A Journey into The World of Oud Part Twenty One
The Best Agarwood Heater in the World
I've explored many electric agarwood heaters in the past, and had issues with all of them. The most common problem is temperature control, they heat up too quickly and stay too hot even after turning down the temperature.
For years, I heard praise about the Subitism heater, which was originally designed by Kyarazen.
I wanted one for years, but none were available.
Then I found them on Etsy, and ordered one from Heavenscent, but it never arrived.
Finally, I discovered that my friend JK DeLapp (of the The Rising Phoenix Perfumery) has them here, and I ordered one, and am so glad to finally have it.
What makes them so superior to every other heater is:
1. The sublime control over heating. You can start heating your precious Kinam and Kyara woods very gently and slowly, appreciating all of the most volatile (and highest) components far more than with any other heater.
2. The mica platform doesn't retain the heat, so when you turn it down or off, the heat immediately drops.
3. And there is no burning, as it uses radiant (infra-red) heat. So it's much, much better for your lungs. It's the only heater that didn't congest or harm my lungs.
I've started exploring my agarwood collection again, and am enjoying the journey much more, thanks to this phenomenal heater.
-------------------------------------------------- Light vs Dark Oud Oils
I've already talked about the indications that an oil's color has on its likely effect on consciousness here, but now I'd like to focus more on the quality of dark vs light oils.
Recently, I started exploring Ouds from a variety of companies again, and was struck by the mediocre quality of the darker oils I received.
(To be clear, dark oils are usually opaque and black, or very dark green or brown in color, and light oils can be white, yellow, amber, or even lighter shades of brown or green if transparent.)
In the past 6½ years, I've sampled hundreds of Oud oils from over 40 companies, and came to realize that most of the lower quality oils are dark; and even from the best companies, an oil being dark is not a favorable sign.
In fact, in my "Hall of Fame" collection of Oud oils, only 4 are dark! And the highest Ouds are always light colored.
As my readers know, I measure oils primarily by their transcendental effects, and only secondarily by their fragrance, but in both categories, dark Ouds usually measure lower than light ones, but especially in their uplift.
I'm wondering if most of the darker Ouds are the result of overheating or overcooking. It's as if the very darkness represents the loss of the highest notes in the oil.
Nevertheless, as I've mentioned before, certain Ouds like Ensar's Ertugrul Gazi and Oud Royale: Maluku are both dark and incredibly excellent.
-------------------------------------------------- Old and New Sources of Great Agarwood Oils
Part One
Revisiting Agar Aura
Years ago, shortly after I started using Oud, I tried a couple of oils from Agar Aura. They didn't speak to me, and so I moved on.
This year I decided to give Agar Aura another chance, and am very happy to report that they have hit their stride, and are creating many superb oils.
All of the oils I received from Agar Aura are clear, pure, and artisanal, and exceptionally well crafted.
[Note: several of the Ouds below are not yet on the Agar Aura website. Write to the company if you want to obtain them.]
Siam 4K is simply lovely. With very subtle notes of Osmanthus and Peach under a bright layer of light resin, with a gentle and clear and high uplift, it is simply one of the best Thai ouds I've ever experienced.
Similarly, Lao Gold is the best Laotian Oud I've encountered. Initially, its lovely fragrances reminded me of Thai and Cambodian oils, but quickly an amazingly luscious parade of resin notes arise. How it manages to present a full spectrum of exquisite light yet deep Oud scents is amazing. Uplifting, beautiful, and addictive!
Pursat 4K, as one might expect, has the scent elements of Cambodian oils, but it's more refined, clearer, and lovingly ethereal. One of the best Cambodian oils I've encountered.
I wouldn't have guessed that Blue Malay was a Malaysian Oud. From its clear yellow color to its lack of jungle, it is simply unique among Malaysian Ouds. I detect the scent of flowers, including a quiet rose, as well as water, light, and wind, and a very pristine and soft Oudiness. I look forward to spending a lot of time exploring this marvelous and high Oud.
Vietnan Special K is remarkable. It is a chameleon, changing scent each time I visit it. The layers of scent are wonderfully married, and one weaves in and out of each of them on a phenomenally high journey.
It's powerful enough that I'm actually having trouble typing! Oudstanding -- I meant to type outstanding -- high and truly one of a kind.
I am very grateful that I had the opportunity to revisit Agar Aura Ouds. They are very impressive.
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End of Part Twenty One
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