This is what I enjoy most about it.

It smells unmistakably Indian.

There is no need for the oil to be aggressively animalic to establish its identity.

The wood speaks clearly enough on its own.

And as it continues to settle, the deeper woody character becomes more apparent, carrying the warmth and maturity of an oil that has been ageing since 2018.

What makes Manipur 2018 particularly memorable to me is not simply its aroma.

It is the circumstances in which I discovered it.

I was searching for good oud, doing what I have always enjoyed doing: meeting people who work with agarwood, examining material and looking for something genuinely special.

Sometimes, after smelling so many oils, you begin to think you already know what to expect from a particular origin.

And then something comes along that surprises you.

That was exactly what happened with this oil.

I did not need a long explanation from the distiller to appreciate it.

The aroma itself was enough.

I knew I wanted to keep it, and I purchased the entire small batch.

Looking back, that decision remains one I am very happy about.

Because finding a clean, naturally fruity and spicy Hindi oil with this kind of character is not something I take for granted.

And over the years, Manipur 2018 has remained an important part of my collection.

It also reflects something fundamental about my approach to oud distillation.

I do not believe that barnyard or heavily fermented notes are what define a great Hindi oil.

For me, the quality of the material, the natural character of the wood and the care taken during distillation matter far more.

When I smell Manipur 2018, I am reminded of exactly that belief.

It is an oil that showed me how beautiful Hindi oud can be when its natural character is allowed to come through.

And that is one of the reasons I want to share it through NUHOUD.

I want people who have only experienced heavily fermented Hindi oils to discover another side of Indian oud.

A side that is fruity, spicy, deeply woody and beautifully clean.

And I want those who already appreciate exceptional Hindi agarwood to recognize the natural character of the wood within the oil.

Manipur 2018 is more than a vintage Hindi oud in my collection.

It is an oil that changed my personal relationship with Hindi distillations.

A beautiful expression of high-grade wild Manipur agarwood, with rich plum-like fruitiness, natural Indian spice and a deep, clean woody character.

For me, this is one of the most beautiful ways to experience real Hindi oud.