Revival - Back from the Dead - the lost aroma of Dark Merauke Wild Agarwood (Oud) Oil

The Revival of a Legend: The Story of Our Merauke-Inspired Oud Oil

A Scent Lost to Time

Five years ago, I had three types of Merauke Oud oils, and they were all sold out in weeks. Some customers returned after two years just to tell me how great their aroma was and even asked me to get more. With its unique, deep, and complex aroma, the Wild Dark Merauke and Superior were sensational. Unfortunately, I could not get more of them, leaving a void in the hearts of many.

The reasons for their disappearance were:

• The master distiller retired.
• The hunters could no longer find the same quality of wild agarwood. He also retired and found a new job.

Like a precious moment in time, it seemed this unique oud aroma was gone forever.

The Quest for a Lost Aroma

But, just like you, as a fellow oud lover, I understand the longing for that one aroma that you love.

Deep in my heart, I had a hope that one day this aroma would return. Holding onto a tiny sample of the original oil, I embarked on a quest to recapture this elusive fragrance.

My journey led me to a distiller, a master of his craft, who shared his knowledge and passion for oud.

He presented me with his creation; at first, it seemed like any other oud oil.

But then, after a mere three minutes, the transformation was astounding. The familiar, beloved notes of the Wild Dark Merauke filled my senses. It was a moment of pure joy, a realisation that this scent had returned to us. I could not believe it.

A New Creation: The Essence of Merauke

This new oil, while it does not have the exact scent profile, carries the essence of the Wild Dark Merauke. Its cool, minty, complex woody balsamic notes are a tribute to the original. Sourced from Kayu Ara Pasong in Johor, this oil is a product of nature and nurture. The hot, tropical climate and abundant rainfall there create the perfect conditions for the Aquilaria trees. This oil is from sustainable plantation Agarwood.

The creation of this oud was not easy.

Sustainable and Natural: The Source

We experimented with five different Aquilaria species, facing challenges and setbacks, until we found the perfect match in the Aquilaria sinensis, which is suitable for the hot and humid climate.

This particular species, nurtured for over 15 years, underwent a natural process where only holes were drilled. There was no inoculation and no harmful chemicals.

You see, we only drill the holes and leave them as they are.

A hole in our Aquilaria sinensis tree.

Under scorching hot sun rays, the intense heat and the trees’ reaction to their injuries resulted in a resin-rich Agarwood, the source of our oud oil.

Scent Profile and Distillation

The scent profile of this oil is a complex aroma of minty, balsamic, and woody notes. Its longevity is remarkable.

Here is what I mean:

It lasts for weeks on a tissue but several hours on the skin, varying with each individual's skin chemistry.

The extraction process is from water distillation. The pulverised agarwood was soaked overnight to minimise any pungent notes. Once finished, the oil was aged in a cool, dark room to enhance its depth and character.

An Invitation to a New Legend

But what truly sets this oil apart is its emotional and sensory appeal. This oil will be an especially nostalgic journey for those who remember the Wild Dark Merauke. It offers a contemporary take on oud for newcomers – not overly sweet, but cool, woody, and balsamic. It is an experience that is hard to put into words.

I invite you to try this oil on a tissue or cotton pad first, then on your skin, to appreciate its unique character fully. This is not just an ordinary Oud oil; it surpasses many wild oud oils I have tried, and it reminds me of the renowned scent of Wild Dark Merauke. It is a journey through time and a testament to the enduring allure of a scent that was once lost but is now found. Welcome to the revival of a legend.