Its been an interesting journey so far, this oud-trip I've been on. I'm still a newbie, in the grand scheme of things, yet have had the opportunity to sample 100's of oils from all regions and price points. I've tried to learn as much as possible, I'm sure driving Ensar and Taha nuts with the questions along the way. To be honest, I'm lucky to have had someone really guide me along the way, knowing ahead of time where my oud preferences would take me.
I've read places where Hindi ouds are the ultimate destination, or the culmination of oud evolution. I'm not here to argue that point. I can totally see it with some of the amazingly rich and deep oils, with or without that acquired barn taste. I have some that blow my mind when I go to them, and I wonder why I don't wear them more.
But for me. I spend the majority of my time with Chinese and Vietnamese oils. Obviously the kinam rarities, for me, are the pinnacle, but even those less clearly kinam based are favorites for me. I clearly remain quite open for any good oud, but these tend to be my favorites.
How about you?
I've read places where Hindi ouds are the ultimate destination, or the culmination of oud evolution. I'm not here to argue that point. I can totally see it with some of the amazingly rich and deep oils, with or without that acquired barn taste. I have some that blow my mind when I go to them, and I wonder why I don't wear them more.
But for me. I spend the majority of my time with Chinese and Vietnamese oils. Obviously the kinam rarities, for me, are the pinnacle, but even those less clearly kinam based are favorites for me. I clearly remain quite open for any good oud, but these tend to be my favorites.
How about you?