Hi all
I was thinking to myself what would be some of the most important knowledge advanced users and old timers could give to those newer to oud.
I am not talking about tips, like buy in depth from a certain region or in breadth. Buy lots of samples instead of full bottles or don’t go ahead and quickly sell off something you don’t like anymore, cause you will regret it for the most part and will one day(sooner than you think) you will likely come back to actually very much enjoy a given oil you grew tired of. I am thinking of sharing facts and debunking misinformation. Share the bit of information that is not easily found.
perhaps we can dedicate this space to all share what we wish someone would have shared with us in our own early days. I like to invite @Ensar Oud and team, @Oudamberlove @Simla House @Micheal Smith @Martin @John @JohnH @Thomas S. ... to all chime in here.
To get the ball rolling here is one from me:
I originally thought that most oils are made from incense grade wood or just below it. Wood that still has clear visible resin formation. I found this to stay true for me for a while b/c certain oils truly did smell like a double supper wood on low heat. Understanding typical yields and more about the chemistry side of things though opened my eyes and I now know better. This is important info as it helps you navigate the market and gauge the seller via their pitch. Many vendors do whatever they can to sell a product, including insane and blatant lies.
Other point is how big of a difference aging a given oil can have. Some oils change very little while others go night and day. This is important to know, so if someone finds themselves not loving a certain oil, ask those with more experience. It may come around for you in time. It could be years in some instances or months for others.
wild wood is not just wild wood. Backyard wild with nailed trees or drilled can be very different than natural formations. also cultivated oud is not all the same.
Don’t think darker and more resin the better. Some kyen (oil rich wood or red resin formation in likes of maluku wood) can be faaaaaar superior of a scent and in complexity of it than the darkest and heaviest pieces. I don’t even go for pictures or grades anymore. Develop a relationship with your fave vendor and trust them to guide you and share what they believe is best for what you seek.
Lastly I want to stress the importance of weather and climate on the enjoyment of an oil. It is absolutely insane how majorly different an oil shows itself to me when wore in a hot humid environment vs cool dry and chilly. Some oils suffer greatly in one climate while shine brilliantly in another. Keep this in mind in your journey.
looking forward to read others
I was thinking to myself what would be some of the most important knowledge advanced users and old timers could give to those newer to oud.
I am not talking about tips, like buy in depth from a certain region or in breadth. Buy lots of samples instead of full bottles or don’t go ahead and quickly sell off something you don’t like anymore, cause you will regret it for the most part and will one day(sooner than you think) you will likely come back to actually very much enjoy a given oil you grew tired of. I am thinking of sharing facts and debunking misinformation. Share the bit of information that is not easily found.
perhaps we can dedicate this space to all share what we wish someone would have shared with us in our own early days. I like to invite @Ensar Oud and team, @Oudamberlove @Simla House @Micheal Smith @Martin @John @JohnH @Thomas S. ... to all chime in here.
To get the ball rolling here is one from me:
I originally thought that most oils are made from incense grade wood or just below it. Wood that still has clear visible resin formation. I found this to stay true for me for a while b/c certain oils truly did smell like a double supper wood on low heat. Understanding typical yields and more about the chemistry side of things though opened my eyes and I now know better. This is important info as it helps you navigate the market and gauge the seller via their pitch. Many vendors do whatever they can to sell a product, including insane and blatant lies.
Other point is how big of a difference aging a given oil can have. Some oils change very little while others go night and day. This is important to know, so if someone finds themselves not loving a certain oil, ask those with more experience. It may come around for you in time. It could be years in some instances or months for others.
wild wood is not just wild wood. Backyard wild with nailed trees or drilled can be very different than natural formations. also cultivated oud is not all the same.
Don’t think darker and more resin the better. Some kyen (oil rich wood or red resin formation in likes of maluku wood) can be faaaaaar superior of a scent and in complexity of it than the darkest and heaviest pieces. I don’t even go for pictures or grades anymore. Develop a relationship with your fave vendor and trust them to guide you and share what they believe is best for what you seek.
Lastly I want to stress the importance of weather and climate on the enjoyment of an oil. It is absolutely insane how majorly different an oil shows itself to me when wore in a hot humid environment vs cool dry and chilly. Some oils suffer greatly in one climate while shine brilliantly in another. Keep this in mind in your journey.
looking forward to read others