In The Mood For Oud

Oud originates from the Aquilaria tree, native to tropical Asia but also found in Cambodia, India, Vietnam, Thailand, and even the tiny Moluccan archipelago. Oud or agarwood is in fact medicinal, formed by the tree to combat fungal infection. The process results in the formation of a dark and smoky resin within the tree. This is carefully collected and transformed into the rare, expensive, and highly renowned oud oil, while the wood chips are often used as incense.

Oud is one of the most polarizing and misunderstood ingredients in perfumery. With an aroma resembling a refined blend of tobacco, incense, amber, leather, and wood, high-quality oud is revered by those who appreciate its scent but can be sniffed at by more sensitive noses. Loved by the Middle East, its largest consumer, for its traditionally strong and intense fragrance, there is now a new oud movement where the complex ingredients are distilled and blended to create a mere delicate scent. In this selection, we will showcase stinky animalic ouds, the classic rose-oud duo and examples of this new neutral approachable oud.