Agarwood Grades Explained
Agarwood is graded primarily by resin density — the more resin a piece contains, the darker, heavier, and more aromatic it is. There is no single global standard, so grades like "A," "3A," or "sinking grade" mean different things depending on the seller and region; what matters most is density, origin, and how the wood smells.
Understanding the grade spectrum helps you buy with confidence, whether you are sourcing raw chips, oud oil, or bakhoor. To learn more about the tree itself, read what agarwood is and how it forms.
Key facts
- Resin density is the single most important quality indicator.
- The classic field test: high-resin wood sinks in water.
- Grade names (A–5A, Grade 1–3) are vendor-specific and not standardized.
- Kyara / Kinam is the rarest, most expensive grade of all.
- Fine oud oil can reach US$1,000 or more per gram at the premium end.
- Legitimate agarwood is CITES Appendix II–regulated; always ask for documentation.
How Agarwood Is Graded
Buyers and traders assess agarwood on three core criteria:
- Resin density — heavier, darker wood contains more of the fragrant oleoresin that gives agarwood its value. A piece can be examined visually by its dark veining, or weighed relative to its size.
- Colour — wood ranges from pale tan with faint dark streaks (low grade) to deep chocolate or near-black (high grade). Uniform, saturated colour usually signals higher resin content.
- Aroma — the smell test is irreplaceable. Quality wood releases a complex, balsamic, woody-sweet scent even when cold; heating intensifies this. Thin or chemical-smelling smoke is a warning sign.
- Origin and species — Aquilaria malaccensis and related species from different regions (Assam, Cambodia, Papua, the Philippines) each carry distinct aromatic profiles that affect perceived value.
The Grade Spectrum: Incense Chips to Kyara
Think of agarwood quality as a continuous spectrum rather than fixed steps:
- Incense-grade chips — lighter colour, lower resin content, still fragrant when burned. The most accessible entry point for buyers and ideal for everyday incense use.
- Mid-grade chips — visibly darker veining, noticeably richer scent. Often marketed under letter grades (A, AA) by individual vendors.
- Sinking grade — resin-saturated pieces that sink when placed in water. Highly prized for direct burning, collection, and premium oud oil distillation.
- Kyara / Kinam — the pinnacle. Extremely rare, with a distinctive cool, milky-sweet aroma profile unlike any other grade. Commands the highest prices in the world; genuine Kyara is scarce and expensive even in small quantities.
The Sinking Test
The water-sinking test is one of the oldest and most practical field checks in the agarwood trade. A piece of wood with very high resin content is denser than water and will sink. Floating wood is not necessarily low quality — it may still be fragrant and perfectly suitable for incense — but sinking-grade material commands a significant premium. The test is a useful starting point, not a complete picture; always combine it with a smell assessment and visual inspection of the resin veining.
Why Grade Names Are Not Standardized
Unlike diamonds or coffee, agarwood has no internationally recognised grading body. A "Grade A" chip from one Philippine supplier may be equivalent to a "3A" from a Middle Eastern trader or a "Grade 2" from a Cambodian dealer. This makes cross-vendor price comparisons difficult and creates real risk for uninformed buyers. When evaluating a purchase, prioritise density, aroma, and the seller's transparency over any letter or number on a label. For a broader picture of what to expect to pay, see agarwood prices in the Philippines.
How to Judge Quality Yourself
- Look — dark, dense resin veins running through the wood; avoid pale, uniform, or artificially stained pieces.
- Weigh — high-grade chips feel heavy for their size.
- Smell cold, then warm — cold wood should already hint at sweetness or earthiness; a gentle heat test (not open flame) reveals the full profile.
- Ask for documentation — reputable sellers of cultivated agarwood provide CITES permits or equivalent certification. This protects you legally and confirms the wood comes from a legal, traceable source.
- Buy from known cultivators — farm-traceable, cultivated agarwood is more consistent and fully compliant with international wildlife trade law.
Grades at Hannah's Farm
Hannah's Farm cultivates CITES-certified Aquilaria (lapnisan) in Calauan, Laguna. Our chips, oud oil, and bakhoor are produced from farm-grown trees, fully documented, and graded with transparency. Browse our agarwood incense chips or contact us directly to discuss sinking-grade material and oud oil availability.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the highest grade of agarwood?
Kyara (also written Kinam or Qi'nan) is universally regarded as the finest grade of agarwood. It is distinguished by an exceptionally rare aromatic profile — often described as cool, milky, and complex — and by very high resin density. Genuine Kyara is extraordinarily scarce and commands the highest prices of any natural aromatic material in the world.
Does sinking agarwood always mean better quality?
Sinking-grade wood is highly resinous and is generally more valuable than floating pieces, but the water test is one indicator, not the whole story. Aroma complexity, species, and origin all contribute to quality. Some floating pieces with excellent scent profiles are preferred by experienced buyers over denser but less aromatic material.
Why do agarwood grades differ between sellers?
There is no international grading standard for agarwood. Each trader, farm, or exporting country applies its own scale. This means a "Grade A" label carries no fixed meaning across vendors. The safest approach is to assess the wood itself — density, colour, and cold and warm aroma — and to buy from sellers who are transparent about origin and CITES compliance.
Is cultivated agarwood the same quality as wild-harvested?
Cultivated agarwood produced through inoculation methods can achieve excellent quality, including sinking-grade material, though the very highest wild grades are still rare by nature. The key advantage of cultivated wood is traceability, legal compliance under CITES Appendix II, and consistent availability — making it the responsible choice for buyers and collectors worldwide.
Cultivated, CITES-certified oud — from our farm
Explore our farm-grown agarwood: oud oil, incense chips, bakhoor, leaf tea and prayer beads, each made in small batches in Calauan, Laguna.
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