Oud: All Oud Wood Fragrances

Oud, also known as agarwood or oudh, is a raw material used in perfumery for its rich, deep, and complex fragrance. It is extracted from the wood of the agar tree (Aquilaria), a tree that grows mainly in certain parts of Southeast Asia, South Asia, and the Middle East. The process of oud extraction is particularly interesting because it only forms in agarwood infected by a certain type of fungus.

When the agar tree is infected, it reacts by producing a dense, dark resin, creating oil-saturated wood. It is this oil-saturated resin that is extracted to obtain the precious oud. The resulting fragrance is often described as woody, spicy, earthy, animalic, and complex. The quality of oud can vary significantly depending on various factors, including geographical origin, extraction process, and aging period.

In perfumery, oud is often used as a base note to add depth, persistence, and sophistication to a fragrance. It is commonly used in oriental and woody perfumes, and its use can impart an oriental, mysterious, and luxurious touch to an olfactory composition. Oud has become particularly popular in recent years, and many perfume brands offer creations highlighting this distinctive note.