Tigerwood 95 is a vintage Malaysian oud with a distinguished pedigree, distilled in 1995 from the renowned tiger-striped oleoresin of wild Malaysian agarwood. The name “Tigerwood” reflects the dense resin patterns resembling tiger stripes, a hallmark of premium agarwood. As one of the oldest Tigerwood oils in Ensar Oud’s portfolio, it delivers a classic oud profile that has only grown more refined with age.
The first encounter with Tigerwood 95 is striking. Its bright medicinal opening is remarkably intact despite decades of aging, and it evolves into a green, camphorous heart heavy with mint, forest sap, and earthy vibrancy. This evokes strong similarities to Oud Royale No.1, another iconic Ensar Oud creation. When I first smelled Tigerwood 95, I was stunned by how closely it resembled Oud Royale No.1. Curious, I brought out a bottle of the latter to compare the two.
What became immediately clear is that while Tigerwood 95 shares some of the same DNA—such as its bright medicinal start, creamy oud-leather drydown, and nuanced green woods—it exists in a different league. It’s akin to comparing a skilled Premier League footballer to Cristiano Ronaldo; both are elite, but one simply transcends the other in terms of polish and prowess. Tigerwood 95 holds its own with its robust Malaysian oud core, but the mastery and refinement of Oud Royale No.1 remain unparalleled.
Tigerwood 95, however, offers its own unique charms. Its clean profile sets it apart from Tigerwood Royale, which leans more animalic and musky with barnyard undertones. Instead, Tigerwood 95 maintains an elegant clarity, with its camphorous, minty heart providing a fresh forest-like sappiness that is both invigorating and grounding.
As the scent dries down, it settles into a creamy leathered oud base with hints of camphorous woods peeking through, achieving a smooth and silky finish thanks to its many years of aging. The result is a deeply masculine fragrance, bold yet refined, and a true representation of the classic Malaysian oud profile.
For those who admire the legendary Oud Royale No.1, Tigerwood 95 offers a fascinating parallel while standing proudly as a vintage masterpiece in its own right. It’s a must-have for collectors and oud enthusiasts seeking a piece of olfactory history with timeless appeal.
The price is for a 1g High Recovery Vial
(The photo depicts the original 3g sturdy Ensar Oud bottle)