What Does "Double Super" Mean in Oud Grades?

"Double Super" is a grade that rises above "Super" in many classifications, so it means a finer oud, richer in resin. But what does repeating "Super" actually add? In this article we explain the meaning of "Double Super," its indicators, and we show that the escalation of the names (Super → Double → Triple) is a marketing ranking, not a unified numeric standard.

Where does this article sit? This is from the articles of oud grades and classification, and it comes after what does "Super" mean?

What is meant by "Double Super"?

"Double Super" means literally "doubled Super," and it is applied to a grade the seller sees as higher than ordinary "Super." So in many houses it is the grade that follows "Super" upward, and it means an oud richer in resin, darker in color, and heavier, and often sinking with a clearer, purer scent.

So the repetition of the word "Super" here is a means of indicating "higher than the high"; it is as if the seller says: this is not just Super, but above it. But this repetition carries no fixed numeric specification, but rather is a relative ranking within that seller's grades.

What are its usual indicators?

"Double Super" tends to exceed "Super" in the same indicators:

  • Denser resin: a higher proportion of the aromatic resin.
  • A darker color and a heavier weight: and often sinking in water.
  • A purer, deeper scent: a clearer character on burning.

But the difference between "Super" and "Double Super" is a relative difference estimated by the sorter, not a numeric dividing line. And so "Super" at a skilled seller may be finer than "Double Super" at another. For the lesson is in the indicators, not in the number of the words "Super."

Did you know? The number of "Supers" is not a precise measure

The escalation "Super → Double → Triple" indicates an ascending ranking within a single house, but it does not compare between sellers. For "Double Super" at one seller may equal "Super" at another or be less. Read the indicators, not the names.

Why do the names escalate?

When sellers needed to distinguish their high grades one from another, they resorted to doubling the word "Super": above Super is "Double," and above it is "Triple." And it is an easy way to rank, but it sometimes tempts an outbidding in the names without an outbidding in the quality. And so you should note that raising the price along with raising the name of the grade must be met by a real raise in the indicators.

And the honest seller escalates the name when the indicators actually escalate, and shows you the difference: why this is "Double Super" and that is "Super." As for one who escalates the name to raise the price without a real difference, that is what your asking about the indicators and your testing with a sample protects you from. And in the following article: what does "Triple Super" mean?

Did you know? A rise in the name must be met by a rise in the indicators

If the name of the grade rises and its price rises, ask: what has actually risen in the indicators? For the honest escalation in the name is met by an escalation in richness of resin, sinking, and scent, not merely an added word.

Grades whose name is met by their indicators

We escalate the name of the grade only when its indicators actually rise, and we state the difference honestly. Begin with a sample by which you assess the oud yourself.

Browse natural oudRequest a sample
Read also

This is from oud grades and classification, and it is preceded by what does "Super" mean?

And to know whether classifications are standardized see are the classifications globally standardized?

Back to blog