(5 min read)
Following the recent launch of Attar Mohd & Co's six oud oils on the allthatsscents website, I have received enthusiastic requests for recommendations on which of their oud oils to go for.
To assist in making an informed decision, I have drafted a concise article from my experience of smelling the six oud oils as part of describing them on the website.
Other than being extraordinary oud oil distillations, as one would expect from a renowned distiller, the range of Hindi oud oils from Mohd Ayub & Co's go to show something remarkable. Which is the sheer diversity of Hindi oud distillations, often narrowly defined as having a barnyard like or animalic scent. A portrayal which Mohd Ayub & Co. oud oil line up dispels.
I have taken a relatively simplistic approach in categorising the oud oils by aroma type. With five of the six oils being Hindi oud distillations, each categorised either as raw/animalic or dark/resinous.
Raw/Animalic:
Starting from the oud oil distillation closer in prominence to the commonly described raw, natural, animal hide like or barn yardy scent profile:
- Kolakachi: also known as Kalakasi, is a complex, refined animalic infusion featuring subtly fermented scent with musky, leathery and hay-like undertones. For those familiar with Abdul Samad Al Qurashi's renowned Kalakasi oud range. The early mid tier-ish segment of ASQ's fairly tall line up of the Kalakasi range would be a reasonable comparative. Making Mohd Ayub & Co's Kolakachi an amazing offer at the price point.
- Azaraki Khaalis: this distillation from Mohd Ayub & Co personifies golden hay brightness in its full glory. The aroma of raw nature, refined. Delectable swirls of honey dew ripeness running through wild intensity at the edges. Adding warmth, depth and a rounded finish.
So two fairly varying distillations for ones who enjoy that raw feel in an agarwood oil. The seasoned connoisseur could appreciate each for their uniqueness.
Dark/Resinous:
Hindi's with minimal to no barn might be unheard of by some. A rarer class of Hindi oud typically known to be associated with very aged agarwood and resin oozing distillations:
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Maliki SSS: crowned as the flagship oud oil distillation from Mohd Ayub and Co. sourced from the finest agarwood trees aged 40 plus years. This rare oil embodies the true essence of top of the line Hindi oud - ultra resin rich and deeply aromatic
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Hindi Kadim: Rich and complex, this 21 years old agarwood tree distillation conveys hints of fruity nuances, creating a soft contrast to the deeper, darker and intense woody tones
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Seufi Super: for the trained connoisseur, this is hands down the gourmand of the Mohd Ayub & Co's Hindi oud line up. The delectable dark chocolate and caramel infusion distinguished this premium Hindi oud distillation from the rest of the range.
You again have the opportunity to experience a varying flavour across oudy richness. Testament to the diversity of Hindi oud distillations from Mohd Ayub & Co ranging from ultra resinous oud profiles to those that are slightly fruity or sweet/chocolate-like. A treat for the oud veteran!
Squaring off with the sixth oud oil in the line up, Kambodi Kadeem. A Cambodian agarwood distillation, as implicit in the name, but with a rather unconventional profile. With the Cambodi's often described as having a fruity opening, the Kambodi Kadeem takes you to a deep, dark-woody trip. With continuous hints of (peppery) spiciness. Followed by a lazily plummy feel, a surprising contrast to the rich, woody welcome.
I hope the readers will find this both insightful and helpful. You can browse the range of Mohd Ayub & Co.oils available as allthatsscents by clicking here.
The forum is open to comments, welcoming thoughts/perspectives from fellow oudists!