Oud Oil Reviews - MAIN THREAD
- Thread starter bhanny
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Clementine Barat
as per @Alkhadra : "It's from West Kalimantan (in indonesian called Kalimantan Barat). Hence Clementine Barat was a fitting name as it has a citrusy zest to it. It's a fresh distill, one of the first Alkhadra Oud oils, 100% wild Aquilaria Beccariana. First 24 hours of the distillation was hydro, second 24 hours was steam to give it a fuller body. It's still a relatively fresh oil so the smell of the steel pot can still be noticed. Hopefully aging will allow the notes to blossom more, and the projection and longevity on it to improve."
my impression:
prior to knowing anything about this sample (even if it is oud or blend) i wrote below:
i have no idea if it is 100% oud or not but oud is major part of this. I get blue green oceanic salty notes, walla patta wood on slow heater, airy and high toned malinau like notes. i pick up a hint of ambergris here and there. whatever it is, off applicator is divine and totally my kind of scent. it is elevating and uplifting. i love it.
days later applying on the skin:
basically a very good borneo oil (sometimes i get some airy pretty open knit qualities of walla patta in borneo). tiny tiny bit of SS pot scent, but one that i dont think takes away from the purity of this oil. airy, open knit, mildly cooling, delicate like green notes as opposed to heavy dark green gryrinops of papua. pretty, non animal, non barn, non funk oud. more than a pleasent everyday wear. i think humbly speaking is a great oil for novice yet holds enough nuances to capture the interest of more seasoned wearers.
sandal
pretty, green and fresh. i get mimosa blossoms, fennel, jasmine at 4am before bloom. lacks the creamy mysore but has the powdery feel to it.
Alkhadra suggests it as a great oil for macerating the likes of musk and other treasures like ambergris and i have to agree, although is definitely more than good enough to wear on its own.
origin is east indian/australian.
as per @Alkhadra : "It's from West Kalimantan (in indonesian called Kalimantan Barat). Hence Clementine Barat was a fitting name as it has a citrusy zest to it. It's a fresh distill, one of the first Alkhadra Oud oils, 100% wild Aquilaria Beccariana. First 24 hours of the distillation was hydro, second 24 hours was steam to give it a fuller body. It's still a relatively fresh oil so the smell of the steel pot can still be noticed. Hopefully aging will allow the notes to blossom more, and the projection and longevity on it to improve."
my impression:
prior to knowing anything about this sample (even if it is oud or blend) i wrote below:
i have no idea if it is 100% oud or not but oud is major part of this. I get blue green oceanic salty notes, walla patta wood on slow heater, airy and high toned malinau like notes. i pick up a hint of ambergris here and there. whatever it is, off applicator is divine and totally my kind of scent. it is elevating and uplifting. i love it.
days later applying on the skin:
basically a very good borneo oil (sometimes i get some airy pretty open knit qualities of walla patta in borneo). tiny tiny bit of SS pot scent, but one that i dont think takes away from the purity of this oil. airy, open knit, mildly cooling, delicate like green notes as opposed to heavy dark green gryrinops of papua. pretty, non animal, non barn, non funk oud. more than a pleasent everyday wear. i think humbly speaking is a great oil for novice yet holds enough nuances to capture the interest of more seasoned wearers.
sandal
pretty, green and fresh. i get mimosa blossoms, fennel, jasmine at 4am before bloom. lacks the creamy mysore but has the powdery feel to it.
Alkhadra suggests it as a great oil for macerating the likes of musk and other treasures like ambergris and i have to agree, although is definitely more than good enough to wear on its own.
origin is east indian/australian.
