Question regarding musk storage and maceration

[Bandar]

I ask God to grant you success and for it to be a successful experience. The quantity is large and expensive if it is for personal use. I give you advice, as I prefer my colleagues in their ideas. It is preferable to diversify the carrier oil to soak the musk. For example, you have Damascene rose oil, which is cultivated in many countries, and the best of them is Taif, then Bulgarian, and so on. You have oud oil, and always make sure that it does not have an animal smell, and it is beautiful if it has an incense characteristic. You also have sandalwood, and there are other aromatic oils that are preferred in one region over another, but put 5-10% of musk in it. It is preferable to have a magnetic centrifuge to help mix the mixture. When diversifying the aromatic oils with musk, you will have aromatic bases that can be used to make distinctive mixtures instead of a single mixture.

 

[Mr.P]

Morringa is a fixed oil and cannot be distilled

I ask God to grant you success and for it to be a successful experience. The quantity is large and expensive if it is for personal use. I give you advice, as I prefer my colleagues in their ideas. It is preferable to diversify the carrier oil to soak the musk. For example, you have Damascene rose oil, which is cultivated in many countries, and the best of them is Taif, then Bulgarian, and so on. You have oud oil, and always make sure that it does not have an animal smell, and it is beautiful if it has an incense characteristic. You also have sandalwood, and there are other aromatic oils that are preferred in one region over another, but put 5-10% of musk in it. It is preferable to have a magnetic centrifuge to help mix the mixture. When diversifying the aromatic oils with musk, you will have aromatic bases that can be used to make distinctive mixtures instead of a single mixture.

The idea of creating a variety of infusions seems like a good one especially if the intended use is for perfume making. I understand the appeal of a general purpose neutral musk oil, but it may be hard to find one carrier that will work for all your future intended uses. Sandalwood for example is good in some contexts but can completely suppress lively aspects of scent in others.

 

[Tauhid Shaikh]

 

[Tauhid Shaikh]

This is what was advised by @Al Shareef Oudh in one of his response on the thread. Malaysia oud, adding gradually to desired texture or your paste.

Patience is the key, I let it sit 2 years before even considering it ready for testing. I make make them with an intent to age it atleast for 5 years or more

 

[AdeelWM]

My dear first of all I wish you all the best with this project.

Secondly I would recommend changing from sandalwood to oudh. Malaysian oudh. Whilst this won't help your budget, it will be a scent that is inline with our tastes.

The unfortunate thing with sandalwood and musk is, the sandalwood takes over.

As for storing musk pods, it is best stored in a sealed glass bottle, in the freezer. Nature stores musk by freezing it. As for dried grains they can be stored in a glass bottle in a dry dark place.

As for the time record, you can add 30grams every year, the smell will vary every time you add another batch of musk. Each time you add new musk it will require 6months to reach equilibrium with the mixture. You can just keep adding until you reach the amount you are happy with them leave it for another 6 months. The longer you then leave it after that will bring out more nuances.

The temperature is best as human body temperature. If you can put the mixture on something that would replicate body temperature and movement, that would be ideal. As it will be the optimum temperature for aging and also the motion will keep it mixing.

If you need further assistance please drop me a DM.

Could you briefly guide about storing oud oil and rose oil in crystal flacons? I intend to put 3 tolas in 4 tola flacons and not that I intend to open it all the time, but whenever i want to swipe. I really don’t want to go through the putting rose in refrigerator, oud in separate bottles. Also they will be in my room which is going to be 22-26 degrees at all times in a closed decoration box.

 

[Al Shareef Oudh]

Could you briefly guide about storing oud oil and rose oil in crystal flacons? I intend to put 3 tolas in 4 tola flacons and not that I intend to open it all the time, but whenever i want to swipe. I really don’t want to go through the putting rose in refrigerator, oud in separate bottles. Also they will be in my room which is going to be 22-26 degrees at all times in a closed decoration box.

The only reservation with crystal bottles is the lead content. They have 24+ % of lead content. Normal glass bottles are much better options. Opening the bottle for application is not a big problem.

Rose in a dark dry and cool place is fine. Some people confuse the parameters for consumption of rose with using it in perfumery. Naturopathic physicians recommend a shelf life for essential oils due to the nature of use, which is not the case when utilised as a scent.

 

[Arabiad07]

We need a al Shareef musk paste!

 

[asrar merchant]

أسأل الله أن يوفقك وأن تكون تجربة ناجحة، الكمية كبيرة ومكلفة إذا كانت للاستخدام الشخصي، أقدم لك نصيحة، فأنا أفضل زملائي في أفكارهم، يفضل تنويع الزيت الحامل لنقع المسك، مثلا لديك زيت الورد الدمشقي الذي يزرع في كثير من الدول، وأفضلها الطائفي ثم البلغاري وهكذا، لديك زيت العود، وتأكد دائما أنه ليس له رائحة حيوانية، وجميل إذا كان له خاصية البخور، لديك أيضا خشب الصندل، وهناك زيوت عطرية أخرى مفضلة في منطقة عن أخرى، لكن ضع فيها 5-10% من المسك، ويفضل أن يكون هناك جهاز طرد مركزي مغناطيسي للمساعدة في خلط الخليط، وعند تنويع الزيوت العطرية بالمسك سيكون لديك قواعد عطرية يمكن استخدامها لعمل خلطات مميزة بدلا من خليط واحد.

احسن نصيحة يا اخي
بارك الله فيك

 

[asrar merchant]

We need a al Shareef musk paste!

this would be a must have.

I hope you are listening and will act, Sir Al Shareef Oud.

