With only a limited quantity in existence, Maroke 1982 marks a moment in our fragrance journey unlike any other. In this collections episode of Behind the Fragrance we sat down with our Perfumer, Ahmed, who shares his insight into what makes Maroke 1982 legendary, and why this release is destined to become a collector’s treasure.
Without revealing every secret, Sulaiman and Ahmed shed light on the extraordinary story behind Maroke 1982.
The Interview
Sulaiman: In oud circles Maroke 1982 holds a legendary status. In your own words, what makes it so extraordinary?
Ahmed: This fragrance is probably the most famous and sought-after oil in the artisanal oud world, perhaps of our entire generation. When it first surfaced to the public many years ago, it single-handedly changed the oud industry. Its fragrance, its transitions, the way it interacts with your olfactory system, it really does set a benchmark for the highest quality oud made. Only a king could have made this oil: no expense spared, using unheard amounts of the highest grade wood and his own signature distillation technique.
Distillations like Maroke 1982 are almost impossible to find today
Sulaiman: For someone experiencing Maroke 1982 for the first time, how would you describe its scent and character?
Ahmed: It's special. There are many fragrances that come with hype but don't live up to it. This one does! Anyone who's smelt this oud will tell you it more than lives up to the legend. It's deep, dark, and transient, almost like molasses with purple and blue incense tones, a hint of mild mint, and a clean, balanced profile. There's no confusion in this oil; it's a perfectly composed symphony.
Maroke is derived from Maluku or Moluccan, a group of islands in eastern Indonesia
Sulaiman: Maroke 1982 is notoriously elusive. Could you tell us why obtaining genuine HM Sultan Qaboos oils is such a challenge?
Ahmed: We live in a time where replicas are everywhere. Recreating a bottle, a seal, or even a box isn't difficult anymore. Sadly, many claim to have the Sultan's oils when they don't, using his name in a fraudulent way to make money. The Sultan had a genuine passion for fragrance, for horses, watches, fine ornaments and for beauty in all its forms. We should honour what he's done for this generation of oud lovers, not exploit his status for fraudulent profit.
The Sultan maintained his own distillery, crafting oud oils exclusively for his private collection
Sulaiman: How much of this precious oud will be made available?
Ahmed: For the first time ever, this oud will be offered in 0.25g, 1g, and 2.5g sizes. Our mission at SULAYM is to make these oils accessible to as many people as possible, at all price points. In total, around 50 vials will be made available.
Maroke 1982 will mark our largest and most exclusive launch of 2025
Sulaiman: What does Maroke 1982 represent to you personally, and what do you hope collectors will feel when the experience it?
Ahmed: Once upon a time, long before SULAYM, this oil was a dream oud I never imagined I'd even see, let alone own. Now, being able to make it available to the SULAYM family is an absolute honour. This heirloom oud is a reference for life. The kind of oil you might never even apply, just open the vial, breathe it in to experience, and put it back. I've had this oil for years and have only ever used it once, one swipe, on Eid. That's the level of reverence it commands, and I believe that's exactly how collectors will feel once they experience it.
Maroke 1982 will be made available internationally Friday 14 November at 8pm GMT.
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