House of misk Brunei hues,
mr hasan has crafted a beautiful oil. a very fine line this oil threads on and maintains its wood origin integrity and yet clearly shows the method and intent of the cooking. 50-50 brunei/north borneo vs assam.
personal, close to skin and very polite. airy and lithe not light. no huge projection but long lasting. light baby green notes, mild bitter (not quite chinese but moe vietnamese, i.e. less insesis more crassna), oolong tea, touch salty, open knit and elegant notes are married by white pepper (clean horse and barn note), some light fermented notes of mushroom, tea and hint of a savoury meaty aroma. brunei hues is a unique oil and one that fans of assam oils and brunei should try.
iron fist in a velvet glove description makes sense here.
at this point of my oud appreciation, my own personal aesthetic calls for no visible soak smell and no barn at all, but there is no denying the deft touch of these notes in this oil. subtle and done just right. being a young young oil, i look forward to watch its evolution.
mr hasan has crafted a beautiful oil. a very fine line this oil threads on and maintains its wood origin integrity and yet clearly shows the method and intent of the cooking. 50-50 brunei/north borneo vs assam.
personal, close to skin and very polite. airy and lithe not light. no huge projection but long lasting. light baby green notes, mild bitter (not quite chinese but moe vietnamese, i.e. less insesis more crassna), oolong tea, touch salty, open knit and elegant notes are married by white pepper (clean horse and barn note), some light fermented notes of mushroom, tea and hint of a savoury meaty aroma. brunei hues is a unique oil and one that fans of assam oils and brunei should try.
iron fist in a velvet glove description makes sense here.
at this point of my oud appreciation, my own personal aesthetic calls for no visible soak smell and no barn at all, but there is no denying the deft touch of these notes in this oil. subtle and done just right. being a young young oil, i look forward to watch its evolution.
Craving to wear Tigerwood 95 today. When an oil makes me think about it, I know it's a special one for me. A superb oil with the magical "Ensar Lift". Incredible depth. Extremely high satisfaction quotient. Friendly pricing. If this is not a show of Oud passion, I don't know what is. I own multiple luxury perfumes. They serve their purpose but the connect with inner self while wearing Oud is a moment worth celebrating. A sudden gush of olfactory pleasure with the feeling of well being. I will always be grateful to brother Ensar and Coburn for introducing me to fine Ouds. For a surgeon whose day is spent among putrid dead organic matter, it is extremely important to swipe some of the Ensar to restore normalcy. More importantly, I swipe myself with Archipelago or Sayang or Hindi Oud before surgical marathons just to increase my focus and smoothen my fine skills. When the mind is focused, anything is achievable. There is no hidden agenda here. Just plain speak from a back broken man who appreciates the virtue of simpler things in life. I review scents because I enjoy it. It keeps me away from meaningless human interaction in a politically correct, spiritually bankrupt modern society that I vehemently refuse to be part of. So yes once again, thank you, makers and providers of fine Oud. May your conscience guide you towards higher achievements.
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Extremely well put brother! I have been putting a swipe on my chin underneath my surgical mask for a long time. It absolutely helps with mental focus, clatiry, even even seems to help my dexterity. The good news for me is that spines don’t stink and no putrid matter, unless it’s pussed out. 
No levity in this post for a change and apologies to Luigi and Moderati, no review either.
I almost wept when I read the above.
One of the reasons why I post here to almost the complete exclusion of other forums is that I feel that almost all of you here are real, oldschool, decent humans and I enjoy your company.
I am disenchanted with society and with most people at the moment largely for the reasons you gave, Nikhil. Oklahoma (where I lived) might be largely barren with water out the tap that rivals a shock treated swimming pool but the genuine folks out there really made it special.
I am so weary of ruthlessness between people where there is no need, not seeing people as people but as slabs of meat to be exploited or vilified.
I am disgusted by race hate by all races toward all races, sexism by both sexes (oh, and all on the gender spectrum alphabet) and much of it deemed politically correct in different countries for any reason you can think of.
Life is just not hard enough for many people, apparently.
I curse virtue signalling being valued above decency and the desire to be better. I scorn those who choose blind obedience to anything over clarity of thought and empathy.
End of rant.
I almost wept when I read the above.
One of the reasons why I post here to almost the complete exclusion of other forums is that I feel that almost all of you here are real, oldschool, decent humans and I enjoy your company.
