{"title":"Ant Wood Oud Oils","description":"\u003cp\u003eAnt Wood forms where the tree responds to ant colonies tunneling through its trunk. The formations are thin and hard to carve, and prized in the Far East for their delicate sweetness — rarely seen in Gulf shops, and rarer still as oil.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"ant-teek-2016-pure-malaysian-ant-wood-oud-oil-pure-dehn-al-oudh-ateek-series","title":"Ant-teek 2016 : Purple Florals, Concord Grape, Kudzu Flowers, Antique Parchment and Lacquered Mahogany Malaysian Ant Wood Oud Oil","description":"Jungle : Peninsular Malaysia\u003cbr\u003eClass : Wild, Incense-grade Ant Wood\u003cbr\u003eDistillation : Copper, New Gen\/Chinese Market\u003cbr\u003eSpecies : Wild Beccariana, Malaccensis and Hirta\/Candan Co-Distillation\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAfter the success of my Terengganu Ant a year or so ago, and the successes of my Tiger King series - customers have been asking for another pure Ant Wood distillation.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFor those new to the game, you might be wondering ... \"What is Ant Wood?\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAs a good deal of the market servicing the Western and Middle Eastern clientele is coming from an Islamic perspective - most of the woods we see are of particular types. By this I mean that certain types of woods are generally not seen in our market over on this side of the world, but are favored more over in the Far East - in the Asian markets of China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Japan.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWhat kinds of woods am I referring to? Woods like Kyara\/Kynam, Soil\/Clay woods, and particular insect formations - like Ant Woods.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWhy is that?\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eGenerally for a few reasons ...\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe first is the most obvious - price. The Asian market is generally willing to pay higher prices for certain types of formations that they consider special, having either a superior scent characteristic - or a more nuanced one.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAnother obvious reason is direct heat vs. indirect heat - referring to the Arab's preference for charcoal heating vs an indirect method like electric, or burying charcoal in rice ash - like that used in a Kodo session. Some types of woods are best not enjoyed on Charcoal.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis is meaningful in a few ways ...\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFirstly - delicate woods require delicate heat. Tossing on charcoal generally means you'll miss out on the nuance - and favor just the resin notes that tolerate the higher heat. Enjoying really expensive woods in this way means you'll miss out on what makes them expensive - the nuances.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe second thing here is that many of these other types of formations are more temp sensitive, in part due to how their particular formation forms - but also because many of these other types of formations tend to be thinner formations. In particular here - are Ant wood formations, like which we used to produce this oil.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAnt formations tend to be thin formations made by the tree responding to ant colonies burrowing into the trunk wood. You read that correctly - the infected wood used in this distillation is formed by a particular insect - the ant.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAnt woods aren't often seen in Arab shops in the Gulf. In fact - I almost exclusively see them spoken of and offered in Asian circles, where they have a particular taste for their delicate sweetness. Ant wood is ideally enjoyed on delicate, indirect heat.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAlthough most distillations will likely have a little Ant or Insect Wood tossed in the pot as wood is being added indiscriminately - rarely do we see single batch distillations made SOLELY from Ant. Our first oil, Terengganu Ant was a big success and sold out quickly. As I am currently in the process of collecting enough suitable Ant Wood to run a second batch - I have a vintage batch of very unique Ant Wood oil that I present to you, distilled a few years back. I present to you, Ant-teek 2016\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eABOUT ANT-TEEK\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAs the name implies - this oil smells ancient. Or as we've come to be calling vintage batches from 2000 or earlier, \"Ateek\", after the Arabic word for Antique or Old. This oil smells like an ancient library. More on that in a moment.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFirst, a little history on this oil ...