Woody

Thai oud is like stepping into a temple carved from ancient wood—smoky, resinous, and deeply earthy. Imagine the warm, slightly bitter smell of sandalwood mixed with leather that's been left in the sun, then add a whisper of incense smoke and something almost animalic, almost medicinal. It's rich and contemplative, with a creamy undertone that feels almost buttery compared to the sharper ouds from other regions. There's sweetness lurking beneath, like honey drizzled on dark wood.

Gourmand

Vanilla smells like warmth wrapped in sweetness—imagine the comforting aroma of freshly baked vanilla sponge cake, or a warm bowl of vanilla custard on a winter's evening. It's creamy and soft, almost edible, with subtle woody undertones and a hint of spice that recalls cloves or nutmeg. Pure vanilla is surprisingly complex: it's not aggressively sweet, but rather enveloping, like condensed caramel with a touch of earthy depth. It smells like indulgence and safety simultaneously.