Fun fact: It comes from tree fungus.
Marc Tran / Stocksy
In This Article
In many ways, fragrance can be compared to wine.
As the weather cools down, it feels only natural to reach forwoody fragrances.
Marc Tran / Stocksy
And one woody note, in particular, is bound to turn heads: Oud.
Keep reading for everything you gotta know about oud, straight from perfumers Frank Voelkl and Jacques Huclier.
Meet the Experts
What Is Oud?
Once the tree has fallen, the bark [is] stripped and distilled."
Yes, you read the above correctly: Oud is extracted from fungus.
Once distilled, the oil is used in some of the mostexpensiveand popular fragrances.
What’s Its History?
There is a rich history behind oud.
Found in the forests of Southeast Asia and India, it has long been used by sultans.
In the Middle East, oud is known as “black gold” Voelkl shares.
What Does It Smell Like?
Huclier describes oud as a woody, earthy, spicy, and animalic note.
“It is very powerful, with abig trailand long-lasting results,” he adds.
Voelkl expands the description, adding unique, warm, and leathery.
From a non-perfumer point of view, I’d describe it to my friends as a late-night scent.
How Is Modern Oud Different?
Beyond the physical supply, Huclier says synthetics can allow for the growth of the scent itself.
For starters, a little goes a long way with this powerful scent.
The technical way we wear oud has come a long way, the perfumers add.
This is a method that has been done traditionally and until today."
As for the perfumer recommendations?
“They leave a memorable impact with a unique, often sensual quality,” he says.
The Final Takeaway
The perfumers' favorite thing about oud?
The fact that this sacred scent has made its way here.
