I got this oil several weeks ago, and I am told I was the first person to acquire it. Vietnamese Oud oils have been the pinnacle of my collection. K1, Royal Guallam, for example are so spectacular and powerful, that I use them for truly special occasions. When I learned Taha was doing his own distillation of high grade wild Vietnamese Agarwood, and going for the pure resin scent, well you can imagine that my interest meter redlined off the scale. I discussed the oil with him on multiple occasions and decided to purchase, being aware the oil was recently distilled and still in what he calls, the tightening stage. I wanted to experience the development for myself.
So when the oil arrived, I had to immediately try it, despite the recommendation of letting it sit for a while. Resistance was futile. It would be like putting a jar of honey in front of a bear and not letting him have it. Would not work out so well. So the initial impression was like, wow does this smell nice, but it is very light, and somewhat closed down. The scent was distinctly Kinam but just did not project very much and did not have that bloom that you would expect. Obviously there was a reason Taha said to wait.
Anyway, fast forward to current time. Oh my how things have changed! The scent is now so lush and vibrant compared to at first. Like with every Kinam oil I have tried, I have struggled immensely to describe the aroma. I found these oils to mostly be an experience rather then just a scent I can describe as 'sweet, fruity, woody, etc.'.
Taha says his goal was to recreate the Baieido Green Kyara scent. Did he succeed? I have no idea. I never experienced the smell before and I doubt I ever will. What he has created is a scent that to me smells like walking on clouds in heaven. It is so beautiful and serene, it is a religious experience. This is clearly an oleoresin oil. There are no accessory notes that I can detect. Compared to K1, it is sweeter. Still unmistakably Vietnamese with the bitter medicinal green notes interwoven together. But the there is nothing bitter about it. This oil is angelic beauty. Perfume like in its presentation. Calm serenity with inspiration.
I have to say, from the bottom of my heart, thank you Taha. It is clear this oil was not easy to make nor cheap. But the effort is so very much appreciated.
So when the oil arrived, I had to immediately try it, despite the recommendation of letting it sit for a while. Resistance was futile. It would be like putting a jar of honey in front of a bear and not letting him have it. Would not work out so well. So the initial impression was like, wow does this smell nice, but it is very light, and somewhat closed down. The scent was distinctly Kinam but just did not project very much and did not have that bloom that you would expect. Obviously there was a reason Taha said to wait.
Anyway, fast forward to current time. Oh my how things have changed! The scent is now so lush and vibrant compared to at first. Like with every Kinam oil I have tried, I have struggled immensely to describe the aroma. I found these oils to mostly be an experience rather then just a scent I can describe as 'sweet, fruity, woody, etc.'.
Taha says his goal was to recreate the Baieido Green Kyara scent. Did he succeed? I have no idea. I never experienced the smell before and I doubt I ever will. What he has created is a scent that to me smells like walking on clouds in heaven. It is so beautiful and serene, it is a religious experience. This is clearly an oleoresin oil. There are no accessory notes that I can detect. Compared to K1, it is sweeter. Still unmistakably Vietnamese with the bitter medicinal green notes interwoven together. But the there is nothing bitter about it. This oil is angelic beauty. Perfume like in its presentation. Calm serenity with inspiration.
I have to say, from the bottom of my heart, thank you Taha. It is clear this oil was not easy to make nor cheap. But the effort is so very much appreciated.