Oud
“The scent from heaven”
Oud's timeless presence spans millennia, embraced by diverse civilizations that coveted its rarity and the mesmerizing depth of its aroma. From royal courts to sacred rites of Christians, Muslims, and Buddhists, oud's scent was revered for its ability to transcend the mundane, bridging realms and elevating the spirit towards the divine.
Our Story
Eastern Oud is the first US-based specialty fragrance company specializing in fragrance made with one of the most coveted raw materials, oud. Our products are made with oud sourced directly from sustainable farms in Asia and hand crafted in Raleigh, North Carolina. Founded in 2023 by Sean Tay and Khoa Nguyen, Eastern Oud was born from our passion for exploring diverse cultures - driving our mission to share oud's captivating scent and its cultural significance through quality, sustainability, and accessibility for all.
What is Oud?
Oud, or agarwood, is a resinous wood that forms in the heartwood of Aquilaria trees, native to Southeast Asia. Oud is created in response to a unique fungal infection of a tree, causing the tree to produce a dark, aromatic resin as a defense mechanism. Depending on multiple factors such as the age of the tree, the quality of the soil, and the duration of the resin formation, the quality of oud could vary, with top-grade oud costing in the millions per kilogram.
Rare and Unique
Less than 2% of Aquilaria trees in the wild will ever yield oud in their lifetime. This rarity, combined with the labor-intensive extraction process, makes oud as one of the world's most expensive raw materials. Revered for millennia, its timeless allure and mystique have rendered it a luxury symbol, highly coveted by perfume enthusiasts and connoisseurs who value its unparalleled aroma and deep history. However, due to extensive hunting, wild Aquilaria trees are now endangered and protected under CITES. In recent years, global efforts have been underway to establish sustainable plantations aimed at conserving the Aquilaria species.
Commitment to Sustainability
We're dedicated to crafting top-quality oud products while maintaining our commitment to sustainability. This starts with sourcing from hand-picked sustainable farms. Our local partners employ innovative techniques, using organic materials as inoculants to naturally stimulate resin production in cultivated Aquilaria trees. This method mimics nature, significantly boosting oud yield, reducing tree cutting, and minimizing waste. This conscious approach not only yields exceptional oud but also underscores our commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility, creating a luxurious product that's ethically produced.