan Leather
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Longevity: Beast mode
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Persona: Night-out statement scent
Al Haramain Leather Oudh
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Price: ~$35 for 100ml
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Vibe: Fruity, softer, more versatile
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Best for: Daytime, warmer climates, casual wear
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Persona: Approachable and effortlessly stylish
Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?
Absolutely. Al Haramain Leather Oudh is a fantastic option for anyone looking for an accessible leather fragrance with a fruity twist and impressive balance. It's smoother than Rasasi La Yuqawam, more wearable than Tuscan Leather, and budget-friendly enough to wear regularly without guilt.
If you already own either of its more famous counterparts, you may not need this one—but you might still want it for its lighter, fresher take on the genre.
And for those just starting to explore leather-based scents, this could be the perfect entry point.
Quick Recap:
Affordable price
Juicy raspberry & suede leather combo
Good projection & longevity
Perfect for everyday or warmer weather
Great starter leather fragrance
I’d give it a solid 8.5/10—and if you enjoy raspberry leather, it's definitely worth a spray.
