The Story of Oud: Liquid Gold of the East

## What Is Oud? Oud — also known as agarwood — is a resinous heartwood that forms in *Aquilaria* trees when they become infected with a specific mould. The tree's defence mechanism produces a dark, fragrant resin over decades. The result is one of the rarest and most coveted materials on earth. ## A History Spanning Millennia Oud has been burned as incense and worn as a perfume in the Middle East, South Asia, and East Asia for thousands of years. It appears in ancient Sanskrit texts, Chinese medical manuscripts, and the Quran. ## Why Is It So Expensive? Fewer than 2% of wild *Aquilaria* trees produce oud. Sustainable cultivation takes 20–30 years. A kilogram of high-grade oud oil can cost more than gold. ## How Mondmorrea Uses Oud Our **Oud Obscura** blends authentic Hindi oud with saffron, rose, and smoked vetiver — creating a scent that is both ancient and completely modern. We use it sparingly but unmistakably. ## How to Wear Oud Oud is potent. A single drop on the wrist is enough. It evolves dramatically over hours — the opening is sharp and leathery; the dry-down is sweet, smooth, and impossibly warm.