Laotian oud

What Does It Smell Like?

Laotian oud smells like the heart of an ancient forest after rain—deeply resinous and woody, with an animalic warmth that's almost leathery. Imagine dark, aged wood infused with medicinal earth and a subtle sweetness reminiscent of honey or tobacco. It's woody, yes, but with a creamy, almost unctuous quality that clings to your skin. There's a faint funkiness too—organic and earthy—like opening a drawer of aged cedarwood that's been storing precious textiles for decades. Not floral or fresh; this is raw, mature, and profoundly grounding.

Origin & History

Laotian oud comes from Aquilaria crassna trees in Laos (also found in Vietnam and Cambodia). When the tree becomes infected with a specific mould, it produces a dark, resinous heartwood as a defence mechanism. This infected wood is carefully harvested, then distilled through steam extraction, yielding precious essential oil. Laotian oud is prized as one of the finest regional variations—producing a warmer, more complex profile than Middle Eastern varieties, with greater depth and less harshness. Wild-harvested oud remains extraordinarily expensive due to tree scarcity and labour-intensive extraction.

In Perfumery

Perfumers use Laotian oud as a luxurious base note and heart anchor, lending prestige and longevity to compositions. It's a fixative that stabilises volatile top notes whilst adding sophisticated depth. Rather than dominating, it typically works as an olfactory foundation—enhancing spices, resins, and florals rather than overshadowing them. A little goes a long way, making it economically precious in high-end fragrances.

Pairs Beautifully With

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