Cambodian oud

What Does It Smell Like?

Cambodian oud smells like the deep interior of an ancient wooden temple—dark, resinous, and profoundly earthy. Imagine aged leather steeped in smoke, with whispers of animalic musk and burnt wood ash. There's a sweetness underneath, almost medicinal, like incense mixed with petrichor after monsoon rains. It's simultaneously warm and slightly austere, with an almost peppery bite that catches in the back of your throat. Not traditionally "pretty," but hypnotically complex and utterly captivating.

Origin & History

Cambodian oud derives from agarwood trees (Aquilaria species) infected with a parasitic fungus, primarily cultivated in Southeast Asian forests. When the tree develops this infection as a defence mechanism, it produces a dark, fragrant resin. Traditional harvesting involved wild collection; today, most comes from cultivated plantations in Cambodia, Vietnam, and Laos. The wood is steam-distilled to extract the precious oil. Cambodian varieties are prized for their subtle, creamy character compared to the sharper Arabian ouds—a distinction perfumers value enormously.

In Perfumery

Cambodian oud functions as a luxurious base note and emotional anchor in fragrance compositions. Perfumers use it sparingly (it's extraordinarily expensive) to add depth, sophistication, and longevity. It bridges animalic and woody territories, grounding brighter florals and citruses whilst lending an intoxicating, almost spiritual dimension to a scent.

Pairs Beautifully With

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