ÇaFleureBon Oud in Perfumery “Wood of The Gods” + 12 Oud (Agarwood, Aloeswood, Oudh) Perfumes Draw

oud-scent-arabian-luxury

Oud incense

The original pur fume, mysterious oud is deeply entwined throughout history with incense, ceremony, medicine, legend, and with perfume. Oud has a complex fragrance of dense honey, of the barnyard, of green grass, and of leather. Some also find the fragrance to smell like band-aids, amber, or dried fruit. The fragrance of oud, both the wood and the essential oil, is determined by geography, distillation practices, age of the resinous material, and species of tree. In addition to honeyed and earthy aspects, different types may exhibit a zesty or fruity note, spiciness, earthy tones, or hints of jam.

perris monte carlo oud imperial cafleurebon

Called by some the Wood of the Gods, oud goes by many names,oudh, agar or agarwood, aloeswood, gaharu, eaglewood, kynam, sinking wood, incense tree, and calembac. It is a product of disease leading the infected tree to produce a dense resin in the heartwood that causes striations of healthy light wood interspersed with densely resinous, nearly black infected wood. This striping is reminiscent of eagle feathers, giving it the name eagle-wood. The most aromatic woods may be nearly black and, due to the resin content, will not float in water giving rise to the name ‘sinking wood.’

aquilaria agallocha - ling aloe and source of agar wood

Botanical Illustration of Agarwood Aquilaria Agallocha

A tall tree from the tropical forests of southeast Asia, it may grow up to 40 meters tall, has a straight gray trunk and light-colored wood. Its light-colored flowers are fragrant and form a fruit that, when ripe, dangles one or two seeds from a silky thread. There is often a mother tree under which seedlings sprout; these nourishing trees are becoming rare as older forests disappear. Agarwood trees are in the genus Aquilaria with the species malaccensis being the most sought after. There are as many as 15 other related species with a few others also yielding the fragrant resin in their heartwood. Because the tree is quite endangered and protected by international treaty, there is very little agarwood harvested today from naturally grown trees. Plantation owners, with the aid of conservation groups, now grow and inoculate the tree to produce the aromatic resin.

Oudimentary Private Reserve Burmese Raw Oud

Photo of Oud Chips : Oudimentary

After harvest, wood is chipped and graded with some destined for the incense market and some for distillation. Distillation may take 10 days or more, after which the essential oil is aged, sometimes for years. Harvesting of agarwood has been an important economic activity for native groups throughout its range. Skilled harvesters sometimes remove parts of the aromatic trees with machetes, extracting what they call gaharu without killing the tree. In Borneo, native people called Penan believe that a cicada burrows into the tree, allowing its spirit to enter and impregnate the resin of the heartwood. When hunting for agarwood they will listen to insect calls as they search.

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Yves Saint Laurent M7 was a failure when it was introduced by then YSL Creative Director Tom Ford

Despite a long Eastern tradition of appreciating oud alone as a dab on the skin or as the feature note in attars and perfume blends, the history of oud in Western perfumery is relatively recent (however, one famous European, Louis XIV, had his shirts washed in water scented with aloeswood) and begins with Yves St. Laurent’s M7 in 2002.  Today Oud seems ubiquitous and trendy with almost every perfume company from artisan to mainstream developing an oud perfume or entire collections. There seem to have been two approaches among perfumers. One has been to highlight the powerful and unusual fragrance of oud, defying users to describe and appreciate its unique qualities, rose and sandalwood work perfectly with oud to bring out the beauty of both. The other has been to soften it using the woody, medicinal, balsamic aspect as a minor note to add an unusual note and as a fixative to extend the perfume. Amber is the perfect match, smoothing the oud and adding a unique touch to a sweet amber base.

OudSteamCondenser

Oud Steam Distillation

Perfumer Liz Zorn of Soivohle on agarwood: “When I first started working with agarwood, I tinctured the wood.” She goes on to say “I would (and still do) tincture the agarwood/oud oil for long periods of time before using them as well. I find that with just about all of these natural oils there is an off putting note that fades with long term tincturing.” She adds “I like to be able to tame it and manipulate it for my needs.” She sometimes uses a combination of synthetic oud and natural wood oils, as for her scent Carpathian Oud. Liz continues, “My original Oud, Oudh Lacquer was all natural and relied heavily on agarwood tinctures. This method however is not reliable beyond the initial tincture as there is no way to reproduce it exactly when working with wood chips. It also takes years to mature, so it is something that is best left to specialty scents and limited editions.”

SekienHangonko

Japanese Kōdō Ceremony

The Japanese “Way of Incense” or Kōdō uses agarwood in a traditional art similar to the tea ceremony in which small pieces of agarwood are cut and burned. Participants pass the censer around and take turns commenting on the incense and play games to guess the material. The ancient ritual, originally played by aristocrats and high-ranking samurai, became an important part of Japanese culture.

john singer sargent black tent

John Singer Sargent Black Tent

Rare and unique, long a part of Arabian culture, it makes a perfect sign of respect and welcome for guests. Oud oil may be used simply as a perfume on the skin or the smoke may be used to scent clothing. Burned as an incense in the home, it adds a note of purification and elegance. It may also be used to anoint and perfume the dead or to enhance religious services.

