To identify high-quality agarwood, examine its appearance for dark, irregular resin patterns, test its density by sinking it in water, and evaluate its fragrance for a complex, warm, and resinous scent, not a chemical or overly sweet smell. A burn test on a small chip can further reveal its superior bubbling and smoky aroma.
Visual & Physical Characteristics
Color and Resin:Look for a dark brown to black color with natural, uneven resin streaks, rather than painted or dyed patterns. The darker the oil veins, the older and more valuable the wood.
Density:High-quality agarwood is dense due to its high resin content and should sink in water.
Texture:The surface may have a glossy finish from the natural resin deposits.
Weight:The wood will feel heavy for its size.
Scent Evaluation
Unburned Aroma:
Authentic agarwood has a subtle, warm, woody, and resinous aroma, possibly with a hint of sweetness.
Chemical Odor:
A sharp, chemical, or overly sweet smell can indicate artificial soaking with synthetic oud oil, suggesting low quality or fakes.
Burn Test
Bubbling:When a small chip is heated on a spoon or burner, superior agarwood will release a healthy amount of bubbles.
Aroma:The resulting smoke should have a complex, rich, and pleasant aroma.
Other Considerations
Source:
High-quality agarwood often comes from authentic trees infected naturally over long periods, while lower-quality products are often mass-produced or artificially treated.
Origin:
Scent can vary by geographical origin, but natural agarwood typically has a more complex and appealing fragrance than cultivated or fake varieties.