\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eI have a few distillers I work with in West Malaysia, and some of my own equipment and operation in East Malaysia. This particular oil was distilled by the same guy I work with to produce my Tiger King Series and several other West Malaysian oils I've offered over the years.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis particular guy and his brother took over their Dad's operation when he retired. You should see some of the stuff he had in his inventory. OMG. But I digress ... I work with both brothers - and although they are brothers - they have their own individual operations. One brother deals solely with wood, and the other deals with woods, and also distills and makes beads. It's this brother that I tend to work and collaborate with, and we've been working together for quite a few years at this point. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe oils he produces for me are custom productions - hence the Tiger King Series. He also distilled Terengganu Ant and Ipoh Strawberry for me. As I've been wanting to make another Ant distillation, and it takes quite some time to collect suitable material and some quantity of it to juice, he offered me an oil he shelved that he had originally produced for the Chinese Market back in 2016. Just a few Tolas of exceptional quality that for whatever reason, he kept. I imagine when you smell it you'll understand why he kept it. haha But, since we are currently collecting woods, and it takes longer these days than it used to, he offered this vintage oil to me to hold me over.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDistilled in the style that has come to be known as a New Gen style - but not quite the same. New Gens tend to be really Top Note rich, and although this oil will punch you in the face with it's Top Notes - it's the sheer depth of the scent that makes this oil truly unique.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWhat I can't figure out is - does the oil smell like this because it has nearly a decade of aging on it, and this is what all my New Gens will smell like 8 or 10 years out - or was this oil unique to begin with? Whatever the case ... it's a winner.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSCENT\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAs mentioned previously - imagine the scent of an old library. Ancient hand-written works of art and hand-bound leather books housing sweet, vanillic parchment pages filled with the histories and stories of long past.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYou stop to thumb through a book, cracking it open and breathing deeply - that scent that only old books have - like vanilla and spice - greet your curiosity.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAs you browse endless rows of lovingly worn Teak and Mahogany shelves, you marvel at the worn polished and lacquered wood floors worn smooth by centuries of book worm's feet browsing the isles. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWafts of varnish and stone catch your nose as the heat from your expedition gently warms the air.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe mix of Beccariana, Malaccensis, and Hirta no doubt impact this unique scent, either. The oil has a Purple tone to it - likely from the Beccariana - like wafts of Concord Grapes and Kudzu Flower Jelly ... delicacies both in Japan and here in the Southern US. Rich Asian Spice from the Hirta that'll pleasantly tickle your nose. Rounding off with that hit of sweet, syrupy Malaysian Malaccensis Oud resin that'll anchor your feet back down to the ground after your head has been in the clouds from the opening. It's an experience that is both exhilerating and meditative.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis oil smells ancient. The Ant Woods used must have come from quite old trees, because you can almost smell the centuries of intelligence locked into them. And knowing the stocks he had access to from his father's archives of inventory all those years ago - I have no doubt this unique oil was produced from ancient trees. You can really smell it.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis is a special oil, not just because of the caress of age, nor due solely to it's unique production from Ant Woods ... this oil is different. You'll understand what I mean when you smell it. I can only hope that some of the New Gens I've been producing will settle into something like we have here.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAnt-teek 2016 is a true Ateek Gem - ancient Ant Wood that'll delight your senses.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSmall-batch vintage production. Quantity is limited - I imagine this will sell quickly like my previous Terengganu Ant distillation. This oil punches way above it's price - Grab some while available !\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMaterials: West Malaysian Ant Wood Oud Oil","brand":"Rising Phoenix Perfumery","offers":[{"title":"0.3g · Sample Vial","offer_id":44154949599457,"sku":"","price":99.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"1g · Glass Dipstick Bottle","offer_id":44154949632225,"sku":"","price":300.