I am disenchanted with society and with most people at the moment largely for the reasons you gave, Nikhil. Oklahoma (where I lived) might be largely barren with water out the tap that rivals a shock treated swimming pool but the genuine folks out there really made it special.
I am so weary of ruthlessness between people where there is no need, not seeing people as people but as slabs of meat to be exploited or vilified.
I am disgusted by race hate by all races toward all races, sexism by both sexes (oh, and all on the gender spectrum alphabet) and much of it deemed politically correct in different countries for any reason you can think of.
Life is just not hard enough for many people, apparently.
I curse virtue signalling being valued above decency and the desire to be better. I scorn those who choose blind obedience to anything over clarity of thought and empathy.
End of rant.
Well, let the weeping continue with your post Robert. It is akin to a deft stroke of a fresh scalpel directly to the heart of the matter.
If I could reach out through this page and give you a big hug I would. Nothing to add but, Amen brother!
Almost forgot. Happy Thanksgiving to my US brothers and sisters.
If I could reach out through this page and give you a big hug I would. Nothing to add but, Amen brother!
Almost forgot. Happy Thanksgiving to my US brothers and sisters.
@RobertOne
"Life is just not hard enough for many people, apparently."
I think we would definitely enjoy each other's company dear sir. I don't give a toss about religion, region, race theories etc, politics and showbizz. It's good for marketing and self induced pride. I am man who cares about Science and individuals who seek information. Explorers with open minds and hearts.
I have met some of the most beautiful human beings of all forms Creed and complexion during my long royal Enfield tours and travelling around the world. I am an avid Traveller and communities like these have become a part of my existence.
There isn't a day in my calendar where I haven't been on this page. It's just that I reached late but I reached fine.
I want to contribute as a constant learner to our community in any way possible.
Thank you for your kind and meaningful words dear sir/brother. My warm wishes to you and your loved ones.
"Life is just not hard enough for many people, apparently."
I think we would definitely enjoy each other's company dear sir. I don't give a toss about religion, region, race theories etc, politics and showbizz. It's good for marketing and self induced pride. I am man who cares about Science and individuals who seek information. Explorers with open minds and hearts.
I have met some of the most beautiful human beings of all forms Creed and complexion during my long royal Enfield tours and travelling around the world. I am an avid Traveller and communities like these have become a part of my existence.
There isn't a day in my calendar where I haven't been on this page. It's just that I reached late but I reached fine.
I want to contribute as a constant learner to our community in any way possible.
Thank you for your kind and meaningful words dear sir/brother. My warm wishes to you and your loved ones.
@RobertOne Sorry to take this from the general to the personal, but I just wanted to say that your posts are a highlight of the oud forums for me.
I love the way you use language - it is so sensitive to the comedy and gentleness in things, and tells me that it is a kind hearted and humorous person who writes those beautifully crafted words.
This post is a personal thank you for uplifting me (and others I’m sure) with your posts.
May God always bless you, the lady and the little monsters.
I love the way you use language - it is so sensitive to the comedy and gentleness in things, and tells me that it is a kind hearted and humorous person who writes those beautifully crafted words.
This post is a personal thank you for uplifting me (and others I’m sure) with your posts.
May God always bless you, the lady and the little monsters.
amen. very well said shabby and totally. @RobertOne is a jewel of a member of this community.
I keep coming back to Alhambra from @Alkhadra. A totally guilt free Vietnam Oud wear that seems to punch way above its weight class.
I think it is important to provide some context with regards to price when discussing the quality of oils. You should not expect oils in the several hundred dollars range to equal the complexity and experience of $1000+ oils. There have been numerous posts on the forums obout how some inexpensive oil smells just like some high dollar one. I have personally done head to heads on almost every one of these and it was not even close my miles. Yes, in some there was a profile similarity but that’s it. Now some of these were good oils that I would and do wear. And I am happy to cite an example: Malay Encens. A good oil for a good price. Is it the equal of Tigerwwod 95? Not even, but is it a pleasant and satisfying oils for daily use? Damn right it is,
So that brings me back to Alhambra. I confess to being almost powerless when anyone mentions Vietnamese oud. Sadly, beacause of the high $ prices, I only use them sparingly and infrequently. This oil changes that. I have been finding myself swiping this daily, actually several times daily since I got it. Does it satisfy the Vietnamese Oud qualities I crave? The dry, medicinal bitterness, coupled with an unusual floral aspect? Yes it does. Is it an inexpensive equivalent of other Vietnamese oils like Kinam Rouge, kiyosumi, and the other guallam oils I have tried? I should actually ask first, whether I expected it to be? No and no.
