I like to lay low. I like to let the quality of my work speak for itself and not worry about what others are doing or saying. However, when something is placed before me that is wrong, I must do something about it. And recently someone messaged me with a concern about a beloved oil of theirs, Chugoku Senkoh, and a link to a thread from Ouddict with unfounded claims about its authenticity.
As a proud owner, they were perplexed and naturally concerned by the claims that it’s not wild...
A single doubt is enough to ruin an entire experience, even if the claims are vague and completely unfounded, and those that whisper doubts are fully aware of this.
Many are also aware that a particular forum exhibits characteristics of its name: half-truths and fallacies are being spread along with opinions as facts, and draconian rules implemented to besmirch the reputation of the main man responsible for the popularity of artisanal oud in the "West," the man who defined the niche as we know it today, my brother and colleague, Ensar.
One of the best and most enjoyable aspects of oud is the personal and subjective nature of individual experiences, however when guilds of plagiarists are formed to influence newcomers to the scene to buy their oud and believe their rigged “awards” and lies, something has to be said, and those that don't identify with the habits of a junkie, those with a shred of moral decency and ethics remaining should stand up for what's right, and not participate in such spite and backbiting, for the betterment of your wellbeing if not your very soul...
To this day, the founding members continue their vendetta against Ensar Oud, degrading the quality and claiming others are superior, while having vested interest in them and to satiate their appetite for Ensar’s flesh.
Because most people simply can’t purchase the upper echelon of Ensar Ouds to experience for themselves, they take the accusations as truth, when it couldn't be further from it. If all you've ever experienced of Ensar Oud is the Organic and Wild categories, you're missing 90% of what defines Ensar's aesthetic. Of course there will be regional profile similarities between Ensar Oud organics and others, but past the 1st hour, or sometimes after the first 10 minutes, the difference is clear.
I took a moment to look at the thread that was shared with me, and two things immediately stood out. The first being that another distiller is informing individuals privately about the so called deceitful practices of Ensar Oud. Doing so in private conversations ensures the claims cannot be refuted, which he is literally banking on...
The second point that stood out is the accusing party who again has vested interest in vendors on the forum and a very public vendetta against Ensar Oud claims that it "cant' be wild" while not being able to say why under the auspices that it'd stir up controversy.... A vague whisper casting the shadow of doubt... Who does that remind you of?
Surely the "controversial" information would be the most relevant, pertinent and beneficial information to the subject at hand and I'd love to hear the facts which the accusation is based upon.
They point the finger of "controversial marketing" but how many have now thought, "I should try this other oil and see for myself"
@Rahel A. well, did it pay off? Have you reaped the reward of the whisperer?
I simply cannot stand by and watch as unsuspecting people with a passion for scent fall prey to vendors peddling average oud as “artisanal” and so I must call you out on this and I pray that rather than feeling spite you turn back and find a better way of approaching matters rather than slander and plagiarism.
@everyone For context: Rahel is the man behind a new oud company that is rephrasing and simplifying Ensar Oud write-ups while claiming to have equivalent oils, yet just a year ago he sat with Ensar at the OudFest on the afternoon of October 28th in Westminster, London, without being able to clearly discern a Hindi from a Thai from a Borneo... (I'll post a clip of exactly that). Which considering that level of discernment now makes complete sense why he'd think his oil compares to Chugoku Senkoh...
Would it not be for the fact that you'd have to buy his oil to experience the difference I'd suggest you compare for yourself, but in the end, that's what they want you to do...
For those unfortunate enough to have gone for it, experience the difference yourself, and see which lasts beyond that first hour...
As a proud owner, they were perplexed and naturally concerned by the claims that it’s not wild...
A single doubt is enough to ruin an entire experience, even if the claims are vague and completely unfounded, and those that whisper doubts are fully aware of this.
Many are also aware that a particular forum exhibits characteristics of its name: half-truths and fallacies are being spread along with opinions as facts, and draconian rules implemented to besmirch the reputation of the main man responsible for the popularity of artisanal oud in the "West," the man who defined the niche as we know it today, my brother and colleague, Ensar.
One of the best and most enjoyable aspects of oud is the personal and subjective nature of individual experiences, however when guilds of plagiarists are formed to influence newcomers to the scene to buy their oud and believe their rigged “awards” and lies, something has to be said, and those that don't identify with the habits of a junkie, those with a shred of moral decency and ethics remaining should stand up for what's right, and not participate in such spite and backbiting, for the betterment of your wellbeing if not your very soul...
To this day, the founding members continue their vendetta against Ensar Oud, degrading the quality and claiming others are superior, while having vested interest in them and to satiate their appetite for Ensar’s flesh.
Because most people simply can’t purchase the upper echelon of Ensar Ouds to experience for themselves, they take the accusations as truth, when it couldn't be further from it. If all you've ever experienced of Ensar Oud is the Organic and Wild categories, you're missing 90% of what defines Ensar's aesthetic. Of course there will be regional profile similarities between Ensar Oud organics and others, but past the 1st hour, or sometimes after the first 10 minutes, the difference is clear.
I took a moment to look at the thread that was shared with me, and two things immediately stood out. The first being that another distiller is informing individuals privately about the so called deceitful practices of Ensar Oud. Doing so in private conversations ensures the claims cannot be refuted, which he is literally banking on...
The second point that stood out is the accusing party who again has vested interest in vendors on the forum and a very public vendetta against Ensar Oud claims that it "cant' be wild" while not being able to say why under the auspices that it'd stir up controversy.... A vague whisper casting the shadow of doubt... Who does that remind you of?
Surely the "controversial" information would be the most relevant, pertinent and beneficial information to the subject at hand and I'd love to hear the facts which the accusation is based upon.
They point the finger of "controversial marketing" but how many have now thought, "I should try this other oil and see for myself"
@Rahel A. well, did it pay off? Have you reaped the reward of the whisperer?
I simply cannot stand by and watch as unsuspecting people with a passion for scent fall prey to vendors peddling average oud as “artisanal” and so I must call you out on this and I pray that rather than feeling spite you turn back and find a better way of approaching matters rather than slander and plagiarism.
@everyone For context: Rahel is the man behind a new oud company that is rephrasing and simplifying Ensar Oud write-ups while claiming to have equivalent oils, yet just a year ago he sat with Ensar at the OudFest on the afternoon of October 28th in Westminster, London, without being able to clearly discern a Hindi from a Thai from a Borneo... (I'll post a clip of exactly that). Which considering that level of discernment now makes complete sense why he'd think his oil compares to Chugoku Senkoh...
Would it not be for the fact that you'd have to buy his oil to experience the difference I'd suggest you compare for yourself, but in the end, that's what they want you to do...
For those unfortunate enough to have gone for it, experience the difference yourself, and see which lasts beyond that first hour...