Oud Oil Reviews - MAIN THREAD

[kesiro]

JINKOH TO BYAKUDAN from Taha. I have waited a week to write something about this so I could collect myself. First off, as much as I am crazy about oud, I also love incense. All kinds, but especially Gothic and Japanese. I have tried at least a 100 over my lifetime and liked many, but there was always something about each one that I did not care for. Enter this gem from Taha. I told him that this was either the work of genius or a freak happy accident. I bet its the former though.
Oud is the star here, no doubt, but there is a gorgeous mix of Gothic and Japanese incense notes that make this the finest incense I have ever tried. Smoky, rich, smooth, oudy. No funk, no fermented notes. Beautifully seamlessly blended. Minimal sandalwood smell, but I suspect it has an important role in fixing the whole package together.
Thank you Taha for this incredible treasure.

 

[Tuff]

JINKOH TO BYAKUDAN from Taha. I have waited a week to write something about this so I could collect myself. First off, as much as I am crazy about oud, I also love incense. All kinds, but especially Gothic and Japanese. I have tried at least a 100 over my lifetime and liked many, but there was always something about each one that I did not care for. Enter this gem from Taha. I told him that this was either the work of genius or a freak happy accident. I bet its the former though.
Oud is the star here, no doubt, but there is a gorgeous mix of Gothic and Japanese incense notes that make this the finest incense I have ever tried. Smoky, rich, smooth, oudy. No funk, no fermented notes. Beautifully seamlessly blended. Minimal sandalwood smell, but I suspect it has an important role in fixing the whole package together.
Thank you Taha for this incredible treasure.

I've had this page open in another tab for a few hours, while saying hmmmmmm atttttttttar in my best Homer Simpson drooling voice, and now you review it while the page is still open. That settles that then.

 

[Oudamberlove]

I had just swiped Kinam Rouge when the pkg from IO arrived. So I had to try Fragrant Harbor right away and swiped on my other hand. Of course on my way to work I was in Oud Heaven.
FH instantly billows with a bouquet of otherworldly flowers in a fresh cut wood basket, there's a bitter kinamic twist and some earthiness.
It is indeed fragrant.
Drydown exposes the oudiness, and delivers a unique smell that dare I say is othergalaxial

 

[kesiro]

I had just swiped Kinam Rouge when the pkg from IO arrived. So I had to try Fragrant Harbor right away and swiped on my other hand. Of course on my way to work I was in Oud Heaven.
FH instantly billows with a bouquet of otherworldly flowers in a fresh cut wood basket, there's a bitter kinamic twist and some earthiness.
It is indeed fragrant.
Drydown exposes the oudiness, and delivers a unique smell that dare I say is othergalaxial

Absolutely! KR is an experience. An oil with no rough spots. Like a perfectly tuned motor. Your description is hard to improve on my friend.

 

[5MeO]

Kyara LTD (v.2) - Utterly fantastic! Tried a bit last night for the evening meditation and was just blown away by the richness and complexity. The beauty of the oil is staggering... I tried a little Kynam No 1 this morning to compare, as there are some similariites in scent profile - both are extraordinary, though I do believe I prefer the Kyara LTD.. Certainly the Kyara LTD is the bigger and deeper scent, with a rich dark woody quality in addition to the ethereal camphoric and green qualities - a lot going on, and all of it so enjoyable.. Kynam No 1 smells lighter, more like a delicate kyara perfume sort of thing, whereas the Kyara LTD is a freight-train blast of kyara vapors rising off the heater.. The oil is distilled in part from actual kyara, and the scent to me is the finest representation of Vietnamese green kyara I have come across..

