Oud is one of the most valuable perfumes in the world, with a market value of up to 50,000€ per kilo. It is therefore also called black gold. Oud is particularly well known in the Middle East and Asia. There it has played an essential role in religious ceremonies for thousands of years, as well as in oils, perfumes and as an aromatic incense.
The fragrance oil "oud" is extracted from the resin of the eaglewood tree - which is also known as the tree of the gods. The eaglewood tree grows in Southeast Asia, Bangladesh and India, among other places, and is one of the most expensive species of wood in the world. The wood species is so expensive because it is considered an endangered species and is accordingly very rare.
The Scent
"There is hardly any other fragrance that smells like oud. The scent combines a rich sweetness with woody and balsamic aromas. At the same time, the fragrance always remains "opaque" and also smoky. All these fragrance components create a warm, dark texture that is "sexy" and aphrodisiac."
As described, oud is considered a standard in perfumes, especially in Arab countries. However, in recent years, it is also gaining popularity and appeal in Western countries. Examples are the fragrances of The House of Oud, the fragrance series "Oud Stars" by Xerjoff or in particular "Oud Wood" by Tom Ford.
Especially with the latter, however, it can be assumed that it is a synthetic reconstruction of the oud scent with the help of an accord. For this, the fragrances "Kephalis" and "Cashmeran" are often used in large parts and supplemented by others.
The use of a synthetic accords instead of the natural oil is not always done for cost reasons, but often a softer, less animalic scent is desired, which can only be created by using chemical fragrances.