Scent Library
Smoked oud
Grounded, smoky, warm
Smoked oud is a deep, smoky, resinous woody scent with a warm, grounded character. Oud comes from agarwood, one of the most prized materials in fragrance, and the smoked facet adds a phenolic, almost charred depth. Its large molecules evaporate slowly, so smoked oud is a long-lasting base note. Real agarwood is rare and costly, so most candles, ours included, use a synthetic oud accord.
The science
Oud is built from large sesquiterpene molecules that evaporate slowly, and the smoked facet adds a phenolic, resinous depth. Together they make a base note that lingers low and long.
Related notes
Frequently asked questions
What does oud smell like?+
Deep, woody, and resinous, warm and slightly animalic. The smoked version adds a dry, charred, leathery edge.
What is oud made from?+
Oud, or agarwood, is the dark resinous heartwood that forms when an Aquilaria tree responds to a specific mold. It is rare, which is why it is so prized and so often recreated synthetically.
Is smoked oud a strong scent?+
It is deep rather than loud. As a base note it releases slowly, so it reads as a long, low warmth rather than a sharp hit.
Is real oud used in candles?+
Rarely. Genuine agarwood is one of the most expensive raw materials in the world, so most candles, ours included, use a synthetic oud accord that is phthalate-free and consistent.
Is an oud candle safe for pets?+
Our oud is a synthetic accord, phthalate-free and formulated without the essential-oil phenols that raise concern, which makes it a safer route for a pet home.
What pairs well with smoked oud?+
Other woods and resins. In Sero's Unwind it sits beneath sage and cypress for a grounded, cozy finish.