Borneo 3000 Ensar Oud / Oriscent

Ensar Oud Borneo 3000. Much like Oud Royale, this oil's reputation precedes it. Every oud enthusiast has heard this name.

For me, the first encounter with it was a bit lackluster. I had tried the original iteration, the 2004 distillation, and while I recognized the sheer quality and pristine Malinau profile in it, maybe I expected more. Especially as I had tried quite a few top-tier oils by that time, I probably imagined this to be more than it revealed. Yet, I could not deny, and still can't, that it is for Malinau, one of the best renditions. I can only imagine back in the day when quality oud was not known to the general public as it is today, trying this oil for the first time. It is easy to see how it had such an impact. However, as we go back to those times, with low-par oils being pumped again due to scarcity of raw materials, this being especially true for Malinau, this oil is probably as relevant today as it was back then.

This is the 2015 batch, and it strikes me in terms of the profile and depth, almost identical to the early 2004 and 2005 versions. I only had samples of those, so I can't do a more in-depth comparison, just off the top of my head.
Regarding the scent profile, this Borneo oil is more on the woody side of the spectrum, boasting immense depth and power. It displays a deep humm and boasts plenty of bass. The opening has this faint and short-lived minty quality followed by a pink raspberry aroma that starts strong and becomes more ethereal and pastel-like as time goes by. These two facets are not the most important. There is a nutty quality that dominates the profile, alongside a honey note, and of course, the woodiness. I would say these three characteristics represent the hallmark of this oil. Deep woody tones, honey, and nuts. It doesn't feel too sweet or syrupy(the way I perceive Borneo 50K), but rather on the dry side. There is a faint incense chord in the background, but again, only as a supportive element. Of course, the warm spices are present, with plenty of cinnamon and some nutmeg, and they go incredibly well with the honey and the nuts. Wearing this oud oil now in the chilly air of Autumn on my neck is an utter delight. The late dry down has a faint musky quality that is incredibly enticing and only adds to this oil's allure. But overall, expect to be treated with lots of wood, nuts, and honey. These facets come out the strongest when worn on the neck, plus the musky quality, whereas the other minor ones can be picked up when studying the oil close to the skin.

It is a Borneo oil that has climbed the ranks for me consistently since our first encounter, and now with no expectations pre-set I can fully appreciate it for what it offers me, and not for the legendary status behind it. The latter is well deserved, but I prefer to let my nose be the ultimate judge, and this one is worth the praise.

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