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"3g · Full Quarter Tola (Glass Dipstick)","offer_id":44154949664993,"sku":"","price":890.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0627\/8955\/0305\/products\/il_fullxfull.4447118259_nhy6.jpg?v=1698076620"},{"product_id":"borikhamxay-2023-new-gen-incense-grade-wild-central-laos-antwood-pure-dehn-al-oud-rising-phoenix-perfumery","title":"Borikhamxay 2023 : Juiced Pear, Nectar and Wildflowers Laos Oud Oil","description":"Jungle : Borikhamxay, Central Laos\u003cbr\u003eClass : Wild, Incense Grade\u003cbr\u003eSpecies : Crassna\/Sinensis\u003cbr\u003eDistillation : New Gen, Copper\u003cbr\u003eDistillation Date : August 2023\u003cbr\u003eProfile : Clean, No Fermentation\/Barnyard\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis is a small batch of Wild Laos Antwood Oil that I had produced in August of 2023. I only produced about 20g in total. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e**This is NOT a Taiwanese Oil - I had this custom produced for me in Vietnam\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWild Laos oils in general are quite challenging to produce, as they've been harvesting woods out of Laos for literal millennia. Woods and oils are especially beloved in the Arab\/Gulf Market - but there are some \"Asian Market\" flavors to be found in Laos, as well. Borikhamxay is one such example.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBorikhamxay I had produced from some exquisite wild ant wood. Antwoods in general are known for their sweetness, and are especially beloved and appreciated in the Asian market. The Arab Market tends to go for the Malaccensis woods found in Laos, especially those closer to the Western and Northern borders in the country. Asians, on the other hand, go for the Crassna and Sinensis species, which are much more rare in the region - and that's what we've produced for you, here. Check the listing photos for some photos of the woods used to produce this oil.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOils like what we have here could easily be mistaken for a premium Central Vietnamese - and side by side, would be very challenging to differentiate. The sweetness, I think, would throw most people off. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAfter a few small test batches, I amended production with a few additional tweaks for a full small-batch run, and came out with an absolutely exquisite and pristine oil that I am quite proud of.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eI can't express just how much I know you are going to love this oil !\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eTHE SCENT\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBorikhamxay is a squeaky clean copper-distilled New Gen. Expect a super sweet, bright, and uplifting scent - and one that'll last all day, to boot!\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOn the opening it has some very light Camphor and a sweet, Nectary Core that persists throughout the duration of the wear. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBorikhamxay has some unique notes of Juiced Pear and Fruit Peels. Over time something a little zingy comes out that reminds me of some subtle citrus - or as one client mentioned - Rhubarb - which is what first came to mind. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFurther in to the experience is a medley of Wildflowers and just a tiny bit of something earthy, reminiscent of fresh-tilled Garden Soil. It lasts forever too ... the drydown on me lasts a solid 12-15 hours or more with just a tiny drop. We've got a real performer on our hands!\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBorikhamxay is Juicy White Fruity and Citrus, Nectar and Wildflowers, with hints of bitter Rhubarb and Garden Soil, layered over sweet Oudy Goodness that will enchant your nose all day long. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eVery limited batch - grab some while available !\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMaterials: Incense Grade Antwood,Borikhamxay Laos Pure Oud Oil,New Gen Dehn al Oudh","brand":"Rising Phoenix Perfumery","offers":[{"title":"0.3g · V-Vial","offer_id":44154954776801,"sku":"","price":175.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"1g · V-Vial","offer_id":44154954809569,"sku":"","price":525.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"1.5g · V-Vial","offer_id":44154954842337,"sku":"","price":750.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"3g · Full Quarter Tola (Glass Dipstick)","offer_id":44154954875105,"sku":"","price":1475.