 

[Taha]

Kyara LTD (v.2) - Utterly fantastic! Tried a bit last night for the evening meditation and was just blown away by the richness and complexity. The beauty of the oil is staggering... I tried a little Kynam No 1 this morning to compare, as there are some similariites in scent profile - both are extraordinary, though I do believe I prefer the Kyara LTD.. Certainly the Kyara LTD is the bigger and deeper scent, with a rich dark woody quality in addition to the ethereal camphoric and green qualities - a lot going on, and all of it so enjoyable.. Kynam No 1 smells lighter, more like a delicate kyara perfume sort of thing, whereas the Kyara LTD is a freight-train blast of kyara vapors rising off the heater.. The oil is distilled in part from actual kyara, and the scent to me is the finest representation of Vietnamese green kyara I have come across..

I'm sure now you can understand my reaction to this oil too.
This and Royal Kinam v2 are simply the finest oud oils I've ever smelled. In every aspect too, not just beauty, but everything else as well. I think Royal Kinam had a slightly more medicinal effect, but I do think overall Kyara LTD v2 takes first place.

Wanna know the first thing I said to Ensar, when I smelled Kyara LTD v2? I said, why does any other vendor bother to stay in business, when you have oils like these?
This dude has got not just a Rolls-Royce, he's got a whole fleet of them. And right behind them, another fleet of Maseratis, and, and..
Pity I couldn't smell all the oils Ensar wanted to show me as I had to rush off to Borneo. From the look on Ensar's face though, I could tell he was sad I was missing out!

I hope everyone who smells these oils will give them the admiration they deserve, and I hope those who cannot do that don't get to smell them at all (i.e. leave them for those that know their value which, if you ask me, is worth far more than a mere dollar-value Ensar slaps on these babies).

 

[Oudamberlove]

I'm sure now you can understand my reaction to this oil too.
This and Royal Kinam v2 are simply the finest oud oils I've ever smelled. In every aspect too, not just beauty, but everything else as well. I think Royal Kinam had a slightly more medicinal effect, but I do think overall Kyara LTD v2 takes first place.

Wanna know the first thing I said to Ensar, when I smelled Kyara LTD v2? I said, why does any other vendor bother to stay in business, when you have oils like these?
This dude has got not just a Rolls-Royce, he's got a whole fleet of them. And right behind them, another fleet of Maseratis, and, and..
Pity I couldn't smell all the oils Ensar wanted to show me as I had to rush off to Borneo. From the look on Ensar's face though, I could tell he was sad I was missing out!

I hope everyone who smells these oils will give them the admiration they deserve, and I hope those who cannot do that don't get to smell them at all (i.e. leave them for those that know their value which, if you ask me, is worth far more than a mere dollar-value Ensar slaps on these babies).

Can you imagine how Ensar must feel when another bottle of those jewels go to DHL, I know I would have a difficult time. You can't tear me away from some oils in my collection

 

[bhanny]

Kyara LTD (v.2) - Utterly fantastic! Tried a bit last night for the evening meditation and was just blown away by the richness and complexity. The beauty of the oil is staggering... I tried a little Kynam No 1 this morning to compare, as there are some similariites in scent profile - both are extraordinary, though I do believe I prefer the Kyara LTD.. Certainly the Kyara LTD is the bigger and deeper scent, with a rich dark woody quality in addition to the ethereal camphoric and green qualities - a lot going on, and all of it so enjoyable.. Kynam No 1 smells lighter, more like a delicate kyara perfume sort of thing, whereas the Kyara LTD is a freight-train blast of kyara vapors rising off the heater.. The oil is distilled in part from actual kyara, and the scent to me is the finest representation of Vietnamese green kyara I have come across..

It is, without reservation, a piece of art. I pull it out on the most special occasions. Or the occasions I need its calming and centering presence. So glad you are able experience it. I have some incredible Hainan Kinam skins that I burn Monkoh style quite regularly. I took a couple small pieces and made a true Kinam tincture with perfumers alcohol. These are obviously different methods, but it's remarkable how true Kyara LTD is to its name. I am grateful there is a guy crazy enough to make these truly beautiful oils. to you Ensar.

 

[RobertOne]

FO: Old School Thai

Incense. Oud lift. Amber. Intense Exotic Flora.