VietAgarwoodOil

Vietnamese Agarwood and carved oud beads

It is said that Vietnam smells of two things: fish sauce and incense, often meaning agarwood.  Whether it is used to carve aromatic beads, burned as incense at Buddhist temples, worn as an unguent, or used for medicinal purposes, the aroma of agarwood is omnipresent in the East.

ranjatai oud

Photo: Ranjatai on display in Japan every 10-15 years  Kyarazen.com

There is a legendary piece of wood, ancient and beyond value. Called Ranjatai, it weighs 11.6 kilograms and is 1.56 meters long. Said to have drifted ashore in Japan during the reign of Empress Suiko in the year 595 AD, it was identified as agarwood and sent to the treasure repository. Emperors and Shoguns have since cut small pieces of the Ranjatai as gifts for service and the recipients themselves slice off bits to pass along as rewards. Kept in a strictly climate-controlled environment, the Ranjatai is exhibited during the autumn along with other treasures. Because the treasures are rotated, one may view this legendary wood once every 10-15 years. Unfortunately it is behind glass, so no sniffing, but the fragrance is said to be flawless.

cafleurebonburning ofaoud

Burning of Oud

In both incense use and Traditional Chinese Medicine, small pieces of agarwood may be saved through generations, a sliver at a time cut off to be burned or used in an aromatic and healing brew. As a tea, it may treat digestive or cardiac problems and a good piece will have enough resin to be used multiple times. Ayurvedic and Tibetan medicines also prescribe agarwood for health; it can be used to enhance mental clarity and open the ‘third eye’ as well as the upper chakras.

Lafcadio_Hearn_-_The_Magical_Incense_-_1899publicdomain

Many users of agarwood incense can point to the emotionally transformative and meditative properties of the fragrance alone, but it is also used for increasing sexuality and desire. Master Perfumer Maurice Roucel in an interview with Editor Michelyn Camen calls it “the most erotic raw material” and ties together its use as both medicine and aphrodisiac. He goes further to say that “… women light a fire over the brazier and stand over the smoke so that the smoke enters their ladies’ parts.” Today Wiccans use agarwood in their most powerful love spells and it is believed to draw a lover nearer.

chinese  woodblock fengshui oud

Oud is divided in 20 categories the best being Kynam

According to the Chinese saying, "one must live three lifetimes of virtues before having the opportunity to encounter real kynam or agarwood, and eight lifetimes before being able to use and appreciate it". Complex and mysterious, sweet and sweaty, healing and yet intensely sensual, oud seems the perfect fragrance for spaces both intimate and spiritual

Elise Pearlstine, Sr Contributor and Perfumer for Tambela Natural Perfumes

Editor's Note: This is our second article devoted to Oud in Perfumery. Former Contributor Donna Hathaway wrote our first, The Mysterious Oudwood and its Ancient Heritage in 2011 which you can read here.

For our Oud Perfume Draw

mona di orio oud travel set

Worldwide: Maison Mona Di Orio Oud Travel Set composed by Mona di Orio (Oud from Laos) CaFleureBon Best of Scent Award

royal_rose_aoud m micallef

Worldwide: M.Micallef 30 ml   Royal Rose Oud composed by Geoffrey Nejman and Jean Claude Astier

gold leather atelier cologne

EU, USA and CANADA:   30 ml Atelier Cologne Gold Leather Cologne Absolue composed by Jerome Epinette

newyorkoudbottle

USA only  50 ml Bond No 9 New York Oud (check out the Bond No 9 free Refill promo through November 12th here)

shay & blue  oud alif

USA Only: Shay and Blue Oud Alif Fragrance Concentree by Julie Masse, available Exclusively in the US at Indigo Perfumery CaFleureBon Best of Scent Award

BLACK-AOUD_50ml montale

USA only  50 ml Montale Black Oud  (our thanks to Euro perfumes the US distributor)

oudwood-veil 40 notes

USA only 40 Notes Oudwood Veil: Composed by Miriam Vareldzis CaFleureBon Best of Scent Award

carpathian oud soivohle

USA only 11ml of Carpathian Oud from Liz Zorn of Soivohle with Oud from Laos and India CaFleurebon Best of Scent Award

RealOud_ phoenicia perfumes

USA only 5 ml REALOUD by CaFleureBon Contributor and Perfumer David Falsberg of Phoenicia Perfumes (Oud from Laos) CaFleureBon Best of Scent Award

npg logo

 frankincense  3 joanne bassett oud

USA ALL NATURAL:  From JoAnne Bassett of JoAnne Bassett Perfumes  5 ml spray Sacred Frankincense 3 eau de parfum from the Royal Alchemy Collection with Attar of Oud -Aquilaria Crassna from Cambodia

AnyasGardenTemplePerfume3.5ml anya's garden

USA ALL NATURAL: Perfumer Anya McCoy President of the Natural Perfumers Guild  3.5 ml Anya's Garden Temple made with Laotian Oud from Enfleurage NYC and supported with Ayruvedic and Buddhist aromatics for Healing

RisingPhoenixagarwood1grampiece

 USA Only ALL NATURAL: J.K. DeLapp of The Rising Phoenix Group 1 gram of Top Quality Agarwood from Sumatra

AgarWoodOUD

Agarwood-Aloeswood-Oud-Aoudh

To be eligible for our Oud in Perfumery draw, please leave a comment about what you learned from this article and as many of the fragrances you would like to win (Country restrictions, so let us know if you are an International reader). Be sure to include at least one natural perfume if you are in the USA when you post your choices. Draw closes November 8, 2014

We announce the winners only on site and on our Facebook page, so Like Cafleurebon and use our RSS option…or your dream prize will be just spilled perfume.

 

 

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83 comments

  • Well, I’ve never thought about standing over a fire to smoke my lady bits. That’s a new one. I also wonder what that Ranjatai smells like.
    I’m in the US and since I don’t have much oud in my collection I wouldn’t mind winning any of these perfumes.

  • What I never knew before I read this article was the agarwood is prescribed in Hindu & Tibetan Medicine and that Wiccan’s used agarwood in their Love spells. I am in the UK and would love to win the Mona di Orio Oud travel set.

