Oud – one of the most luxurious scents in the world of perfume. Discover the greatest secret of the sensual Orient.

It's oriental and intriguing, with resinous, woody, and earthy notes intertwining in layers. Oud is one of the most complex aromas in perfumery, profoundly stimulating all the senses. However, such an extraordinary olfactory experience comes at a steep price. Why is oud the most expensive and luxurious fragrance?
It's described as warm and smoky, with a subtle sweetness combined with musk. The aroma of oud isn't easy to describe, and to truly understand its scent, you have to experience it for yourself. And that's not easy, as oud oil has an estimated price of $5,000 per pound (or 49,600 złoty per kilogram!). Where does this figure come from?

Oud is an essential oil obtained from the resin of the agarwood tree of the genus Aquilaria, which grows primarily in the forests of Southeast Asia, India, and Bangladesh. However, not every tree is suitable for oud production. The aromatic resin is produced only when the tree becomes infected with a special fungus that causes its heart to absorb a dark, fragrant substance. It is estimated that only about 2% of agarwood trees possess this valuable resin, making oud one of the rarest and most expensive perfume raw materials in the world.
Beyond the mere availability of oud, its extraction process is complex and time-consuming. First, trees must be infected with a fungus and then mature for up to several decades to obtain the desired quality resin. Furthermore, many trees are endangered, making oud harvesting impossible. To avoid exorbitant prices and ensure constant access to this fragrance, perfumers use synthetic substitutes or compositions of ingredients that closely resemble oud.

The history of oud's aroma dates back to ancient civilizations in the Middle East, where the oil was used in perfumery, but also in religious rituals and meditation. It was credited with cleansing, protective, and relaxing properties. Oud didn't gain popularity in Europe until the 17th century, when French kings, including Louis XIV, discovered the properties of this aroma. What was it that truly captivated them?
Imagine entering a forest. But not just any forest, but one freshly rained, where the air is filled with moisture and the aroma of plants that have been revived. Added to this is the scent of smoke, wafting over burning wood and mingling with balsamic notes. After a while of walking through the forest, you begin to feel a pleasant warmth and the scent flowing straight from every tree you pass. In these aromas, you begin to detect a light sweetness that intertwines with animalistic accents . In an instant, you can feel envelopment, delicacy, depth, and intensity all at once. Incredible.
Oud is a very distinctive aroma. It can linger on the body for hours and never lets you forget. It is considered very sensual, stimulating, and sophisticated. It is ideal for evenings, nights, and cloudy mornings. It is a scent that can reveal completely different qualities throughout the seasons, changing its character like a chameleon. This gives perfumers countless compositional possibilities.

For many lovers of luxury fragrances, oud is a true treasure, sold literally in drops. Miniature bottles holding just 3 grams can cost over $300. Why? According to sellers, just a tiny bit of this intense oil is enough to linger for hours. In practice, such a small bottle can last a year of daily use. Anyone who has fallen in love with the scent of oud can recognize it in perfumery and find the perfect version for themselves.
Armani Privé Oud RoyalIn this fragrance, oud is found in the heart notes, combined with incense and woody nuances. Although the composition itself appears heavy, amber, pepper, and earthy undertones add refinement and elegance. The Armani fragrance instantly transports you to an oriental temple, leading you through its exceptional depth. A 100 ml bottle costs 1,700 PLN.
Tom Ford Oud WoodThe oud in the heart blends perfectly with sandalwood and is complemented by vanilla, cardamom, and pepper. Although it's oriental, it seems somewhat more gentle and velvety. It's by no means a heavy fragrance. It's elegant and exclusive. A 100 ml bottle costs around 2,200 PLN.
Versace Pour Homme Oud NoirThis is a suggestion for those who want to experience the heavenly note of agarwood in a lighter, more accessible version. The fragrance balances between oriental mystery and elegance. In this case , oud appears in the base, surrounded by the scent of leather and patchouli. At its heart, cardamom combines with saffron and a spicy-balsamic core. Notes of orange, perfectly complementing the pepper, add sweetness. A 100 ml bottle costs around 500 PLN.
Maison Francis Kurkdjian Oud Satin MoodAt the heart of this composition is oud. It's accompanied by roses from Bulgaria and Turkey. Vanilla and strawberry overshadow its sweetness, adding a luscious aroma. Oud plays the role of the rose's lover, subtly enveloping it in every possible way. The scent is reminiscent of a bouquet of fresh flowers in a luxurious hotel suite. A 70 ml bottle costs around 1000 PLN.
Diptyque Oud PalaoThe fragrance opens with sweet-spicy notes of cinnamon and pink pepper, creating a warm, slightly spicy atmosphere. Oud is prominent at the heart of the composition – dense, woody, slightly balsamic , yet soft and enveloping. The creamy aroma is enhanced by vanilla and rose. The perfume is elegant, oriental, and sensual. A 75 ml bottle costs around 850 PLN.
Byredo Oud ImmortelIncredibly mysterious and deep notes that rediscover oud . Their composition is woody-chypre, with prominent notes of incense, papyrus, and tobacco, creating an atmosphere of darkness and austerity. The fragrance is very minimalistic and evokes the oud's heritage. The woody base blends beautifully with the light and crisp papyrus of Brazilian rosewood. The overall composition is perfectly balanced, avoiding any heavy feel. A 100 ml bottle costs around 1000 PLN.
Dior Oud IspahanThis is one of Dior's most recognizable oud fragrances. It combines intense oud with damask rose, incense, and agarwood, creating a composition brimming with oriental elegance. The scent is quite strong and intense, and very long-lasting. It is also described as incredibly sensual and feminine. A 100 ml bottle costs around 1200 PLN.
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