What is Oud
Wood that costs £20,000 per kilo - and it's infected by mould!
According to the International Journal of Pharmaceutical and Life Sciences, oud oil can cost as much as £20,000 per kilogram (more than $30,000) depending on its purity.
Something 'oud' shares with Chateau d'Yquem wine, apart from the cost, is it is made expensive through rot.
Oud meaning
Known as oud (in Arabic oudh), it comes from the wood of the Southeast Asian Agar (aquilaria) tree.
When the wood becomes infected with a particular type of mould called phialophora parasitica, the tree reacts by producing a dark, scented resin to protect itself, which is often called “liquid gold.”
“Oud” is used to refer to both the resin-saturated wood (the Agarwood) as well as the oil distilled from it.
One reason oud is so expensive is its rarity; by some estimates, fewer than 2% of wild Agar trees produce it.
Experts claim that the very best oud comes from the oldest trees, which are even scarcer.
With deforestation, over-harvesting and habitat loss, oud is an incredibly rare and precious resource. Throughout South East Asia Agar trees are now being carefully monitored to maintain its survival
Oud in Perfumery
Oud has gained considerable interest and popularity and is valued by leading perfume brands, utilising this precious essential oil.
Oud is found in the base notes which tend to remain on the skin long after the other notes have dissipated.
Whilst most woody notes are known for their earthy qualities, the tiniest amount of oud will lend a resinous sweetness and intensity to a fragrance
Where to buy oud perfume
While taken very seriously in the Middle East, oud perfume has only caught on in a big way in the UK and Europe in last few years.
One of the best luxury oud fragrances for men and women is Tom Ford Oud Wood, designed for a true connoisseur.
Oud Wood is an elegant sophisticated scent with vanilla and tonka bean that adds an overall creaminess to this otherwise rich scent.
Inspired by Oud Wood
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