  • I was familiar with about three or four different names for oud, but not THIS many (sinking wood being an interesting name as I didn’t know it doesn’t float!). But I do wonder if M7 was the first introduction to the west – I always though 10 Corso Como was? Perhaps just not mass-marketed?

    As for options – gosh… Shay and Blue Oud Alif Fragrance Concentree, Montale Black Oud, Bond No. 9 New York and Atelier Cologne Absolue Atelier Cologne Absolu sound great as well as Anya’s Garden Temple from the natural selection. I’m in the USA – thanks again for the opportunity!

  • MikasMinion says:

    I can’t quite imagine how awkward it must be to smoke one’s lady bits. What an odd idea. I also didn’t realize that Oud could be steeped for a medicinal infusion.
    I am in the US and would love any of the all naturals, Realoud, Carpathian Oud, or the Mona di Orio travel set. Thank you.

  • I have the hope that by now I have lived virtuously enough to win something here! I would be thrilled to slivers to add any of the natural perfumes showcased here, to my collection. Even better, the agarwood itself. I am in the USA.
    Thanks so much for the generosity of all.

  • It’s interesting that oud is caused by disease, considering it’s bewitching, medicinal facets, and that there are so many names for it. It was nice to have the origins of some of the names as well. I would most like to win Montale Black Aoud, Shay and Blue Oud Alif Fragrance Concentree, JoAnne Bassett Sacred Frankincense, Or 40 Notes Oudwood Veil. Thanks!

  • What is so interesting to me is that Oud has so many names: oudh, agar, agarwood, aloeswood, gaharu, eaglewood, kynam… This was a very interesting read. I own a small sample bottle of Tom Ford Tobacco Oud and I wear it when I want a darker and mysterious tobacco fragrance. Scents I would be interested in winning are Maison Mona Di Orio Oud Travel Set, Bond No 9 New York Oud, Shay and Blue Oud Alif Fragrance Concentree, Montale Black Oud and JoAnne Bassett Perfumes Sacred Frankincense. I am in the U.S. Thanks!

  • I had heard of oud as incense, smoke, and as fragrance but now I know that it may be used medicinally.
    The wood must be loaded with the resin if you can infuse it many times. Wonder what it tastes like…
    I am in Australia and would be ecstatic to win the Royal Rose Oud or Mona di Orio Oud.

  • I’d love to attend a kōdō ceremony — with Ranjatai as the guest of honor. 😉
    It would be great to win the Mona Di Orio Oud Travel Set, Montale Black Aoud, Shay and Blue Oud Alif, 40 Notes Oudwood Veil, Soivohle Carpathian Oud, or JoAnne Bassett Sacred Frankincense. I’m in the US; thanks for the draw.

  • I’ve never known about using oud in tea ceremony.
    Very interesting article.
    I’m international reader so I would like to win M.Micallef Royal Rose Oud or Maison Mona Di Orio Oud Travel Set. Thanks.

  • I have attended a Kodo ceremony and have experienced the oud incense. I learned Ranjatai is exhibited during the autumn along with other treasures. Because the treasures are rotated, one may view this legendary wood once every 10-15 years. I find that fascinating.

    I live in the US and I would love Temple or the actual agarwood from the natural selections.

  • I’m an oud scents lover but I didn’t know there’s so many other names for it… Never heard before about the oud used medicinally, in tea ceremony… A very interesting and instructive post! Unfortunately, I’m in the EU (I would have loved to sample an all-natural fragrance from Liz Zorn / JoAnne Bassett…), so my options are : Oud Travel Set by Mona di Orio, Royal Rose Oud by Micaleff, Gold Leather by Atelier Cologne. Thank you.

  • Marcopietro says:

    I love the note of oud in perfumery, but in recent years it is a bit inflated.
    I was surprised and intrigued by the news about Ranjatai, the legendary piece of wood revered in Japan.
    I’d love to win the Mona di Orio Oud travel set or Atelier Cologne Gold Leather Cologne Absolue.
    I live in the EU.
    Thanks!

  • Danu Sautot-Fyr says:

    Oud despite its inclusion in what seems to be every scent on the market remains for me one of the quintessential perfumery facets. It sends me spiraling into olfactory adventures and other realms as only woods and resins can ..
    I learnt from reading this superlative article that always when we investigate perfumery notes in greater depth how much is hidden and unknown and how much more can be revealed by peeling back the layers of time and history..
    to truly know a scent, a fragrance, this inner knowledge aids us to read, hear and sense the note further. The inquiring mind will always discover treasures. I live in New Zealand at present and would like to win the Mona di Orio Travel set as it is one of my all time favorites from a superb house or the Royal Rose Oud…. thank you

  • I adore oud. I cannot say I jumped on the oud venerating bandwagon right away but Oud slowly grew on me and Amouage played a huge role in introducing me to this ingredient in the best way possible- at its opulent best. I love the way Liz Zorn (one of my favourites) plays with Oud like a wild animal to be “tamed”. I was also intrigued by its use in traditional medecine. Bravo for this great in depth article.
    I live in France and would love to win Mona Di Orio’s Oud Travel set or M Micallef’s Royal Rose Oud.
    Thank you for this draw.

  • I knew many facts about Oud but didn’t know about the Japanese use. I’d love to attend the celebration one day.
    I love Oud. Though it is now widely used (most often in a vulgar way to my nose), I can’t help but remember the first time i encountered some Middle Eastern lady and the way her sillage slapped me in the face. I right away fell in love with the scent itself plus the exotic and mysterious traditions surrounding it. There’s something really moving in the whole “Oud concept” I have grown in my mind.
    I live in Paris, France and would be really happy with the Maison Mona Di Orio Oud Travel Set or Atelier Cologne Gold Leather Cologne Absolue, which I happen to really love (Epinette fan here…)
    Bests and kudos for the great content of your site!
    Jeremy

  • I very like this article. I was always interested about Oud perfumes. I had don’t know that some also find the fragrance of band-aids, amber, or dried fruit. I also didn’t know that Oud could be steeped for a medicinal infusion. And I also did not know, that Oud was use for tea ceremonies.
    My choice would be:
    1. Royal Rose Oud
    2. Atelier Cologne Gold Leather Cologne Absolue
    3. Maison Mona Di Orio Oud Travel Set
    I live in Europe.

