Artisanal Ouds are precious treasures which can be exorbitantly expensive. But here and there some hidden gems do surface to bring us much joy. Hence I would like to share my personal list of favourite Oud Oils from 2017 which were priced well. This should help beginners. These oils are as good if not better than their pricier cousins.
5. Malay Incens by House of Misk: a superb wild Malaysian oil with a healthy amount of foresty oudiness. Damp, earthy, vegetal tones in the opening drying into mineralic sweetness. Classic Malaysian feel and transitions. The oil needs to be applied lightly and not smudged. Under chin works best especially on a cold/pleasant windy day. Around 200USD/3ml.
4. Choco Bo Rai Extreme by Feel Oud: Sweet barny leather, caramelized tobacco, sweet molasses. Gives a very nice feeling to wearer. Excellent performance and complex transitions. Less is more. Around 120USD/3ml.
3. Maroke Noir by Feel Oud: Marokes (Aq. Filaria) are very unique in aroma. Medicinal, resinous, foresty. They are more about the feeling as compared to the fragrance aspect of Oud oils. They are non barny. Adam has presented this Maroke beauty in a very approachable manner. The bitter coffee-dark chocolate top notes add oomph to the textbook bittersweet forest floor dampness of Marokes. Very soulful. Needs a breeze to shine. And needs just a dab not a rub. Under the chin and earlobes. Longevity is average. Regardless, the most economical introduction to a very interesting Oud subtype. Around 250USD/3ml.
2. Laos 95 by Agarwood Assam. Agarwood Assam has been one of the best finds in my journey. Fantastic Wild Indian Oils at unbeatable prices. However, Laos 95 was a brilliant deal. 20 years of aging has mellowed down the sweet leather barn of Laos Oud. A soft, medicinal incense adds oomph to the oil. Drydown is sweet and delicious. The more you apply, the more it reveals. I am not sure if it is still available but it was released around 150usd/3ml. Best Laos ever released.
1. Sri Lankan Artisan by Feel Oud. Another gem by Adam. My first introduction to Wallapatta Gyrinops Oud from Sri Lanka. A unique, non-barny Oud species. Exquisite Oceanic tones, a little too fishy in the opening. Mid and heart notes being a brilliant peppery aroma, aged red sandalwood and cedar, sprinkled with forest greens. Incensy and perfumey like Wallapatta chips baked on low heat. Linear, yet long-lasting aroma which is refreshingly bright and uplifting. Great option for those who don't like barny Oud oils. I have sniffed a few Oils in the market with similar feel at double the price. Definite winner in my books. Around 250/3ml. It was a private release.
Honorable mentions: Mei Tei, Laos 99 & Manek 1 by Agarwood Assam, Jing Shen Liu by Ensar Oud, Bruneian Hues by House of Misk, Sri Pada by Imperial Oud.
Would really appreciate if you guys share your top 5s. Cheers.
5. Malay Incens by House of Misk: a superb wild Malaysian oil with a healthy amount of foresty oudiness. Damp, earthy, vegetal tones in the opening drying into mineralic sweetness. Classic Malaysian feel and transitions. The oil needs to be applied lightly and not smudged. Under chin works best especially on a cold/pleasant windy day. Around 200USD/3ml.
4. Choco Bo Rai Extreme by Feel Oud: Sweet barny leather, caramelized tobacco, sweet molasses. Gives a very nice feeling to wearer. Excellent performance and complex transitions. Less is more. Around 120USD/3ml.
3. Maroke Noir by Feel Oud: Marokes (Aq. Filaria) are very unique in aroma. Medicinal, resinous, foresty. They are more about the feeling as compared to the fragrance aspect of Oud oils. They are non barny. Adam has presented this Maroke beauty in a very approachable manner. The bitter coffee-dark chocolate top notes add oomph to the textbook bittersweet forest floor dampness of Marokes. Very soulful. Needs a breeze to shine. And needs just a dab not a rub. Under the chin and earlobes. Longevity is average. Regardless, the most economical introduction to a very interesting Oud subtype. Around 250USD/3ml.
2. Laos 95 by Agarwood Assam. Agarwood Assam has been one of the best finds in my journey. Fantastic Wild Indian Oils at unbeatable prices. However, Laos 95 was a brilliant deal. 20 years of aging has mellowed down the sweet leather barn of Laos Oud. A soft, medicinal incense adds oomph to the oil. Drydown is sweet and delicious. The more you apply, the more it reveals. I am not sure if it is still available but it was released around 150usd/3ml. Best Laos ever released.
1. Sri Lankan Artisan by Feel Oud. Another gem by Adam. My first introduction to Wallapatta Gyrinops Oud from Sri Lanka. A unique, non-barny Oud species. Exquisite Oceanic tones, a little too fishy in the opening. Mid and heart notes being a brilliant peppery aroma, aged red sandalwood and cedar, sprinkled with forest greens. Incensy and perfumey like Wallapatta chips baked on low heat. Linear, yet long-lasting aroma which is refreshingly bright and uplifting. Great option for those who don't like barny Oud oils. I have sniffed a few Oils in the market with similar feel at double the price. Definite winner in my books. Around 250/3ml. It was a private release.
Honorable mentions: Mei Tei, Laos 99 & Manek 1 by Agarwood Assam, Jing Shen Liu by Ensar Oud, Bruneian Hues by House of Misk, Sri Pada by Imperial Oud.
Would really appreciate if you guys share your top 5s. Cheers.
