The 5 Types of Kynam: A Complete Guide to Scent, Color, and Quality
2026-03-26

As a premium variety of agarwood, Kynam is classified by its resin color, fiber texture, and scent profile.

There are five main types of Kynam. Below is an introduction to their key characteristics: 


White Kynam

Renowned for its unique aroma and texture, White Kynam is considered the pinnacle of agarwood and is hailed as the "King of Fragrance" in the natural world. Regardless of size, its scent and quality represent the absolute zenith of all Oud varieties globally.

Aromatic Profile: The fragrance of White Kynam is the most coveted among all Kynam types. It features a remarkable five-stage olfactory progression: a refreshing coolness, followed by notes of honey, milk, florals, and finishing with a delicate fruitiness.

Origins: Primarily sourced from Hainan (China) and Nha Trang (Vietnam). White Kynam from these regions is highly prized for its exceptional and unparalleled quality.


Yellow Kynam

Characteristics: Features a subtle yellowish hue. The resin cross-section displays more yellow than green. Compared to Green Kynam, it typically possesses a younger resin profile with a shorter aging period.

Aromatic Profile: The fragrance is pleasant, but can not last very long. The wood exhibits a greenish-black color with yellow undertones and is notably soft in texture.

Origins: Primarily sourced from Hainan (China) and Vietnam.


Green Kynam

Characteristics: When cut, the interior reveals a vibrant green hue with subtle yellow undertones. The resin veins are clearly layered, and the wood is exceptionally aromatic.

Aromatic Profile: It features a crisp, refreshing fragrance with a distinct cooling sensation. The base notes are rich in sweetness, offering what is widely considered a top-tier olfactory experience.

Origins: Primarily sourced from Hainan (China), Nha Trang (Vietnam), and specialized cultivation regions in Guangdong.


Black Kynam

Characteristics: Commonly known as "Iron Knot" (Tie Jie), it features a black appearance with a slightly firm texture. The resin is notably harder compared to other varieties, and its flavor profile is dominated by a distinct cooling sensation.

Aromatic Profile: While the fragrance is pleasant, its longevity is relatively limited. Black Kynam can still be found in living agarwood trees today and is considered the most accessible entry point in terms of pricing within the Kynam hierarchy.

Origins: Primarily sourced from Hainan (China), Brunei, and the Golden Triangle region.


Pursat Kynam (Cambodian Kynam)

Characteristics: Distinguished by its bold, floral-patterned grain structure. Its classification is defined by a deep and complex hierarchy of floral aromas.

Aromatic Profile: As it is worn, the floral scent becomes more expressive and outward-reaching. Over time, the resin darkens, the grain becomes more pronounced, and the overall aesthetic beauty of the piece enhances significantly.

Origin: Exclusively sourced from Pursat Province, Cambodia.




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