  • Very well researched article and lots of new facts about the wood of the gods, I did not know like so many others that it had so many names and that it doesn’t float
    I would like to win Micallef royal rose oud , Mona do Orio oud, carpathian oud , frankincense 3, Montale Black oud , atelier Gold Leather, Phoenicia real oud
    USA

  • I had no idea that oud tree had flowers
    I knew a lot about oud from so many blogs writing about it and that it is used in seeming every perfume these days. I enjoyed reading so many new facts I did not know that Louis IV had his clothes washed in aloes wood.
    USA
    Shay and blue oud alif
    Atelier gold leather
    Mona do Orio oud
    Real oud Phoenicia
    Carpathian oud by soivohle
    Bond no 9 New York oud
    Bassett frankincense 3
    Montale black oud
    Thank you for a great article

  • I didn’t know that oud grows fruit!
    I would love to win the Mona di Orio, Micallef, Atelier, Montale, or Anya’s Garden scents. I’m in the US.

  • I’ve never heard oud described this way, but it’s very accurate: Oud has a complex fragrance of dense honey, of the barnyard, of green grass, and of leather. I love oud and can’t get enough of it!

    I would be interested in:
    Maison Mona Di Orio Oud Travel Set (I’ve never tried Mona Di Orio but her perfumes have been on my wishlist for a long time!)
    30 ml Atelier Cologne Gold Leather Cologne Absolue
    50 ml Montale Black Oud
    40 Notes Oudwood Veil (This one sounds very beautiful!)
    3.5 ml Anya’s Garden Temple

    I am in the US. Thanks for the giveaway!

  • This is a very interesting article Elise! Not knowing much about Oud, I would love to be able to take part in the “Way of Incense” ceremony. I think I would then be able to appreciate it.
    I would love to win Mona di Orio Oud travel set, M.Micallef Royal Rose Oud or Anya’s Garden Temple. Thanks for this amazing draw!
    I live in the US.

  • Oud is not usually a note I associated with Japan, so I found that interesting. I always think of it as Middle Eastern. The kohdo ceremony would be an amazing experience and I would love to experience it one day.
    USA reader
    I would love Mona Di Orio oud as I heard this is one of the best
    Oudwood Veil by 40 notes (love this line)
    Royal Rose Oud by Micellef
    Carpathian oud by Soivohle
    Temple by Anya McCoy
    Montale Black Oud
    Atelier Gold Leather
    Phoenicia Realoud
    Phoenix Sumatra oud
    Thank you I was so engrossed in this article

  • So Tom Ford was behind M7 which I gather wasn’t a success in 1992. He sure put that knowledge to good use these past few years
    I was lol when I read Maurice Roucel take on ancient women standing over a brazier so oud would go up their lady parts. I guess there must be something to it seeing as Wiccans use oud for love spells.
    Please enter me in this great drawing for
    Micallef Royal rose oud
    Gold leather from Atelier by Jerome Epinette
    Mona Di Orio oud
    Oudwood veil by 40 notes
    Realoud by Phoenicia
    Frankincense 3 by Jo Anne Bassett
    Bond No 9 Ny oud
    Montale black oud

  • I didn’t know until reading this you could drink it as a tea. USA
    For the draw:
    Oudwood Veil
    Gold leather from Atelier
    Mona Di Orio Oud
    Frankincense 3 by Jo Anne Bassett

  • Thank you for the terrific article — it’s all fascinating new info to me.

    drawing: the gram of agarwood, Temple by Anya, or Sacred Frankincense 3 by JoAnne Bassett

  • 22 grades of oud and kynam being the best. I always thought it was from Laos. I was very interested on Liz Zorn’s explanation of tincturing
    as well as the spiritual uses
    I would like to smell high quality oud
    Great article Elise
    Oud alif by Shay and blue
    Oudwood Veil by 40 notes
    Gold leather from Atelier
    Royal rose oud by Micallef
    Soivohle Carpathian oud (big fan of Liz Zorn violets and rainwater )
    Realoud by Phoenicia
    Montale black oud (very intense)
    Temple by Anya

  • I remember my first time smelling oud from Cambodia, infused with rose and vanilla, beautiful fragrance. My next experience was Hindi Oud with its barnyard smell – I wondered what would possess people to wear it, but have since find myself opening the bottle to take another sniff. So is the attraction to this fragrance. I really enjoyed the article, never knew of the Japanese traditions associated with it. I would like
    Mona Di Orio oud
    Carpathian oud by Soivohle
    Shay and Blue
    Temple by Anya McCoy
    Montale Black Oud
    Phoenicia Realoud
    Phoenix Sumatra oud

  • Thank you for the article! I found many facts I didn’t know as the oud used for tea ceremony.
    My choices would be
    Mona Di Orio Oud Travel Set
    Atelier Cologne Gold Leather
    Bond No 9 New York Oud
    Sacred Frankincense 3
    M.Micallef Royal Rose Oud

    I’m in the USA.