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0627\/8955\/0305\/products\/il_fullxfull.5356318989_pywt.jpg?v=1698076807"},{"product_id":"laos-ant-2023-new-gen-incense-grade-wild-central-laos-antwood-pure-oud-oil-dehn-al-oudh-borikhamxay-series","title":"Laos Ant 2023 : Vaporous Japanese Incense and Deep Resin Laos Oud Oil","description":"\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eJungle : Borikhamxay, Central Laos\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eClass : Wild, Incense Grade\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eSpecies : Crassna \/ Sinensis\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eDistillation : New Gen, Copper\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eDistillation Date : October 2023\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eProfile : Clean, No Fermentation \/ No Barnyard - Very Clean Incense'y - Vapourous - Japanese Incense Sticks\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThis is a small batch of Wild Laos Antwood Oil that I produced in October of 2023. I tweaked the temp curve on this oil, even lower on the front end, and higher on the back end. This oil is even more Incense'y - and also has a Vaporous quality to it ... one of my personal fave profiles !\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e**This is NOT a Taiwanese Oil - I had this custom produced for me in Vietnam\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eWild Laos oils in general are quite challenging to produce, as they've been harvesting woods out of Laos for literal millennia. Woods and oils are especially beloved in the Arab \/ Gulf Market - but there are some \"Asian Market\" flavors to be found in Laos, as well. Laos Ant 2023 is one such example.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eLaos Ant 2023 I had produced from some exquisite wild ant wood. Antwoods in general are known for their sweetness, and are especially beloved and appreciated in the Asian market. The Arab Market tends to go for the Malaccensis woods found in Laos, especially those closer to the Western and Northern borders in the country. Asians, on the other hand, go for the Crassna and Sinensis species, which are much more rare in the region - and that's what we've produced for you, here. Check the listing photos for some photos of the woods used to produce this oil.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThis oil is exquisite, and although from Central Laos - I think anyone smelling this blind would easily think this is a pristine Vietnamese oil. I think I, myself, would have been fooled had I not been the one producing it ! The oil is a deep Burnt Yellow color - and the scent profile is like some of the ancient Vietnamese woods I've sourced from Japan in years past. Incense'y. Maybe even a little spicy. Deeply resinous. Ooodles of Oudy Goodness !\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eNow that I've made a few batches of oil from the Borikhamxay haul of insane incense quality batch of woods - we are really working to explore what we can creatively pull out of the scent profile. This is downright DAMN GOOD.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eI can't express just how much I know you are going to love this oil !\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eTHE SCENT\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eLaos Ant 2023 is a squeaky clean copper-distilled New Gen. Whereas previous batches in the Borikhamxay Series have been super sweet, bright, and uplifting oils - Laos Ant 2023 is a Darker, Deeper, more Incense'y oil. Even the darker Burnt Yellow color leads one to presume it'll be a deeper, more Zen-like scent.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eOn the opening it has some very narcotic Vapor - like Wood Varnish and Mint ... those first piercing moments of a Monkoh Chip on a Subitism.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eWhereas Borikhamxay has some unique notes of Juiced Pear and Fruit Peels and a subtle Citrus Zing - Laos Ant is more reminiscent of a Japanese Incense Stick. Complex. Very lightly and Sweetly Resinous. Old old wood tones. Even a slight Bitterness, reminiscent of the sweet \/ bitter dichotomy you'll find in the best Chinese tea leaves - sweet on the front of the palette, bitter on the back.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eFurther in to the experience is a medley of Wildflowers and just a tiny bit of something earthy, reminiscent of fresh-tilled Garden Soil. It lasts forever too ... the drydown on me lasts a solid 12-15 hours or more with just a tiny drop. We've got a real performer on our hands!\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eI'm not sure I'd call this an Herbal Profile - but there is a Chinese Medicine quality to it, similar to what can be found in some Chinese and Vietnamese oils. The Mintiness of it, especially. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eLaos Ant is Japanese Incense Sticks, Vaporous Mint, Wildflowers and Bitter-Sweet Tea Leaves, and Deep, Incense'y Oud Resin - and maybe a touch of Muskiness in the drydown. Really smells like ancient wood here, and that Vaporous quality really gets my nose revved up.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eI'm a little relutant to sell this oil ... it's so damn good. This oil came out even better than I had hoped it would.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eVery limited batch - grab some while available !