These passionately strike and caress the senses when applied. It's an initial full on seduction towards tranquility.

Later there is the slightest waft of barn in there but this does not detract from the fact that this beauty (and she is) is all about bliss.

It it a profoundly, to my mind, sensual yet spiritual experience. It's like applying a blind masseuse who is robed in holy vestments, amber meditation beads musically clacking as she moves to trace light and deep paths into your musculature and joints while spilling drops of precious incense oil as she moves.

This is a linear scent profile, I think, but with such a character none should care.

Swipe this if you wish to be transported into the far South East and experience a blissful state.

Tranquillity, Joy, Sensuality and peace in little oil drops. Rejoice, all ye sensates.

As an aside, I remember the video of Adam and Taha. Well, it seems that the old adage is true, it's the quiet ones you have to watch, what a sensualist he must be!

 

[Adam]

haha…
good one…
happy you enjoying it…
thank God...

 

[Joyoud]

Dr.Hindi by Feel-Oud
I always thought that I would always have the same favorite perfume forever.
I honestly thought no other scent could be more enticing and lovely. But lately :
Dr.Hindi in my bed,
Dr.Hindi in my hair,
Dr.Hindi in my head,
Dr.Hindi everywhere.
Dr.Hindi my favorite perfume.
I could wear it in January, I could wear it in June,
I could wear it forevermore,
Dr.Hindi far more special , because I sure can't buy a bottle at the store.
Nothing else I can say !!
Thank you Adam for this piece of art !

 

[bhanny]

Adam has some really outstanding oils. I keep talking about it, but his Koon Mai Wan is one of the nicest, smoothest oils around. It is a Thai oil, but has none of those extremely fruity notes that can be polarizing. Instead there are seamless topnotes, with a delicate sweetness. Just amazing.

Ensar mentioned Piara, Papau GL is very nice as well. Definitely worth giving a try if you haven't.

I'm especially excited to try Royal Vietnam!

 

[RobertOne]

haha…
good one…
happy you enjoying it…
thank God...

Adam,

I am not just 'enjoying' this oil or Dr. Hindi, I am feeling them. Just as you intended, I warrant.

I realise that price / quality of product is a major factor in your business and you have expounded on that here at gaharu but they really are beautiful in themselves.

Keep making your Ouds for a very long time because although Ensar is Ensar, yours are also lovely in the same manner that Sin City differs from Casablanca or in the case of Taha's Endamage, The Wicker Man.

Very well done.

 

[bhanny]

Xiang Liao Ling - EO

My first Maroke. I thought I had an idea of what a Maroke would be based on previous exposure to other Papaun or New Guinea oils. Boy was I wrong.

First swipe of XLL and everything went black. Slowly coming to I was overcome by the thick, deep, and fantastic aroma of primal earth. Overgrown jungle vegetation, dankly resinated great-great-grandmother trees towering above. Oversized insects swarming, scattering as a T-Rex roams, hunting, queen of her jungle. Like my own surreal episode of The Land of the Lost.

XXL swipe number two. Everything goes black. Slowly coming to I am immediately hit by an intense, ancient, deeply dark green scent. Earthy and dry. Some incense is burning, the faint flame flickering above. Water trickles somewhere near. The sounds of swords being sheathed, armor being tighten and I know I'm in the depths of a medieval castle. Trapped as those above are readying for war.

Man. This stuff is intense. It is amazing and ancient. But that does not mean it isn't smooth. Man is it ever.

I'm afraid of where swipe three might land me.

 

[RobertOne]

Feel Oud: Sri Lanka +

Aetherial. Soporific. Stillness. Lotus Blue.

This begins to push the boundaries of Oud.

After the swipe grants you Thai mint and basil a most peculiar but uplifting numbness tickles the imagination.

This is stillness, silence.

The act of inhaling it deeply draws camphor creamyness and a tiny kinam sized sliver of EO Tigerwood '95 that cools the throat and lungs.

