Agarwood (Oud): The Luxurious Scent of the East

Agarwood (Oud): The Luxurious Scent of the East

The world of fragrance is vast, with scents originating from every nook and corner of the globe. Among them, Agarwood, also known as Oud, stands out as one of the most luxurious and sought-after. But what exactly is this mysterious scent, and why has it captivated the noses and hearts of many?

What is Agarwood (Oud) and where does it come from?

Agarwood, or Oud as it’s commonly known in the Middle East, is a fragrant dark resinous wood used in incense, perfume, and small carvings. It is sourced from the heartwood of Aquilaria trees when they become infected with a specific type of mould. This infection causes the tree to produce a dark aromatic resin, in defense against the fungal attack. Over time, as the tree matures, this fragrant resin saturates the wood, resulting in the production of Agarwood. The Agarwood Conservation provides deeper insights into the process and its significance.

In the realm of perfumery, Oud is transformed into an essential oil through a distillation process. Due to its rarity and the labor-intensive method required to produce the oil, Oud is often referred to as ‘liquid gold’ in the fragrance industry.

The Fragrance Foundation has frequently acknowledged Oud’s unique impact on modern perfumery.

How dose it smell?

Oud offers a unique olfactory experience. At its core, the scent is complex, rich, and incredibly long-lasting. Many describe it as a warm, woody scent with subtle nuances of leather and spices. However, Oud’s aroma can vary based on its origin and the techniques used in its extraction

Woody

The primary note of Oud exudes a deep, rich, and aromatic woodiness.

Leathery

There’s an inherent smoothness to Oud, akin to worn-in leather.

Spicy

Think of a gentle heat, not the fiery kick of pepper, but a warmth that lingers.

Smoky

In some variations, there’s a smoky undertone, like the comforting scent of a campfire.

 

The Institute of Art and Olfaction offers workshops and discussions that delve deeper into the intricacies of scents like Oud.

What do the experts say?

Roja Dove, a renowned British perfumer, once said, “Oud is more than a scent. It’s an event.” This statement encapsulates the essence of Oud – it’s not just a fragrance but an experience.

Jean-Claude Ellena, the master perfumer behind many of Hermès’ fragrances, spoke of Oud as “a very particular note”, emphasizing its unparalleled depth and complexity.

In pop culture, celebrities like Madonna and Katy Perry have spoken about their fascination with Oud-based perfumes, further propelling its appeal to a global audience.

Notable publications like Fragrantica often feature detailed discussions and reviews about this precious ingredient.

What are some products that contain Oud in its scent profile?

Considering its unique fragrance, Oud has become a pivotal ingredient in numerous perfumes, especially in luxury brands available in the UK. Some notable ones include Tom Ford’s Oud Wood, Jo Malone’s Oud & Bergamot, and Creed’s Royal Oud. Many of these are detailed on platforms like Basenotes, which provide comprehensive reviews and descriptions.

What scent bunny products contain Oud in there scent profile?

Scent Bunny, keeping up with the trends, has incorporated Oud into several of its fragrant offerings. A few fan favorites include –

Soulful BunnySoft powdery musks are cushioned with creamy sandalwood, rich amber, patchouli and touches of vanilla. The heart is an infusion of rose with notes of clove, warming nutmeg and cardamom whilst top notes sparkle with citrus accords. Warm amber and oud notes create an incredible atmosphere  https://www.scentbunny.com/soulful-oud-wax-melts/

Sugared Bunny A deep fruity oriental scent blends notes of decadent rose with opulent oud, raspberry, rich patchouli, cedarwood, precious musk and vanilla. Top notes of lemon and piquant pink pepper uplift the fragrance and add a sparkle.

 

Vanilla and tonka fragrance, Tonka bean scent profile, tonka wax melts, Warm and spicy tonka aroma

To sum up, Agarwood or Oud is more than just a scent – it’s an emblem of luxury, a bridge between the East and West, and an olfactory journey like no other. Whether you’re a fragrance connoisseur or someone venturing into the world of perfumes, Oud is a scent that deserves a spot in your collection.