Saeed Anwar, the legendary Pakistani cricketer, has now ventured into the aromatic world of luxury fragrances by launching his own premium oud brand in Pakistan — Saby Saeed Anwar. His passion for excellence on the cricket field is mirrored in his commitment to providing authentic, high-quality oud products. Today, we take you on an immersive journey through the intricate art of crafting oud — from the dense forests where it is born to the exquisite fragrance bottles that captivate the senses.
The Origin: Where Oud Begins
Oud, often referred to as "liquid gold," originates from the heartwood of Aquilaria trees, predominantly found in Southeast Asia. When the Aquilaria tree becomes infected with a specific type of mold (Phialophora parasitica), it produces a dark, resinous substance as a defense mechanism. This rare and precious resin is what we know as oud.
Harvesting this resin is a delicate process that requires patience, expertise, and deep respect for nature. Unlike synthetic perfumes, true oud is rare because not every Aquilaria tree produces this resin — only about 2% of trees naturally form it, making it one of the most valuable ingredients in perfumery.
Harvesting: A Ritual of Care
Crafting fine oud begins with sourcing the finest agarwood. Experienced harvesters meticulously identify infected trees that have developed rich resin deposits. They carefully extract pieces of resinous wood without damaging the tree’s ecosystem. These chunks are then aged — sometimes for several years — to enhance their aromatic complexity.
The quality of the wood and resin varies greatly depending on the species of tree, the environment, and the age of the infection. This is why brands like Saby Saeed Anwar invest heavily in ethical sourcing and selective harvesting to ensure the finest raw materials are used.
Distillation: Extracting Liquid Gold
Once harvested, the oud wood undergoes a meticulous distillation process to extract the Original oud oil. There are several methods, but the traditional hydro-distillation remains the gold standard.
Here’s how it typically works:
The resinous wood is soaked in water for days or weeks to soften it.
It is then slowly distilled over low heat for an extended period, sometimes up to several days.
The vapor carrying the fragrant oils is collected and condensed into pure, undiluted oud oil.
This slow, labor-intensive process is what gives oud its rich, multifaceted aroma — earthy, woody, smoky, and sweet, all at once.
The Mastery of Blending
Not all oud oils are the same. Master perfumers, often called "noses," carefully blend different oud oils or combine oud with other natural ingredients like rose, sandalwood, or musk to create unique olfactory masterpieces. The blending process requires years of experience, a refined sense of smell, and an artistic touch.
At Saby Saeed Anwar, every fragrance is a tribute to the purity and soul of oud. Each creation is crafted with the finest ingredients, ensuring that the final product resonates with luxury, sophistication, and authenticity.
From Bottle to Soul: Experiencing Oud
Wearing oud is not just about smelling good — it is about embracing a centuries-old tradition that represents luxury, spirituality, and culture. Oud has a deep, enveloping scent that lingers on the skin and evolves over time, creating a deeply personal experience for every wearer.
When you choose a bottle from Saby Saeed Anwar, you are not merely purchasing a fragrance; you are indulging in a timeless journey that connects the ancient forests of Asia to the contemporary elegance of modern perfumery.
Conclusion
The journey of oud, from the deep forests to a refined fragrance bottle, is a testament to nature’s magic and human craftsmanship. Saby Saeed Anwar is proud to honor this tradition by offering products that embody the purity, richness, and complexity of true oud. When you experience the art of original oud oil through Saby Saeed Anwar’s creations, you embrace a heritage of excellence, luxury, and authenticity that transcends time.