  • What a fantastic article, I love learning anything and everything I can about oud! Smelling how different perfumers use it is even better! I’m in the USA and would love to win:

    1. J.K. DeLapp of The Rising Phoenix Group 1 gram of Top Quality Agarwood from Sumatra
    2. 5 ml REALOUD by David Falsberg of Phoenicia Perfumes
    3. 11ml of Carpathian Oud from Liz Zorn of Soivohle
    4. Shay and Blue Oud Alif Fragrance Concentree by Julie Masse,
    5. 3.5 ml Anya’s Garden Temple

  • Terrific artilcle. Loved learning about the Japanese Ranajatai exhibition. Smoking my lady bits over Oud smoke – that’s a new one for me. Add that to Lady Vixen’s arsenal!
    I’d love to try: Mona di Orio, M. Micaleff, 40Notes, Phoencia, JK DeLapp.
    Thanks

  • BRAVA Elise!

    Even though we know you are a perfumer yourself, there is NO ONE who can take an individual raw material and make it into poetry, magic, elementary and elegance as you do.

    just seeing all Oud’s many names in one line is enlightening itself (ever try to convince someone Aloeswood incense is probably some form of oud? do they really think there is an aloe vera incense?)

    thank you for giving so much illumination every month!

    (no draw entry, thank you!)

  • Donna Spiegel says:

    I am a real fan of oud. I love burning the chips and experiencing all that the lovely wood has to offer. I also enjoy oud in fragrances as well. I certainly was surprised to learn of that wonderful specimen that is tucked away in Japan…..imagine the wonderful fragrance that it has. To be able to just get a little sniff. Oud is rare, so it is very special. I’m glad that there are conservation groups that are taking care to protect the growing of these trees. I certainly didn’t know about the cicadas part in the oud culture. Now, when I hear those little lovelies in the summer, I will think oud!
    If I am lucky enough to win, I wouldn’t mind:
    1. J.K. DeLapp of The Rising Phoenix Group 1 gram of Top Quality Agarwood from Sumatra
    2. REALOUD by CaFleureBon Contributor and Perfumer David Falsberg of Phoenicia Perfumes (Oud from Laos)
    3. Maison Mona Di Orio Oud Travel Set
    4. JoAnne Bassett Perfumes 5 ml spray Sacred Frankincense 3 eau de parfum from the Royal Alchemy Collection with Attar of Oud -Aquilaria Crassna from Cambodia

    Thank you for the draw – I’m in the US.

    Great article!

  • I love oud and have smoldered sticks of the incense in the past. I did not know that there is a chunk of agarwood being kept under glass! For the drawing, I would like Temple or the wood itself.

  • Very interesting to learn that agarwood has aromatic and healing qualities. As a tea to treat digestive, cardiac problems and that in Ayurveda and Tibetan medicine prescribe agarwood for health issues. What really draw my attention the fact that oud is an aphrodisiac used for increasing sexuality and desire: “the most erotic raw material” that ties together its use as both medicine and aphrodisiac.
    In case I win I would love to have:
    1. Maison Mona Di Orio Oud Travel Set
    2. M.Micallef Royal Rose Oud
    3. Atelier Cologne Gold Leather Cologne Absolue
    I live in EU and I thank you both for this lovely and so informative review on oud as well as for your generous draw.

  • I love oud; have burned Japanese sandalwood/kyra (Japanese word for oud) for years, and am more delighted that it is finally being used as an ingredient in Western perfumery (how can something this old be considered a “fad”?!) I learned some new names for it and the fact that it isn’t just one species. I was surprised! If I won (and oh how I’d love to!) I would adore (in order of preference): M. Micallef Royal Rose Oud, Carpathian Oud from Liz Zorn, Mona Di Orio Oud Travel Set, JoAnne Bassett Perfumes Sacred Frankincense, Realoud from David Falsberg/Phoenica Perfumes. Thanks so much for the great article and drawing. In the US & cheers! 🙂

  • I learned about women’s parts and oud as an aphrodisiac
    I would be thrilled with any of the 12 oud perfumes

  • I love the saying you quote, “one must live three lifetimes of virtues before having the opportunity to encounter real kynam or agarwood, and eight lifetimes before being able to use and appreciate it”. Everytime I smell oud it is different and it’s different from what I expect it to be. It’s such an interesting perfume ingredient changing yet again with other ingredients. I can’t really say I know it fully. Thanks for the article and the draw. If I win I would like any of the natural perfumes.

  • I’m pretty new to the world of perfumes so I hadn’t heard much about oud at all before. Still haven’t smelled a perfume with the note (that I know of) so it was very interesting to read your article — and now I’ll keep my fingers crossed that I could be lucky enough to win something here — anything — to get a chance to smell what it’s all about. 🙂 Am in the EU.

  • I was unaware that there were so many uses for Oud. It’s interesting to learn about the different uses across different cultures… the different histories of its use. I would like to try the Mona Di Orio Oud Travel set, Shay and Blue Oud Alif, Bond No 9 NY Oud, Oudwood Veil and JoAnne Bassett Perfumes Sacred Frankincense 3. I live in the US. Thanks,

  • I really enjoyed this review, The uses for Agarwood really interested me especially that the fragrance has emotionally transformative and also has meditative properties. ! would like to try the Mona Di Orio Oud Travel set, Carpathian Oud from Liz Zorn of Soivohle, Shay and Blue Oud Alif, M.Micallef 30 ml, Royal Rose Oud, Oudwood Veil and JoAnne Bassett Perfumes Sacred Frankincense 3. I live in the US.

  • I love reading about natural ingredients and oud is one of my favorite notes in perfumes especially with rose and amber
    22 names for oud is amazing
    USA
    Would like to win
    Montale black oud
    Mona di Orio oud
    Phoenicia real oud
    Carpathian oud
    Shay and blue oud alif
    Gold leather from atelier
    J k de Lapp oud 1 gram
    Thanks for a very interesting look at a very enigmatic wood

  • Interesting read! I appreciate oud in fragrances, but I never had the chance to test real, pure oud. I know it is very expensive, therefore remains a dream. I liked very much the part about the piece of wood drifted ashore in Japan. I also funny how Vietnam smells of two things: fish sauce and incense.

