Which Note Took You the Longest to Understand?

I’ve been training my nose more seriously, and one note still challenges me every time: the oregano and herbal smoke effect in Amouage Interlude Man.

I know it isn’t literally just oregano. It’s that mix of oregano, pimento berry, incense resins, and leathery balsamic facets all hitting at once. The way they combine is so unusual that it took me a long time just to understand what I was smelling. Honestly, I’m still working on it.

So I’m curious:

What note took YOU the longest to understand or appreciate?

Was it oud? Patchouli? Metallic notes? Ambrox? Something herbal or smoky like Interlude?

Also, did a specific fragrance finally help that note “click” for you the same way Interlude is forcing me to learn how to dissect herbal smoky textures?

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