The Journal

Understanding Oud

June 29, 2026 By habib

Oud—often referred to as liquid gold—is one of the most expensive and sought-after raw materials in perfumery.

The Origin

Oud is distilled from the resinous heartwood of Aquilaria trees. When the wood undergoes a specific biological infection, it produces a dark, dense resin to protect itself. This resin-saturated wood is then aged and steam-distilled to yield the precious oil.

Its character is warm, smoky, complex, and intensely wood-centered, providing an unmatched foundation for luxury extraits.