    I live in Europe, therefore my picks are: Royal Rose Oud, Mona di Orio’s Oud and Gold Leather.

    Thanks!

  • I have learned a lot about oud reading this very interesting article. The most unusual I have learned today is the medical and aphrodisiac use of agarwood.

    My choices would be Mona di Orio Oud travelset or Micallef Royal Rose Oud. I live in the Netherlands. Thanks for this wonderful draw.

  • How I enjoyed reading this article! As with many other readers it was the first time I had heard reference to Agarwood being used as a tea – I must try that!

    I always love hearing about Ranjatai. I had the great opportunity to get to see it in person when I lived in Japan once. Crowded room, and of course, inside the display case, so I only got to see it from across the room. But even just a glimpse of such a storied piece of fragrant wood was a wonderful thing. The labels on the places where small portions were removed charmed me.

    When I came back to the States I happened upon a ‘shoko’ (mixture of tiny chips of fragrant wood, heated on charcoal or on the little silver-edged mica plate) called ‘Ranjatai-koh’. It was a little expensive but very much worth it; it is said to smell like Ranjatai…not that I can tell for sure, since very few people have ever smelled Ranjatai, and I’m pretty sure the last one to do so was the Emperor Meiji. Still, I can dream…

    …of course, part of my dream would be the choices of:

    Anya McCoy’s Temple

    JoAnne Bassett’s Sacred Frankincense

    JK DeLapp’s gram of Top-Quality Sumatran Agarwood.

    Thanks for posting this great article!!

  • I loved learning about the erotic and meditative properties of oud. Never thought that it had that effect but I’m intrigued! If I were to win I would love any of the following:
    Anya’s Garden Temple
    Shay & Blue Oud Alif
    Atelier Cologne Gold Leather
    Mona di Orio Oud Trio

  • I did not know that oud is an aphrodisiac! I would love to win any of the choices, and I am in the US. Thank you!

  • Thank you for this fascinating article! The use of agarwood in love spells is very interesting, but that these scents will draw a lover nearer is no surprise! It’s a gloriously sensual scent. I would be delighted if I won any of these perfumes. I’m in the US.

  • Beautiful article. I find it fascinating the different smells of Oud coming from different regions etc. I did not know there was a game revolved around oud. The distillation process sounds like a grueling one. No wonder why the stuff is so darn expensive. I did not know the actual medicinal values of oud either. I remeber the older article. So fascinating. I’m in the U.S. and would like to win….
    Mona di Orio Oud
    Montale Black Oud
    Atelier Gold Leather
    Carpathian oud
    Shay and blue oud alif
    Oudwood Veil
    Gold leather from atelier
    Bond No 9 New York Oud
    Sacred Frankincense 3
    J K de Lapp oud 1 gram

  • I like Yash, adore Aloeswood! From the very first time I experienced Laos Oud I was it’s slave… I have had the pleasure of experiencing many different ones and the uniqueness of each one is a olfactory symphony. I learned of the Penan belief that cicada’s bore and impregnate the resin of the heartwood. I have also experienced Kodo and now am searching for where I put my tools for this ceremony.I would love Royal Rose Oud, Oudwood Veil, MDO Trio, Sacred Frankincense, J K Delapp oud, and Carpathian Oud. I am in the US

  • It’s interesting to read about the Ranjatai. I’ve never heard of it before and the ritual associated with it. And that bit about women letting agarwood smoke into their the ladies’ part is certainly interesting to know.

    I’d love to win:
    – Mona di Orio Oud travel set
    – Micallef Royal Rose Oud
    – Atelier Gold Leather

    Thanks for the draw. I’m in Canada.

  • wonderful article- Thank you
    I’ve never heard the story of Ranjatai- very interesting
    I am international and would love to win Mona di Orio’s Oud travel set

  • I was interested how oud was used in the different cultures such as Japan and Arabia. I would love to win the Micallef Rose Oud, the Mon di Orio’s Oud or either the J. Basset Frankencense or Temple Garden. I am in the US

  • So much to learn about this mysterious wood that is medicine, ritual, and perfume. I enjoyed a tiny bit on my skin for inspiration while writing. Thanks for reading, all!

  • I actually know quite a bit about oud. But I did not know the sotry about how the cicada burrows into the tree, allowing its spirit to enter. I like that story. I also like reading Zorn on how she handles the material.
    I’d love to win the Mona di Orio Oud travel set or M.Micallef Royal Rose Oud
    I’m in the EU, ty

  • I did not know there was a locked up piece of oud from 595 a.d. 🙂
    1. Mona Di Orio Oud
    2. Oudwood Veil
    3. Gold leather from Atelier
    4. Sacred Frankincense 3 by Jo Anne Bassett
    5, Carpathian Oud

    u.s.a.

  • Disease of a tree smells oh so good. Fascinating about the wood locked up from so long ago. Makes me curious to see and smell. The rituals around Oud are quite extensive in many cultures but a game, hum. I have smelled many different ouds and the way they present themselves you have mentioned. The cicada info is interesting as well. Great information. Enjoyed the older post too.
    In the USA and if drawn I would choose: Mona di Orio Oud, Atelier Gold Leather, Montale Black Oud, Shay and Blue Oud Alif, Carathian Oud, Oud Wood Veil, Bond No 9 New York Oud, Sacred Frankincense 3 and J K de Lapp Oud.
    Thank you for the superb Oud stories. Excellent job as always.

