Khao Yai Exp. is an extraordinary oud oil born from some of the finest agarwood materials to ever reach a still. The process began with wood chips from a tree estimated to be over 100 years old—chips so rare and fragrant that they sold at $20 per gram. For this oil, we ground 4 kilograms of chips nearly identical in both appearance and aroma to these precious specimens. To put it into perspective, the retail value of those chips alone would have reached $80,000, giving a 2012 cost price of $4000 per bottle, before any considerations of labour, time, overheads (let alone the 14 years that have passed since the distillation) and yet they were devoted entirely to the creation of Khao Yai Exp. and we are talking about 2012 prices here!!!!! They have gone up 5-10 fold since then.
In all honesty, as a customer I used to question whether these figures were real or exaggerated, but as the cofounder of Al Hashimi, I have found this to be the case with some of our crazy distillations under the Zamzam Collection that are sold below cost price in the same way.
The luxury of this oil doesn’t end there. To complete the distillation, an additional 10 kilograms of organic incense-grade chips were added—materials that could have fetched $3 per gram on their own. The combined quality of these woods, alongside the meticulous artistry of the distillation process, places Khao Yai Exp. in a class of its own. The resulting oil represents a confluence of rarity, craftsmanship, and an uncompromising commitment to excellence.
On the nose, Khao Yai Exp. opens with vibrant notes of ripe fruits, their sweetness laced with earthy undertones that immediately evoke the lush, tropical landscapes of Thailand. A thread of green freshness, reminiscent of crushed leaves, weaves through the scent, brightening the initial profile. As the oil settles, the complexity of the wood takes centre stage. Rich, resinous depths emerge, underscored by warm spices and subtle floral nuances, while a faint whisper of smoke lingers in the background, recalling the essence of smouldering incense.
The exceptional quality of the agarwood used for Khao Yai Exp. is evident in every drop, its character deeply layered and profoundly evocative. The interplay of fruit, wood, and spice creates a fragrance that feels both dynamic and grounded, balancing vibrant energy with serene sophistication. Given the calibre of its materials, this oil is as much a collector’s piece as it is a sensory masterpiece.
Khao Yai Exp. is not merely a product; it is a testament to the possibilities of artisanal oud distillation. Crafted from raw materials that could have commanded astronomical retail prices in their own right, this oil is a rare convergence of nature’s finest offerings and the pinnacle of oud craftsmanship. It’s a scent for those who seek not only beauty but also the story behind the creation—one that speaks of heritage, rarity, and an uncompromising pursuit of excellence.
The price is for a 1g High Recovery Vial
(The photo depicts the original 3g sturdy Ensar Oud bottle)
3g original bottle