When I first sampled this oil, I wasn't really convinced it was an Oud Oil. It was one of those profiles that make you doubt yourself no matter how experienced and masterful you are! Very beautiful, complex and impressive!
This came about when I visited one of the oud-veterans here in the GCC. We spent a whole day sampling and talking Oud...
He was interested in what we offered, and we kept an open mind to sample anything from his collection and give our opinion if were asked.
During that day, there was one oil that got me intrigued throughout that oud-sampling festival... The old man said it was an old Malay oil from the early 2000's....
To my nose, that oil was just unbelievable... I couldn't really believe such a profile does actually exist!
As the day was about to end and I had a flight to catch, we finished our business and I made sure to get some of that oil to keep and study.
days go by and I spot that vial....I also happened to have another trip somewhere else, also to an old veteran. Along with our assortments, I took that vial with me as I do trust the nose and expertise of that old man.
I swiped him of the oil without saying anything...and he was like...Ah yeah....that's what old Malays used to smell like....Where did you get that oil from?
I smiled, and asked him to tell me more about this oil.
He paused and was like:
wait.... I actually do have an old batch of a pale-looking malay wood....when you smell it, you'll know that what you have in your hands is that wood, but in an oil form!
Such experiences humble you....
I contacted the first veteran who I got the sample from, and asked if we could buy it off of him. He apologized and said it's one of his "collector-items" that he couldn't part with.
Days go by...and one day, he approached us for one of our oils that he still remembers from that session. It was an aged wild oil that we had....and he wanted a large quantity of it!
Presented with this opportunity, we negotiated the deal as long as he'd be willing to part with that old Malay....
and to our luck and yours, he did!
This is Kodai Ka.
The scent profile is what i would call DELICIOUS.
It's got this deep dark berries sweetness, but with earthy undertones.
It has got what some might refer to as spicey nuances, however, it's not the prickly or sharp spicey notes that one might expect. it's very very smooth playful teasy olfactory notes. It's woody incensy too... smelling it might feel like opening an ancient scroll in an old library!
It does smell old indeed, and it's still very very delicious! 0 off notes.
This oil has a very luxurious presence and a regal aura.
If you're keen on owning a piece of history....the smell of old times....Kodai Ka is your answer.
P.S. This oil punches above its weight! now is your chance.