  • I love everything about Oud! I really enjoyed the review, many thanks, so many informative facts- personally I treasured reading about the healing aspects of Oud. If I was to be so lucky I would adore to win
    Mona di Orio Oud or .M.Micallef Royal Rose Oud and I am International!

  • “one must live three lifetimes of virtues before having the opportunity to encounter real kynam or agarwood, and eight lifetimes before being able to use and appreciate it.”
    Well this is really amazing, great article and that quote above is just out of this world.
    I live in the US and if love to win

    Mona di Orio Oud
    JoAnn Basset Frankincense 3
    Shay and Blue Oud Alif
    Carpathian Oud from Liz Zorn of Soivohle
    Atelier Gold Leather

    Thanks.

  • Great article! It makes sense that agarwood incense can be beneficial in increasing desire and sensuality, but this is news to me: “… women light a fire over the brazier and stand over the smoke so that the smoke enters their ladies’ parts.” That is pretty intense! If anyone experiments with this, please report back. I would love to win the Mona di Orio Oud travel set, or the all natural JoAnne Bassett Frankincense 3. I’m in the U.S.

  • Fazal Cheema says:

    I have read lot of oud articles over the years and still I have learnt many things here. First of all, I didn’t know the importance of oud in other Asian cultures besides Middle East. I thought other Asian cultures focus more on incense but that is because I was not aware of such a close relationship between oud and incense. I am also glad this article mentions the contribution of M7 to popularizing oud trend in the West. This article has also created in me the desire to smell Rajnatai even though I need I would never be able to unless I develop relations with Japanese Royals.

    For this wonderful draw my choices will be

    1. Maison Mona Di Orio Oud Travel Set
    2. Bond No 9 New York Oud
    3. Shay and Blue Oud Alif
    4. Liz Zorn Carpathian Oud

    I am in the US

  • Smoking lady parts with oud incense? That’s a new one. What interested me is that the wood worn as jewelry would be a thing. Is it the actual scent of the wood beads, or the status of wearing the prized wood, that is the biggest draw?

    How do you choose!? I can’t, so I’ll list them:
    Mona Di Orio
    Oudwood Veil by 40 notes
    Royal Rose Oud by Micellef
    Carpathian oud by Soivohle
    Temple by Anya McCoy
    Montale Black Oud
    Atelier Gold Leather
    Phoenicia Real Oud
    Phoenix Sumatra Oud

    US resident, LOVING this informative review!

  • Ranjatai? Whoa, I had NO idea there was a Holy Grail of Agarwood! That is really, totally, extremely cool. Oud: Just when I thought I was out, you pull me back in! I live in the U.S., and, these are my preferences, should I be so lucky, in order:
    Carpathian Oud by Soivohle
    Atelier Gold Leather
    Royal Rose Oud by Micellef
    Montale Black Oud
    Temple by Anya McCoy
    Mona Di Orio
    Oudwood Veil by 40 notes
    Phoenicia Real Oud
    Phoenix Sumatra Oud

  • Thank you for this informative article with lovely art (especially that Sargent!) and for the draw. I learned so much, as usual, about the organic/botanical properties of the material and also historical and social significance. Knew it went by many names in many places but never knew it was called eagle wood because of its appearance. Really want to see the Ranjai! It’s amazing the scent could last so long. There are people who live almost 15 centuries ago who smelled that very same thing! I don’t know why I think that’s so cool, maybe because scent seems so ephemeral.

    USA, I’d be happy with any of these, my top choices:
    Temple by Anya McCoy
    Maison Mona Di Orio Oud Travel Set
    Shay and Blue Oud Alif
    Phoenicia Real Oud
    Phoenix Sumatra Oud

    Bond No 9 NY Oud
    Carpathian Oud by Soivohle
    Atelier Gold Leather
    Royal Rose Oud by Micellef
    Oudwood Veil by 40 notes

  • Valentine girl says:

    I didn’t know very much about oud prior to reading this post, so much of it was new info. However, I really enjoyed the story behind the Ranjatai & was fascinated to find out that oud is the result of a disease infecting the tree…especially since I am a fan of botrytis meeting grapes! I would love to try either, REALOUD, Royal Rose Oud, the Oud travel set, Temple, Carpathian Oud, or the 1g of agarwood from J.K. DeLapp. Thank you for a lovely draw and a fascinating story. USA resident.

  • I thought it was interesting that oud is made into a tea and the wood sinks
    I am in the USA please enter me in the draw for
    Gold leather
    Oudwoodveil
    Royal rose oud
    Montale black oud
    Bond 9 New York
    Oud alif by shay and blue
    Temple by Anya mc Coy
    Frankincense 3
    Jk de Lapp gram of oud
    Mona di Orio oud
    Loved reading about the many cultures
    Soivohle carpathian oud

  • My very favorite part of this article was learning about the ancient piece of agarwood in the royal Japanese treasury. How cool is that?! I’m in the US, and I would love to win any of the oud fragrances, but especially New York Oud, Black Oud, or a gram of agarwood. Thanks!

  • Interesting, didn’t know that tea can be made from pieces of agarwood. I am in the EU and I would choose: Mona di Orio Travel set or Micaleff Royal Rose Oud or Atelier Cologne Gold Leather

  • I never knew that you could follow cicadas to find agarwood! It was also interesting to know that families in China passed pieces of it down through the generations.

    I would love to try:
    Maison Mona Di Orio Oud Travel Set
    M.Micallef 30 ml Royal Rose Oud
    Carpathian Oud from Liz Zorn of Soivohle
    Anya’s Garden Temple

    In the US. Thanks for the draw!

