Oud — often called “liquid gold” — is one of the most coveted and mysterious ingredients in the world of perfumery. Its rich, woody, and smoky aroma has fascinated fragrance lovers for centuries, especially in Arabian culture where it holds a special place.
At Zamoori, oud is at the heart of many of our finest fragrances from brands like Arabian Oud, Rayhaan, Lattafa, Maison Oud, Oud Elixir, Ajmal, and Ard Al Zaafaran. But what exactly is oud? Why is it so expensive and revered? And how can you find an oud fragrance that suits you?
Let’s uncover the truth about this luxurious scent.
What Is Oud?
Oud (also spelled “Oudh”) is a rare resinous heartwood that forms inside Aquilaria trees when they become infected by a particular mold. This reaction produces a fragrant dark resin that smells woody, smoky, and deeply complex.
The resin is harvested and distilled to create pure oud oil, which is used in perfumery and incense. Because it’s so rare and difficult to produce, oud oil is one of the most expensive natural raw materials in the fragrance industry.
Why Is Oud So Expensive?
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Rarity: Only a small percentage of Aquilaria trees produce oud resin.
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Time: The resin takes years to develop naturally.
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Labor Intensive: Harvesting and distillation require expert skill.
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Demand: Oud’s popularity has surged globally, especially in Middle Eastern markets.
Oud in Arabian Culture
Oud has a rich history in Arabian traditions — used in homes, mosques, and special occasions. Burning oud chips (bukhoor) perfumes the air, and wearing oud perfumes is a sign of luxury and hospitality.
Brands like Arabian Oud and Rayhaan by Abdul Samad Al Qurashi have mastered crafting oud fragrances that balance tradition with modern style, offering everything from pure oud oils to blended sprays.
Types of Oud Fragrances
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Pure Oud Oil: Highly concentrated, applied sparingly due to potency.
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Oud Blends: Mixed with amber, musk, floral, or spice notes to soften and add complexity — for example, Lattafa’s Raghba blends oud with vanilla and sugar.
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Modern Interpretations: Western brands like Maison Oud and Oud Elixir incorporate oud into contemporary fragrance profiles for broader appeal.
How Does Oud Smell?
Oud is often described as:
- Woody and smoky
- Earthy and leathery
- Sweet and balsamic
- Occasionally fruity or floral in certain varieties
The scent can vary greatly depending on the source and extraction method, which is why some oud perfumes feel heavier and darker, while others are lighter and fresher.
How to Wear Oud
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Start Small: Oud is powerful, so a little goes a long way.
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Apply on Pulse Points: Wrists, behind ears, chest.
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Layer If Desired: Try pairing with complementary scents like amber musk from Ard Al Zaafaran or soft floral notes from Ajmal.
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Choose According to Occasion: Pure oud or intense blends for evenings; lighter interpretations for daily wear.
Zamoori’s Oud Recommendations
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Arabian Oud Kalemat: Rich, sweet oud with amber and honey — a crowd favourite.
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Rayhaan Oud Al Mubakhar: Classic smoky incense oud, perfect for traditional oud lovers.
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Lattafa Raghba: Sweet vanilla and oud blend, great introduction for beginners.
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Maison Oud Amber Musk: A luxurious oud-amber-musk combo for modern sensibilities.
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Oud Elixir Royal Oud: Regal and spicy, made for statement occasions.
Final Thoughts
Oud is more than just a scent — it’s an experience, a heritage, and a luxury like no other. Whether you’re new to oud or a seasoned enthusiast, Zamoori’s collection offers authentic, high-quality oud perfumes and oils that let you explore its many facets.
Discover the allure of oud today, and find the perfect “liquid gold” fragrance to elevate your scent game.
