Chronicle of Oud
Chronicle of Oud
A sunshine child that is revered as both fragrant as well as quaint, Oud is a rare essential used in our fragrances, due to its long-lasting earthy scent. The symbolic journey of its existence and how its born with the death of a bark only to mother intoxicating compositions is what makes it recherché. Its velvety undertone and dissimilar persistence on each and every skin makes it a novel industry mogul. The source of this ingredient in the wild is so scarce that only a few trees produce the right resinous Oud, hence the exorbitant prices attached. Only a few in a million trees would produce the right amount of this fragrant ingredient to be used in various compositions. Read more about this mentally and physically stimulating element.
What is Oud?
Oud is an opulent and fragrant oil extract fermented in the lap of sunshine. With a myriad of different purposes and symbolisms, Oud has diverse mentions in cultural scriptures and Vedas.
Often termed as the “liquid gold,” Oud fragrances have lavish price tags due to the rare occurrence of the year-long process it takes to make the commodity as well as the rare occurrence of the Aquilaria tree as its only source.
Moreover, its ancient consumption by the upper echelons of the society and the royalty makes its luxurious possession exclusive.
Oud and its smoky fragrance comprise of a rich and warm note, often used as a plinth for several fruity and floral scents, to create a perfect balance. Its peculiar versatility makes it equally appealing to both men and women.
How is Oud Derived?
In Assam, India, the Aquilaria tree bark is infected with a specific parasitic mold that changes its odor, producing Agarwood or Oud. The defense to the reaction, is what causes the tree to produce the odor.
After the infection, highest-grade Agarwood is sorted, and the dark resin produced after the death of a plank is immersed in water and distilled to extract oil.
The extract is sustained in the sun and desiccated by skilled artisans who dedicate attention to detail, to ensure pure oil remains.
History of Oud
With mention in the Sanskrit Vedas and Bibles, Oud is used both in incense as well as considered imperative for aromatherapy. There are reference texts that support the emergence of agar while performing rituals in the primordial Kamarupa in Assam in 350 CE and Oud oil in 13th century.
Used as a base note in Olfa Originals parfums, Oud is emblematic of heritage, and old artisanal traditions of natural extraction that harmoniously orchestrate this scented luxury with its smoky and woody essence. Despite these attributes, the quality to absorb heat is what makes Oud a sine qua non for every season.
Explore the coming together of Oud and our intoxicating ingredients in our luxurious blends.