\u003c\/span\u003e","brand":"Rising Phoenix Perfumery","offers":[{"title":"0.3g · V-Vial","offer_id":44270651310305,"sku":"","price":199.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"1g · V-Vial","offer_id":44270651343073,"sku":"","price":595.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"1.5g · V-Vial","offer_id":51313818894561,"sku":null,"price":880.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"1.5g · Glass Dipstick Bottle","offer_id":44270651375841,"sku":"","price":875.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"3g · Full Quarter Tola (Glass Dipstick)","offer_id":44270651408609,"sku":"","price":1725.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0627\/8955\/0305\/files\/laosant23.jpg?v=1701142869"},{"product_id":"laos-ant-ii-2024-laos-oud-oil","title":"Laos Ant II 2024 : Vaporous Incense, Honey, Golden Hay and Suede Laos Oud Oil","description":"\u003cspan\u003eLaos Ant II 2024 : New Gen Incense Grade Wild Central Laos Antwood Pure Oud Oil - Dehn al Oudh - Rising Phoenix Perfumery - Borikhamxay Series\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eJungle : Borikhamxay, Central Laos\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eClass : Wild, Incense Grade\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSpecies : Crassna \/ Sinensis\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDistillation : New Gen w\/ a Soak, Copper\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDistillation Date : December 2023 - January 2024 (30 Day Clean Soak \/ 15 Day Gentle Distillation)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eProfile : Clean, Very CLEAN Fermentation \/ No Barnyard - Very Clean Incense'y - Vapourous - Japanese Incense Sticks - Honey and Flowers - Golden Hay - Plush Suede\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis is a small batch of Wild Laos Antwood Oil that I produced spanning December 2023 and January 2024. It’s a sibling to Laos Ant (I) 2023, which was produced with no soak, from the same batch of high grade wood from the same Borikhamxay region.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHere with Laos Ant II we took a long, very clean and controlled 30 day Soak, followed by 15 days of “low and slow” distilling. No barnyard at all - and what we got was rather surprising …\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eI tweaked the temp curve on this oil, even lower on the front end, and higher on the back end than I did with Laos Ant (I).\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003e**This is NOT a Taiwanese Oil - I had this custom produced for me in Vietnam\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWild Laos oils in general are quite challenging to produce, as they've been harvesting woods out of Laos for literal millennia. Woods and oils are especially beloved in the Arab \/ Gulf Market - but there are some \"Asian Market\" flavors to be found in Laos, as well. Laos Ant II 2024 is one such example that straddles both worlds - a floral and squeaky clean New Gen distillation with hints of that beloved Hay \u0026amp; Honey the Gulf loves so dearly. .\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThese Laos Ant oils I have produced from some exquisite wild ant wood.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAntwoods in general are known for their sweetness, and are especially beloved and appreciated in the Asian market. The Arab Market tends to go for the Malaccensis woods found in Laos, especially those closer to the Western and Northern borders in the country. Asians, on the other hand, go for the Crassna and Sinensis species, which are much more rare in the region - and that's what we've produced for you, here. Check the listing photos for some photos of the woods used to produce this oil.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis oil is exquisite, and although from Central Laos - I think anyone smelling this blind would easily think this is a pristine Vietnamese oil. I think I, myself, would have been fooled had I not been the one producing it ! The oil is a deep Burnt Yellow color - and the scent profile is like some of the ancient Vietnamese woods I've sourced from Japan in years past. Incense'y. Maybe even a little spicy. Deeply resinous. Ooodles of Oudy Goodness !\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNow that I've made a few batches of oil from the Borikhamxay haul of insane incense quality batch of woods - we are really working to explore what we can creatively pull out of the scent profile. This is downright DAMN GOOD.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eI can't express just how much I know you are going to love this oil !\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTHE SCENT\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLaos Ant II 2024 is a squeaky clean copper-distilled New Gen. Whereas previous batches in the Borikhamxay Series have been super sweet, bright, and uplifting oils - Laos Ant II 2024 is a Darker, Deeper, more Incense'y oil. Even the darker Burnt Yellow color leads one to presume it'll be a deeper, more Zen-like scent.