Tha hardest question in the world??

A

Alkhadra

Guest
#21
The only 'art' related to it is the identification and grading.
My exact thoughts, even if one were to become an expert at the 'art' of identification and grading, they can't really "exercise" that art in the way it's possible with oils. But maybe, just maybe, resin extraction could be a thing.. :D

I do agree that oil has accessibility on it's side, but that feeling of being suspended in time I experience when smelling a heated piece or sliver of Oud, it's irreplaceable. Almost like feeling a heightened form of cognizance.
 

Simla House

Well-Known Member
#22
With wood being the clear winner for everyone, I don't know what we've been doing all this time making oils! :confused:
Nope, I vote for oils over wood.
I like both, but the oils stay with me and colour my day for hours on end. Oils are like a mini-vacation, and I might add that I sometimes prefer a good oil to a vacation.
 

5MeO

Well-Known Member
#23
Lol, ever since I started this thread I realize that, when I'm heating some fine woods I often think "I couldn't give up the woods," but then, as soon as I use an oil I'm like "no way, oils are definitely my favorite!" To me they are totally different experiences - when I smell an oil, any oil, I rarely ever think "this reminds me of a heated wood." Sometimes they reminds me of an unheated wood (Borneo oils are sometimes like this) - but oils in general are an exotic artistic creation, a concentrated essence of the wood - Ensar's quote about the "soul of the tree" resonates..
 

5MeO

Well-Known Member
#24
I'm leaning much more to answering "oils" now if I had to choose. Perhaps due to new oud enjoying technique - I've found that taking very very slow inhalations/sniffs reveals all sorts of complexity that I don't get if I sniff quickly.. And the bliss factor goes way up also.. Have been having some fantastic experiences this way - essentially combining yogic inhalation techniques with oud - leads to a tranquil and euphoric state, the eyes find themselves at half-mast.. Basically, a sniff/inhalation will take sometimes up to 10 seconds - it's like the oud is consciousness or has spirit and it interacts with my own..

The oils evolve over time also, whereas the wood does not - these magical elixirs, transforming over time - it's just remarkable.. Thank god the agarwood tree exists! I love the artistic aspect of it also - the human connection in knowing I'm experiencing someone's art adds so much to the enjoyment factor..