The Allure Of Oud

Oud is for those who like their cologne the way they like their whisky—aged, rich, and unforgettable. But when did this ingredient become a staple in the global perfume industry?

- By Sukriti Shahi

There are fragrances that smell good, and then there's Oud — a scent that feels like something far deeper. Smoky, rich, and deeply sensual. Of ancient rituals, midnight prayers, royal courts, desert winds, and decades of quiet fermentation inside the heart of a tree, there’s a reason why luxury houses like Christian Dior, Chopard, Tom Ford and more have some of their bestselling perfumes with Oud. Derived from an Arabic word which also means wood, oud is one prestigious ingredient in the global fragrance industry. Safe to say, Out's growing popularity in the fragrance industry

A HISTORY THAT GOES WAY BACK

Oud (pronounced ood) is one of nature's most prized, aromatic and rare offerings. While the West is just now waking up to Oud’s magic, it's been an essential part of Indian, Arab, and Southeast Asian culture for thousands of years. Thousands of years ago, royal women used it for its aromatic and therapeutic properties. In India, Oud’s story begins in the lush forests of Assam, where ancient tribes first began harvesting Agarwood. “Oud may be synonymous with Middle Eastern luxury today, but its earliest roots lie in India. Assam has been home to Aquilaria trees for centuries, and our connection to it goes beyond commerce—it’s cultural,” says Abdulla Ajmal, CEO Ajmal Group. The foundation of the Ajmal group was laid in the 50s when Abdulla's grandmother started trading Oud oil from India to the Gulf countries and that’s what shaped the success of the house decades later.