The History of Oud Classification: From the Sink Test to Market Grades
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Ever since people came to know oud, they have needed a way to tell the fine from the poor. Over the centuries, criteria for classifying oud took shape: by source, by resin content, and by scent. In this article we open the classification and modern history section by tracing the history of oud classification: how the ancients graded it, and how the criteria evolved into the market grades we know today.
How oud was classified through history
Over the centuries, people relied on three main criteria to tell oud apart:
| The criterion | The description |
|---|---|
| Source and region | Hindi, Cambodi, Indonesian… each with its own character |
| Resin content | The more resin, the heavier the oud, until it sinks in water |
| Scent and color | Depth of scent and darkness are both signs of quality |
From old criteria to modern ones
The oldest practical test was the sink test: a piece that sinks in water is richer in resin and higher in quality — a venerable standard we detail in the history of sinking oud. The Japanese developed an exacting system known as the "Six Countries and Five Tastes," as in oud in Japan and the art of kōdō. And over time, naming by region became common — "Hindi oud," "Cambodi," and natural Indonesian oud — each with its devotees.
Before measuring instruments, people would place a piece of oud in water; if it sank, that signalled its richness in resin and its high quality. A simple standard that is still relied on in the market today.
Classification in today's market
The modern market combines these old criteria with commercial grades that describe quality, ranking pieces from ordinary to premium according to resin, scent and source. This variety means there is a grade for every need: in our store you will find agarwood chips in several grades, and extracted agarwood essential oil. And the best way to understand the differences in practice is to try for yourself with an oud sample.
In the modern trade, "Hindi oud" or "Cambodi" sometimes points to a particular style of scent more than to the actual country of origin. Classifying by region has become a language of taste, not only of geography.
Conclusion
Oud has been classified through history by source, resin and scent; the sink test was its oldest criterion, the Japanese then developed exacting systems, and naming by region became widespread. Today the market combines the old heritage with commercial grades. At Oud Treasure, we offer oud in its grades straight from the source, so you can choose what suits you.
We are an oud supplier from the source in Indonesia: multiple grades of natural Indonesian oud, in wholesale quantities. Start with a sample or browse wholesale oud.
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