Judging Agarwood Resin by Scent

Agarwood "oil" is the aromatic resin deposited after wounding. Denser resin means fuller, longer scent. But resin isn't color — dye fakes that; scent can't be faked. The framework is in 鉴定支柱页.

Four words: cool, sweet, transparent, lasting

Cool: good agarwood often feels cooling at room temperature, never harsh; sweet: natural honey or fruity sweetness; transparent: clear, non-stuffy, with opening and finish; lasting: long hang-time. The more complete, the denser the resin. Build a baseline against 沉香百科.

Advanced: layers via temperature

Indirect low heat reveals head notes (clear, cool), then body (sweet, mellow), then tail (medicinal, milky). High-resin wood shows clear, natural transitions; oil-injected fakes "rush then empty". Practice in 中华香学·品香之道.

(This is industry observation and popular-science summary, not investment advice. Buy agarwood through legal channels with traceable, testable sources.)