Woody

Thai oud is like stepping into a temple carved from ancient wood—smoky, resinous, and deeply earthy. Imagine the warm, slightly bitter smell of sandalwood mixed with leather that's been left in the sun, then add a whisper of incense smoke and something almost animalic, almost medicinal. It's rich and contemplative, with a creamy undertone that feels almost buttery compared to the sharper ouds from other regions. There's sweetness lurking beneath, like honey drizzled on dark wood.

Gourmand

Vanilla absolute is the scent of indulgence itself—imagine biting into a soft, buttered vanilla biscuit still warm from the oven, or the interior of a Madagascar vanilla pod split open to reveal its sticky, perfumed seeds. It's sweetly narcotic and creamy, with subtle undertones of caramel, tobacco leaf, and even a whisper of almond. Unlike synthetic vanilla (thin and one-dimensional), absolute smells rounded and luxurious, with the depth of real food rather than artificial sweetness.