  • Cynthia Richardson says:

    From this article I learned that oud is a product of disease leading the infected tree to produce a dense resin in the heartwood. I live in the US and my choices would be:
    Bond No 9 New York Oud
    Maison Mona Di Orio Oud Travel Set
    Montale Black Oud
    Atelier Cologne Gold Leather Cologne Absolue
    Shay and Blue Oud Alif Fragrance Concentree
    Sacred Frankincense 3 eau de parfum

  • I thought I knew a lot about oud but I didn’t
    I learned that cicadas spirits may haunt the tree and that there are flowers
    Also that aloes wood was used to bathe a French king
    I would love Montale black oud
    Mona di Orio oud
    Royal rose oud by miccalef
    40 notes oudwood veil
    Temple by Anya McCoy
    Shay and blue oud alif
    Atelier gold leather
    Thank you so interesting

  • Great article! I love oud. I did not know about Ranjatai and that was pretty interesting.

    The fragrances I would love to win are Montale Black Aoud, Maison Mona Di Orio, Shah and Blue Oud Alif, Bond New York Oud, or Real Oud. Thanks for the contest!

  • I had no idea that oud was created by a disease in the tree! That’s so… sad… but really interesting too. I also had no idea Oud had so many different names. I’m in the US, I’d love to try:

    M.Micallef 30 ml Royal Rose Oud
    Oudwood Veil by 40 notes
    Shay and Blue Oud Alif
    Maison Mona Di Orio Oud Travel Set
    Temple by Anya McCoy
    Montale Black Oud
    Atelier Gold Leather

    Thanks for the draw!

  • Thank you for the draw. I am in the US. It was cool to find out that Louis XIV, had his shirts washed in water scented with aloeswood. I have a bit of a fascination with the Sun King, so this was interesting to learn. My choices are:

    M.Micallef 30 ml Royal Rose Oud
    Shay and Blue Oud Alif Fragrance Concentree
    40 Notes Oudwood Veil
    5 ml spray Sacred Frankincense 3 eau de parfum from the Royal Alchemy Collection
    Maison Mona Di Orio Oud Travel Set
    30 ml Atelier Cologne Gold Leather Cologne Absolue
    50 ml Montale Black Oud
    50 ml Bond No 9 New York Oud

  • Oud the wood of the gods is so accurate
    I learned so much from this article especially that there are so many names
    Please enter me for Mona di Orio oud
    Oud alif
    Montale
    Royal rose oud
    Oudwood veil
    carpathian oud
    The rising Phoenix oud chip
    Phoenicia Realoud
    USA

  • I didn’t know the peculiar details about the cicadas in Borneo, where the native people listen to the sounds of the insects, to hunt for agarwood, because they believe a cicada burrows into the tree, allowing its spirit to enter and impregnate the resin of the heartwood.
    I am in Bulgaria (EU), and that’s why I would like to win:
    Maison Mona Di Orio Oud Travel Set,
    M.Micallef Royal Rose Oud,
    or Atelier Cologne Gold Leather Cologne Absolue.
    Thank you for the chance!

  • I have learned slowly about oud and its many uses. At first, I thought this material wasn’t anything special and why are so many perfumers are including it in their fragrance creations. The best part about oud for me is that I really enjoy many of its aspects such as the sweet, woody, spicy, etc while I appreciate the “barnyard” aspect. Sergio Momo once further described for me that there are many types of Oud and that opened up my eyes, because prior to that I thought all oud scents had barnyard scent associated with them. He actually showed examples of different types of ouds and its amazing to see the difference.

    I really enjoyed this article and learning more about this note that I have not knew before, especially the sexual part about, as well as digestive and physiological properties of enhancement.

    Interested in: Mona Di Orio Oud Travel Set, Royal Rose Oud, Gold Leather, Oud Alife fragrance Concentree, Black Oud, or The Rising Phoenix Group

    USA

  • Agarwood has become very important raw material in perfumery and I like it in many perfumes, but I’m sure that it is, at least, redundant in some of them. I’m pretty informed about the facts and culturological implications Elise explains in her article and I’m glad that she points out the process of tree disease and the importance of agarwood plantations. It is also very interesting to me how the article explains two approaches in perfumery. However, I prefer the first one, probably because my introduction to oudh has started with some perfumes from Arabian tradition, rose and oudh, sandalwood and saffron have been main raw materials in them.

    I’d love to win Maison Mona Di Orio Oud Travel Set or Royal Rose Oud or Gold Leather Cologne Absolue. I’m in the EU, Croatia. Thank you.

  • rivercitylizzy says:

    I was first introduced to oud as aloeswood in the Japanese incense sold at the indie bookstore/gift shop I worked in during my college days at Berkeley. I was hooked on the scent from the first time I smelled the rich smoke curling up from the stick and hoarded that precious box for years. How fascinating to learn that this amazing substance is the product of “infection,” but then I suppose many of our most prized consumables–wine, beer, certain cheeses, other delicacies–could also be described as having been infected by the various agents used to culture the raw materials that make them up.

    I am in the US and would be thrilled to receive any of the following:

    Maison Mona Di Orio Oud Travel Set
    M.Micallef 30 ml Royal Rose Oud
    30 ml Atelier Cologne Gold Leather Cologne Absolue
    Shay and Blue Oud Alif Fragrance Concentree
    40 Notes Oudwood Veil
    Carpathian Oud from Liz Zorn of Soivohle
    5 ml REALOUD
    JoAnne Bassett Perfumes 5 ml spray Sacred Frankincense 3 eau de parfum from the Royal Alchemy Collection
    3.5 ml Anya’s Garden Temple
    1 gram piece Sumatran Agarwood from Rising Phoenix

    Thanks to all the sponsors for such a generous draw!

  • I didn’t know that some were able to harvest agarwood without killing the tree. If only that were the norm! I would love to try the Bond No. 9 or the JoAnne Bassett oud perfumes, or the oud chips. I am in the USA.