KRAVAHN DREAMS - Marvelously Complex Artisan Oud Oil (Cambodia / Pursat - Wild )

“Here we are, all of us, in a dream-caravan"

B. Naqshband (Sufi saint of the XIVth c.)

Slow long cycle low pressure low temperature artisan distillation during the early fall of 2022. Raw material :  wild Aquilaria crassna from the dense forests of Pursat's province ; from small bundle of mature/old trees. Harvested sustainably and distilled locally.

This oil is so rich and complex, that when I first thought I would release it, 18 months of curing after distillation I realized it deserved even longer. Sure it could have been released then, but it would have been "a shame", as it deserved the time to come to full ripeness before being experienced. I waited one more year and now it is "perfect" (for release, the oil will keep aging beautifully).

Many good ouds are full perfumes in themselves, and here is an excellent instance.

In an nutshell, for oud aficionados, this is a rich, smooth, powerful classic high-end Cambodian crassna. Sweet but (traditionally would qualify as) masculine : blond tobacco, leather, dried fruit, honey, spice, strong oudiness with a touch of minerality. Strong character, elegant.

Deep dark robe. Remarkable longevity.

In more detail, the opening is a symphony's, bold and buoyant : sweet leather, light smoke, woodiness, earthiness, slightly boozy, like a good rum of whisky with an oceanic overtone and a hint of smoke. 

Soon after other layers manifest : spicy (cinammon) and incensy, fragrant tea, blond tobacco, butteriness, dried fruit.

Later even : orange marmelade, wild honey note, gentle suede. 

As it evolves in time, the oil develops over the hours a rich sweetness, vivid, spicy, slightly woody.

It remains powerful over a very long time.

This oud oil is very much "Western social contexts" compatible. There is a light animalic presence in the opening, but a sweet and gentle one, and it vanishes swiftly.

Scentient Experience

Oud is well known as Qi (life force) circulation facilitator in Chinese medicine. This oils is a strong testimony to that. It is deeply activating, providing a kick and has a very warm energy.

Behind the name

The Kravahn Mountains are the dreamlike "Cardamom mountains" of South Western Cambodia: a majectic natural environment with pristine dense rainforests, abundance of waterfalls and wildlife.

And the playful reference, at the top of the page, to the famous verse of Bahauddin Shah Naqshband, eighth Khwaja of the ‘Khwajagan’ – the Masters of Wisdom of Central Asia. As Oud is conductive to ecstatic contemplation and devotion, and as it is easy to get absorbed in sniffing the great ouds one wears.

You can discover our rich oud / agarwood collection here