Oud

Oud wood is a resinous wood, native to the tropical forests of Asia. It comes from Aquilaria, a wood from the Thymelaeceae family. Oud wood has a multitude of other designations, and is variously called aloeswood, Agarwood, eaglewood, gaharu wood and even wood of the gods. Aquilaria produces a fragrant resin in reaction to insects and the Phialophora fungus, to protect itself. Oud (from the Arabic al-oud, meaning wood) has existed for a very long time. It has always been appreciated, but also surrounded by a certain mysticism.

The rush for oud

In the Middle East, oud wood is considered a divine manifestation capable of purifying our bodies and minds. In perfumery, the scent of oud wood belongs to the woody family. In a sillage of animalic and incense, this new scent unveils all the mysteries of the Orient. Powerful, dark and mysterious, oud fragrances are complex. At once woody, animalic and ambery, oud notes resemble the smell of sandalwood with something more... Some perfumers claim that oud is the new patchouli. Fashionable, chic, modern or trendy, oud is currently the darling of perfumers. In search of new emotions, noses have made oud the new star. Compositions are now adorned with its delicate amber reflections. Great perfumers such as Dior, Armani, l’Artisan Parfumeur or Caron have already created their perfumes with Agarwood scents...

Oud and its associations with other olfactory families in perfumery

Oud wood is particularly enhanced when combined with noble materials. Rose reveals its femininity, bergamot lends it a surprising freshness, vanilla and tonka bean bring it a smoothness, leather reveals its masculine side and saffron makes it gain spicy notes. One of the most beautiful tributes to oud is given by Yves Saint Laurent in his perfume M7. Here, oud, positioned as a heart note (with Haitian vetiver), is combined with amber and white musk as base notes... A warm, intense sillage for this perfume, which offers a unique olfactory approach. M7 is a men’s perfume of raw virility. Oud is present indifferently in men’s or women’s perfumes. Moreover, these perfumes are often unisex, like Precious Oud by Van Cleef & Arpels, a floral oriental. When oud meets flowers, it is an explosion of fragrance... A perfume that leaves an incredibly sensual sillage on skin.

Oud wood is a resinous wood. Highly fashionable for some years now, oud offers emotions much sought after by perfumers. Woody, warm, sensual, oriental fragrances that reveal something never seen before... Oud captivates every mind and fascinates with its unique radiance. It is, however, a rare wood and therefore very expensive, which heightens its sacred aspect. Indeed, through oud, eroticism and the sacred seem to be resurrected today.