To my nose, pre-2010 Maroke ouds are in a different league compared to what’s coming from the island these days. That’s why I haven’t offered any contemporary Maroke ouds. The deep green, medicinal quality of vintage Marokes makes my nose dance like these new breeds never will.
Papua Pua has been aging for the last 7 years. It’s got that jungle-dry gusto that you don’t find anywhere except in wild Maroke oud. The scent doesn’t scream of overly dark woods and is peppered with more spiciness than you’d expect. And you know that murky muddy monsoon moistness? Replace that with glittering post-rain pine dew.
If you’re a Maroke-and-nothing-but-Maroke connoisseur, this profile adds a gentler dimension to its darker twins Maroke 2004 and Maroke LTD. Faint notes of cinnamon, cacao and guana bana on the back burner make the scent progression smooth and consistent. Complimented by a soft cedar drydown, this must be the most accessible Maroke oud you could wear.
Note: Wild Maroke agarwood is infamous for its low yield. Papua Pua was no exception, so supply is limited.