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWhat we ended up with is an octave or two lower than Laos Ant (I) 2023, with the smoothest Suede, like the softest leather imaginable, and wisps of Golden Hay. That alone sounds enticing! Now imagine those golden notes Entwined around Melipona Honey and hints of white florals, drying down to Oudy Incense and Musk. Simply put - it’s exquisite !\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCompared to Borikhamxay, which has some unique notes of Juiced Pear and Fruit Peels and a subtle Citrus Zing - Laos Ant II straddles more a Japanese \/ Arab aesthetic, complete with Florals and Honey and Golden strands of Hay.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eComplex. Very lightly and Sweetly Resinous. Old old wood tones. Even a slight Bitterness, reminiscent of the sweet \/ bitter dichotomy you'll find in the best Chinese tea leaves - sweet on the front of the palette, bitter on the back.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFurther in to the experience is a medley of Wildflowers and just a tiny bit of something earthy, reminiscent of fresh-tilled Garden Soil. It lasts forever too ... the drydown on me lasts a solid 12-15 hours or more with just a tiny drop. We've got a real performer on our hands!\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLaos Ant is Japanese Incense Sticks, Vaporous Mint, Golden Hay and the plushest Suede, Wildflowers and Bitter-Sweet Tea Leaves, and Deep, Incense'y Oud Resin - and maybe a touch of Muskiness in the drydown. Really smells like ancient wood here, and that Vaporous quality really gets my nose revved up.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eI'm a little relutant to sell this oil ... it's so damn good. This oil came out even better than I had hoped it would.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eVery limited batch - grab some while available !\u003c\/span\u003e","brand":"Rising Phoenix Perfumery","offers":[{"title":"0.3g · V-Vial","offer_id":44581681627361,"sku":null,"price":206.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"1g · V-Vial","offer_id":44581681660129,"sku":null,"price":615.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"1.5g · V-Vial","offer_id":44581681692897,"sku":null,"price":905.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"3g · Full Quarter Tola (Glass Dipstick)","offer_id":44581681725665,"sku":null,"price":1785.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0627\/8955\/0305\/files\/il_1588xN.5846384135_bidv_1.jpg?v=1709218795"},{"product_id":"ant-and-clay-2022-kuala-pilah-malaysian-oud-oil","title":"Ant and Clay 2022 : Chinese Herbal Pharmacy Malaysian Oud Oil","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAnt and Clay 2022  - Kuala Pilah - Negeri Sembilan - West Malaysia - Pure Artisan Malay Oud Oil - Dehn al Oud\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJungle\u003c\/strong\u003e : Kuala Pilah, Negeri Sembilan - West Malaysia\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecies\u003c\/strong\u003e : Malaccensis (and maybe a hint of Beccariana) - Wild\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDistillation\u003c\/strong\u003e : March 1 - 12th, 2022 - No Soak, 12 Day Collection\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eClass\u003c\/strong\u003e : New Gen Stainless and Gas - Distilled exclusively from high grade Ant wood and a select batch of high grade Clay logs\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProfile\u003c\/strong\u003e : Chinese Medicine Pharmacy\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e**\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cem\u003eChinese Medicine Spices and Herbs - Long-lasting Sweetness - Rich, Syrupy, Oudy, Musky Drydown\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAfter the success of several of my New Gen Malaysians (Ipoh Strawberry, Terengganu Ant, and the original batches of Tiger King) - I wanted to push the boundary again and make another stellar oil, this time from a unique combination of high grade Ant wood and some beautiful Clay Logs (really old, dead and buried wood). \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe result was surprising ...\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eABOUT THIS PROJECT\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis unique oil is made from 2 very different types of formations :\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAnt colonies \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/span\u003ethat are burrowed tunnels throughout a tree - and \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eClay woods\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e(woods that aren't just dead and decaying on the surface, but get buried over time or through weather and climactic events).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnt wood oils made exclusively from those particular formations are rare, and usually quite pricey, as the woods aren't solid and are usually thin, so they are more challenging to carve out. High grade specimens are also pricey, for more obvious reasons.