But in the context of its price point, this is a great oil. I am enjoying it so much. It touches the right elements without including any or the wrong ones. Two thumbs up.
I think it is important to provide some context with regards to price when discussing the quality of oils. You should not expect oils in the several hundred dollars range to equal the complexity and experience of $1000+ oils. There have been numerous posts on the forums obout how some inexpensive oil smells just like some high dollar one. I have personally done head to heads on almost every one of these and it was not even close my miles. Yes, in some there was a profile similarity but that’s it. Now some of these were good oils that I would and do wear. And I am happy to cite an example: Malay Encens. A good oil for a good price. Is it the equal of Tigerwwod 95? Not even, but is it a pleasant and satisfying oils for daily use? Damn right it is,
So that brings me back to Alhambra. I confess to being almost powerless when anyone mentions Vietnamese oud. Sadly, beacause of the high $ prices, I only use them sparingly and infrequently. This oil changes that. I have been finding myself swiping this daily, actually several times daily since I got it. Does it satisfy the Vietnamese Oud qualities I crave? The dry, medicinal bitterness, coupled with an unusual floral aspect? Yes it does. Is it an inexpensive equivalent of other Vietnamese oils like Kinam Rouge, kiyosumi, and the other guallam oils I have tried? I should actually ask first, whether I expected it to be? No and no.
But in the context of its price point, this is a great oil. I am enjoying it so much. It touches the right elements without including any or the wrong ones. Two thumbs up.
Tonight I am writing about an oil I have had for about a week and wanted to spend some time with before putting my 2 cents worth in.
Kumathra V from Alkhadra. A recently steam distilled Brunei oil. This was one that I liked a lot straight out of the gate and wanted to make sure I gave it some time to see if the honeymoon period would wear off. Thankfully, that is not happening. This oil is an unmistakeable Brunei profile but has its own thing going. I first read the description of this being kind of a gourmand smelling oil. A vanilla pear. Well, while I do detect that to some degree, this mostly smells like a smoldering, medicinally bittersweet, brunei incense. Dries down to beautiful oudy wood notes. Very dry, fumy, and rich. Has that nose tingling effect which I have not experienced in oils of this price point. The oil has absolutely no off-putting characteristics. It is inherently extremely enjoyable, manly, and a totally guilt free wear on a daily basis.
The dusty, dry, medicinal style is one that really appeals to me. Summing up, a very good oil for a great price. A very solid performer which IMO both the novice and more experience oud lovers can enjoy.
So I put my money where my mouth is and got 2 bottles.
Kumathra V from Alkhadra. A recently steam distilled Brunei oil. This was one that I liked a lot straight out of the gate and wanted to make sure I gave it some time to see if the honeymoon period would wear off. Thankfully, that is not happening. This oil is an unmistakeable Brunei profile but has its own thing going. I first read the description of this being kind of a gourmand smelling oil. A vanilla pear. Well, while I do detect that to some degree, this mostly smells like a smoldering, medicinally bittersweet, brunei incense. Dries down to beautiful oudy wood notes. Very dry, fumy, and rich. Has that nose tingling effect which I have not experienced in oils of this price point. The oil has absolutely no off-putting characteristics. It is inherently extremely enjoyable, manly, and a totally guilt free wear on a daily basis.
The dusty, dry, medicinal style is one that really appeals to me. Summing up, a very good oil for a great price. A very solid performer which IMO both the novice and more experience oud lovers can enjoy.
So I put my money where my mouth is and got 2 bottles.