Bhutan Atiq

Bhutan Atiq is the crown jewel of Al Hashimi’s vintage collection — a masterful oud oil distilled in 1990, and a rare survivor from the wild, unspoiled forests of Bhutan. It is a fragrance that transcends time, offering a multi-layered sensory experience that is both grounding and ethereal.

My own journey with Bhutanese oud began in 2012, when I acquired a few extraordinary wild oils from a trusted vendor. Since then, genuine Bhutanese oud has all but disappeared — with occasional claims surfacing that, upon inspection, turn out to be little more than rebranded plantation oils from Thailand or India. So when I came across Bhutan Atiq, I had to pause and compose myself. One swipe confirmed it: I had rediscovered what I can only describe as the Holy Grail of Oud.

At its core, Bhutan Atiq exudes that unmistakable umami character — a deep, savoury richness evoking earthy truffles, aged wood, and the warmth of slow-crafted delicacies. This resinous foundation is profoundly satisfying, anchoring the oil in elemental natural beauty.

And yet, it does not stop there. Rising from this primal base is an exquisite floral and incense bouquet, radiant and refined. Delicate florals unfold like light through a forest canopy — soft, airy, and effortlessly graceful. A gentle stream of fine incense brings contrast and calm, adding an air of sacred ritual and meditative stillness.

As the drydown develops, a creamy nuance begins to thread through the composition. The smoke, florals, and umami converge into a harmonious singular note of extraordinary depth and character — luxurious, contemplative, and quietly majestic.

Distilled from century-aged Aquilaria trees deep in Bhutan’s untouched wilderness, Bhutan Atiq captures a level of purity and craftsmanship that is virtually extinct today. A handful of Bhutanese oils of comparable calibre reside within my private reserve and are listed on Scent Legends, yet even among them, Bhutan Atiq stands tall — commanding the same level of quality, yet offered at a fraction of the price.

This is not simply a vintage oud. It is a living relic, a scent that speaks of mist-covered mountains, sacred spaces, and traditions long past. It embodies Bhutan’s natural heritage while bridging the divide between ancient method and refined artistry.

Bhutan Atiq is for the true connoisseur — a fragrance that does not need to shout, because it has nothing to prove. It is not merely worn. It is remembered.