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eHigh grade Clay woods are also quite rare and pricey, and solid logs - like the ones we used in this batch - are usually reserved for making beads, and the scrap is highly coveted for heating. We didn't use scrap materials here. I ground up whole logs and tossed them into the pot. You can see the quality of the logs in the listing photos. Was excellent material.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI wanted to see what would happen when the sweetness of Ant was combined with the terroir earthiness of the Clay.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eContrasting against Ant woods known for their sweetness - Clay woods can smell earthy, rich, mineralic, or even pick up characteristics of the specific clay types into which they found themselves buried. It's a whole layer of dimensions of scent - and one particular type of wood that is generally highly sought after in the Far East.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTHE SCENT\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe first really surprising thing about this particular oil - is that it started out Blue Green - a particular color in Chinese that's known as Qing. Qing oils usually smell quite herbal - \"like Chinese Medicine\". Blue, Green, and Qing oils are all HIGHLY sought after - both for their colors, as well as their unique odor profiles.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOn the one hand - they can lean Minty - like some East Malaysian woods can be Minty \/ Medicinal smelling. On the other hand they can smell very Herbal - like the scent of a Chinese Medicine Pharmacy. If you've ever been into one, you'll recognize that scent immediately. As a Chinese Medicine practitioner, myself - it's a very familiar and pleasant scent profile, and one that is well-known and beloved by many East Asian consumers. \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eIt's quite a rare profile, and highly desired. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn this particular case - it's a potent Chinese Medicine Pharmacy profile, and smells soooo good. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI distilled this batch back in March of 2022 and then shelved it. I have several Malaysians I've shelved, and will be pulling out periodically to add some variety into the shop. (Don't overlook my Tiger King \/ TK Series, for example) (There are some special Malaysian woods in the shop, as well).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhat often starts as Blue or Green or Qing will often morph into a brown or red color. In this case, after 3 years of aging - we now have a deep Blood Red-colored oil, like a liquid Dragon's Blood, or a really deep glass of red wine. So deep red that it almost looks black, like a dark garnet or ruby. For an oil, it's a really unique color of red.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe scent profile, Chinese Pharmacy scent aside, I find quite challenging to describe. It's Sweet. Very long lasting. The herbal notes morph and shift and smell like a dozen different things, yet like none of them. Star Anise and Dang Gui. Benzoin and Cloves. Humid Patchouli? Styrax and Mu Xiang? It's wild.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eI'll add that I get some occasional \"purple\" or \"grape-leaning\" notes, which leads me to believe some of the Ant wood used may have had some Beccariana mixed in with it - as Becc tends to smell like Concord Grapes. I wonder if you'll notice that, as well?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnd underneath it all, a thick Oudiness that hints on those sweet syrupy notes that can be found in Malaysian oils from the Peninsula.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSimply put - Ant and Clay is divine.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Rising Phoenix Perfumery","offers":[{"title":"0.3g · Sample Vial","offer_id":47857422139617,"sku":null,"price":135.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"0.3g · V-Vial","offer_id":47857422172385,"sku":null,"price":140.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"1g · Glass Dipstick Bottle","offer_id":47857422205153,"sku":null,"price":395.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"1g · V-Vial","offer_id":47857422237921,"sku":null,"price":400.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"3g · Full Quarter Tola (Glass Dipstick)","offer_id":47857422270689,"sku":null,"price":1050.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"12g · Full Tola","offer_id":47857422303457,"sku":null,"price":3780.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0627\/8955\/0305\/files\/CC462068-65F9-469C-AED0-6FB366A8A3AF.jpg?v=1768506441"}],"url":"https:\/\/www.risingphoenixperfumery.com\/collections\/ant-wood-oud-oils.oembed","provider":"RisingPhoenixPerfumery.com","version":"1.0","type":"link"}