Getting a smell out of a flower or a piece of wood and into a bottle takes real technique — and several different techniques, depending on the material.

  • Steam distillation — steam passes through plant material, carrying aromatic compounds that are then condensed and separated; used for oud, rose and many essential oils.
  • Expression — cold-pressing, used for citrus peels like bergamot and lemon, where the oil sits close to the surface.
  • Solvent extraction — a solvent draws out aromatic compounds from delicate materials (like jasmine) that don’t survive steam distillation well, producing a concentrated “absolute.”
  • CO2 extraction — a newer method using pressurised carbon dioxide, sometimes preferred for capturing a cleaner, truer profile of the source material.

Frequently asked questions

Which method is used for oud?

Traditionally steam distillation, though CO2 extraction is increasingly used by some producers — see our oud production guide for the detail.

Continue reading: How Is Oud Made? · What Is Maceration?

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