Some Ouds are a journey into the interior of the jungle, this could not be further from that.

The ambience can only be that of laying back in a cushioned rowboat, your oarsman barely dipping oars in the pond, so calm and silent are his strokes upon the lotus pond.

Each deep inhalation leads to the mint, the herbal structures and the sheen of neroli upon the water and lastly from nowhere tears come unbidden and unexpectedly.

This is not sensual or bold in any way, this is a subtle series of notes perfectly in place for the stillness of meditation.

Once inhaled this is compelling.

 

[RobertOne]

FO: Tawau Al-Awaal

Exotic blossom, Scented Forest Breeze, Honeyed Fruits. After aroma of FO Sri Lanka +

The initial notes of this were very much like EO' Borneos, bursting with delicious light airy notes but then quickly shifted phase into a less serious but prettier sister of SL+

What is striking about this Oud is, yes, the feeling it grants. Here I am tapping at my smartphone on Gaharu with not much going on right now, monsters quietly playing (for a change!) and I feel happier. This somehow has happily bullied me into a sense of relief so strongly tears are forming in my eyes.

Relief over what I am not sure but the feeling is indeed palpitable.

As is the now aromas of that Thai minty blue camphoric basil so distinct in the SL+

This Oud begins to rival the complexity of an EO, no question. And the exact Oud that it reminds me of is Borneo 50k.

That should be more than enough praise for the kulak of Oud!

I would urge anyone with a little of both to swipe one upon each wrist and compare over an hour's wear.

 

[Oudamberlove]

Let me add a tidbit concerning XXL...
With Aquilaria Filaria, and Xiang Liao Ling in particular, what is most alluring is the aesthetically soul-stirring vibe. Not only does it grab you by your core, it lays on the complexity really thickly. An attempt to discern it's notes is futile, you'll be filled with feelings, emotions, and get mentally transported to another place or another realm.

 

[bhanny]

Let me add a tidbit concerning XXL...
With Aquilaria Filaria, and Xiang Liao Ling in particular, what is most alluring is the aesthetically soul-stirring vibe. Not only does it grab you by your core, it lays on the complexity really thickly. An attempt to discern it's notes is futile, you'll be filled with feelings, emotions, and get mentally transported to another place or another realm.

I would perfectly agree!

 

[bhanny]

CHINA SAYANG - EO
Okay. Most of those who know me here know I have a thing for Chinese and Vietnamese Oud. Outside a few treasures from elsewhere, I could live off of oils from these two countries. Want to add a nicely done Laotian? Okay. I'm a Sinensis groupie. So, here is my 5th Chinese offering, 4th from Ensar, and this one is my favorite. I seriously doubted any oil would dethrone my baby, Hainan 2005. I actually held off on Sayang for a bit. Partly out of a financial fast, but also because I didn't see the need. Boy was I wrong. This one starts with the lovely neroli and ambergris I love so much. I do get some sweet, vanillic, honeyed tobacco. Later on there is a bit of sweet kinam that leads to a lovely Sinensis woody base that radiates with luxury.

 

[m.arif]

Tested out EO Dhul Q last night. Smooth, deep, dark, earthy, grounding. Caramelized sweetness throughout most of the journey. No fruits here. Ample dose of smoke and burning incense. Not firewood-harsh smoke , but the pleasant kind of smoke from high quality incense. Lasts very long too!

The smokey aroma was clearly distinguishable even after 6 or 7 hours. Even after all that I could barely detect the signature Thai dry down. I even doubted myself, "Did I read the Thai label wrong?"

I rinsed my hands a number of times throughout the whole duration, which says a lot about its longevity.

Then this morning I found an email about this oil's pre release offer. What a surprise

Portable incense in a bottle. Incense lovers beware! You might get addicted to this.

I'll need to spend more time with it to uncover its other delights. One small swipe for a single night is not enough.