Woody

Indian oud smells like the deep, resinous heart of ancient wood—imagine walking into a centuries-old temple where incense has soaked into every beam. There's a warm, almost animalic quality; think leather left in the sun, mixed with earth after rain and a whisper of smoky spice. It's rich and slightly sweet, but never cloying—more like the creaking timbre of a cello than a bright violin note. First-time smellers often detect barnyard notes or even a faint medicinal quality before the honeyed, woody depths reveal themselves.

Gourmand

Sweet notes smell like indulgence wrapped in warmth. Imagine biting into caramelised toffee, the butter-rich creaminess of vanilla custard, or warm honey drizzled over toast. There's a mouth-watering quality—like confectionery shops, bakeries, or the sticky sweetness clinging to your fingers after eating butterscotch. Unlike fruity sweetness, gourmand sweetness is dense and enveloping, evoking desserts and comfort foods rather than fresh produce. It's the olfactory equivalent of a warm hug from grandmother's kitchen.