Oud, an aromatic gem, offers a sensory journey, each type weaving its unique tale through mesmerising scents that captivate and enchant. This precious oil, revered and sought after, has various styles intricately linked to its region of origin and method of distillation. Let’s delve into this mystical world, exploring the styles and stories that make each oud uniquely enthralling.
Unveiling Oud: A Symphony of Styles
Hindi Oud:
Hindi oud, also known as Indian, Bengali or Assamese oud, presents an animalic, barnyard opening with undercurrents of hay, dung, tea, straw, woods, and spices. As it evolves, hints of incense and leather come forth, resulting in a fragrance that is stark, austere, and uncompromising, yet simultaneously regal and spiritually uplifting.
Cambodi Oud:
Originating from Cambodia's wild Aquilaria Crassna trees, Cambodi oud is celebrated for its sweet, fruity, and honeyed profile. This friendly and accessible oud type, reminiscent of juicy red fruits and berries, offers subtle hints of honey, caramel, and soft woods, creating a scent that is both comforting and exhilarating.
Vietnamese Oud:
Rich and tart, Vietnamese-style oud oils present a resinous and peppery profile, offering a taste that is more on the savoury spectrum. Renowned for being the home of kyara — the highest grade of oud wood — these oils are cherished for their unique and luxurious character.
BINH YEN by Sulaym
Papuan Oud:
Distinctly green and leafy, Papuan oud whispers of minty, herbal freshness, grounded by woody and light, ethereal notes. With its tannic nuances and subtle floral whispers, it encapsulates the cool, fresh vibrancy of lush islands.
Chinese Oud:
Rare and fiercely animalic, Chinese oud unveils itself with bright citrus top notes, diving deep into an expressive heart of honey, dark woods, musk, and fur, painting a scent portrait that is as regal as it is mysterious.
Laotian Oud:
Opening with pungent animalic notes, Laotian oud transitions into a syrupy, woodsy sweetness, revealing creamy and floral facets. It's bold and can be overbearing, requiring a masterful hand in blending.
Malaysian Oud:
Malaysian oud enchants with its complex smoke and earth profile, underpinned by fruity, leathery notes. With traces of damp earth, truffles, wet wood, and tropical fruit, it presents a clean, sweet, and smoky aroma.
Indonesian Oud:
Indonesian oud, dark and wild, offers an olfactory tapestry that is as diverse as the Indonesian archipelago itself, ranging from green, damp, and smoky to earthy, wild, and jungly, embodying the untamed spirit of the islands.
Borneo Oud presents a fresh fragrance that encapsulates its lush, native environment. Its unique scent profile is rich in terpenoids, offering notes of pine, camphor, and a hint of vanilla, providing a sparkling, transcendent, and meditative experience appreciated by both Oud connoisseurs and newcomers. The island's distinct terroir significantly influences Borneo Oud’s character, producing a fragrance unmistakably tied to its origin. With its versatile and accessible aroma, featuring subtle bitter undertones and notes of white flowers, honey, and herbs.
Synthetic Oud:Synthetic oud, prevalently used in commercial perfumery due to its affordability and consistency, often falls short of delivering the intricate and captivating scent profile offered by natural oud. Furthermore, there is growing concern about the potential adverse effects of synthetic fragrances, including synthetic oud, on the endocrine system. Research suggests that some chemical components in synthetic fragrances may act as endocrine disruptors, which are substances that interfere with the normal function of hormones in the body, potentially leading to a variety of health issues such as hormonal imbalances.
Conclusion: The Oud Tapestry
The world of oud is a mesmerising tableau of scents, each telling a story of tradition, craftsmanship, and the allure of one of nature’s most captivating fragrances. From the regal Hindi to the accessible Cambodi, and the wild spirit of Indonesian oud, there’s a scent for every nose, a tale for every soul. Whether a novice or a connoisseur, the oud journey is one of continuous discovery and delight, a dance of scents that beckon, enchant, and ultimately, mesmerise.