The Story of Oud
By Myst & Musk — October 5, 2025
Oud, often called “liquid gold,” has captivated perfumers and fragrance lovers for centuries. Derived from the heartwood of Aquilaria trees infected by a special fungus, oud produces a rich, resinous scent prized worldwide for its depth, warmth, and rarity. At Myst & Musk, we use ethically sourced oud to craft luxurious perfumes like Imperial Oud that honor tradition while offering modern elegance.
1. The History of Oud
Oud has a long and storied history, especially in Middle Eastern, South Asian, and Southeast Asian cultures. Traditionally, it was used in royal courts, religious ceremonies, and sacred rituals. Its rarity made it more valuable than gold in some regions, symbolizing prestige, spirituality, and refinement. Today, oud remains a hallmark of luxury perfumery, representing a bridge between ancient tradition and contemporary artistry.
2. How Oud Is Made
Oud oil is extracted from infected Aquilaria wood using careful distillation methods. The process is slow and labor-intensive, which contributes to oud’s high value. The oil carries a complex profile—smoky, woody, balsamic, and sometimes slightly sweet. Each batch can vary depending on tree age, geography, and distillation technique, making every oud fragrance unique.
3. Cultural and Spiritual Significance
In many cultures, oud is associated with meditation, prayer, and sacred ceremonies. Its aroma is believed to have calming and uplifting effects. Using oud in fragrance connects wearers not only with luxury but also with centuries of heritage and ritual, adding depth and meaning to every scent experience.
4. Modern Perfumery and Oud
Contemporary perfumers combine oud with florals, spices, resins, and musks to create sophisticated, multi-dimensional scents. At Myst & Musk, our Imperial Oud blends oud with complementary notes to balance richness with wearability. The result is a perfume that evolves beautifully over time, offering both power and subtlety.
5. Ethical Sourcing and Sustainability
Due to overharvesting in the past, sustainable and ethical sourcing is critical. Myst & Musk ensures all oud is sourced responsibly from certified plantations, protecting wild Aquilaria populations and local ecosystems. This guarantees that our perfumes are both luxurious and conscientious.
6. Wearing Oud Perfumes
Oud perfumes are long-lasting and best applied sparingly to pulse points. The oil base helps the scent cling to skin and evolve throughout the day. Layering oud with lighter fragrances, like floral or citrus notes, can create a personalized, signature scent. This makes oud versatile despite its intensity.
7. Conclusion: Why Oud Remains Timeless
Oud is more than a fragrance ingredient; it is history, artistry, and heritage distilled into scent. By choosing ethically sourced, alcohol-free oud perfumes from Myst & Musk, you embrace luxury that is meaningful, sustainable, and unforgettable. Let the rich aroma of oud become a signature statement of sophistication and elegance.