 

[Saudalhajri]

Many of these questions have already been answered on here more than once. Users find it easier to just ask a question in a new post/thread than they do looking through the thousands of posts. The search terms don't always align so the search function may or may not return results.

The information is already there the fact that these questions are asked again is for convenience as the user couldn't find the previous answers. Since the pivotal element is convenience than it is much more convenient to search ones DMs than it is to search in the general forum.

The second issue with the general forum is all opinions come across the same. Expert and newbie. Therefore I find more than not, time is spent in these threads explaining to the questioner why some of opinions shared are baseless.

Call it selfish, but I don't have a lot of time to get into many of those detracting discussions. I like to answer the question, offer my advice and time as an expert so that the questioner benefits, unfortunately that purpose is not achieved when everyone (valid experience or just guess work) jumps on to comment, hence my preference for DM so the questioner is not confused.

But to each their journey, that is the nature of public forums and people have to carve out a method of nagivating it that works for them. I have shared mine.

Thanks for your input, I really appreciate it. And I do agree with what you intend. Your time just as everyone's valuable and ultimatly finite.
I do understand that many answers here in this thread and others have been answered (maybe dozens of times). Its a lot easiers for users to ask a new question instead of searching, which might seem lazy and sometimes it is. But on the other hand a new thread might bring new, more accurate answers.
Searching and combing through threads might give less than accurate answers, since expertise and knowledge increase with time. For example if i asked you (or any old members on the forum or in the perfumery world) a question today, and compared their answer with their answer 10 years ago, it most surely will be a different answer.
This is why it's important for experts to contribute actively to discussions, to ensure accurate and up-to-date guidance for amateurs and enthusiasts and experts who might need help. It's not about discouraging participation or differing opinions -everyone should be encouraged to share their thoughts- but expert input helps to clarify and guide where needed.
I hope i got my point across and apologies for any misunderstanding, as english isnt my first language.

 

[Saudalhajri]

So, let me explain my goal first and then my perspective or opinion on this...

So my goal is to get a thick paste or paste-ish maceration of musk, where a decent amount of musk extraction has begun at the least.

Now for good or great result of maceration, there is only one golden ingredient, time... and this ingredient has absolutely no replacement, Subhan Allah. Ofcourse whatever technique we apply, the maceration of pure materials will be great in say 2 years and even better in 5 years, and even in 10 years .. etc.
We know this well.

But impatience (for various reasons) is a reality of life too, haha.

So what I want is to achieve a 2 year maceration result in say about 6 months... which is what exactly?
To be precise my goal is to see some sort of mediumly strong musk smelling paste where musk has started actively take over the sandal/enhance the sandal with its own unique notes... mysterious notes that a contribution of both musk and sandal, appearing.... so that I know yes this maceration is going in a certain direction... then time can do its thing and it will gradually only get better and better every year.

So the beginning I was aggressive results to show, therefore I employ a more aggressive process of stirring and heating... now keeping in mind when I say heating... it is just slightly warm heating between 40-60 deg C, in a double boiler method... all of this just to activate the musk.

This is only intention of employing this process. As this product is intended for Someone and when I present this, at that time I want the musk to already have begun showing a strong presence and also give a glimpse into the wonders to come ahead with age.

Hope I have answered you question.

The processes won't go on for 6 months continuous, it will just be for periods between long rest periods in a dark room temperature place inside the cupboard.

thanks
Ali

Your method looks good in theory but i can't help but think about the saturation point of the oil. I dont know the specifics but the lower the ratio between musk and oil the fewer aroma molecules you'd be able to extract into the oil. You might end up with a very strong maceration of sandalwood and musk, but also with pure musk grains retaining their original scent.
You can kind of "cheat" time by stirring constantly and adding a gentle heat just like you said.
What you're describing is a lutookh or a semi-solid or gel perfume, like a thicker ghalya.
Like everyone said try it out in a small batch! nothing beats experimenting if you can afford it.

أسأل الله أن يوفقك وأن تكون تجربة ناجحة، الكمية كبيرة ومكلفة إذا كانت للاستخدام الشخصي، أقدم لك نصيحة، فأنا أفضل زملائي في أفكارهم، يفضل تنويع الزيت الحامل لنقع المسك، مثلا لديك زيت الورد الدمشقي الذي يزرع في كثير من الدول، وأفضلها الطائفي ثم البلغاري وهكذا، لديك زيت العود، وتأكد دائما أنه ليس له رائحة حيوانية، وجميل إذا كان له خاصية البخور، لديك أيضا خشب الصندل، وهناك زيوت عطرية أخرى مفضلة في منطقة عن أخرى، لكن ضع فيها 5-10% من المسك، ويفضل أن يكون هناك جهاز طرد مركزي مغناطيسي للمساعدة في خلط الخليط، وعند تنويع الزيوت العطرية بالمسك سيكون لديك قواعد عطرية يمكن استخدامها لعمل خلطات مميزة بدلا من خليط واحد.

.جزاك الله خيرًا يا أخي. نعم الكمية كبيرة لكنني سأجزءها على فترات, لأن راتبي لا يسمح لي بشراء ربع كيلو من المسك دفعة واحدة للأسف.
وشكرا على النصيحة, بعد قراءة التعليقات هنا فكرت في توزيع المسك على عدة حوامل منها العود والورد والبان والكحول, لكن سيكون الجزء الأكبر من المسك في حامل خفيف الرائحة كالصندل.
هدفي من محلول الصندل هو أن أحتفظ بمخزون من المسك مذاب في حامل عديم أو خفيف الرائحة، لاستخدامه في المخلطات والعطور حسب رغبتي.

 

[Saudalhajri]

This is what was advised by @Al Shareef Oudh in one of his response on the thread. Malaysia oud, adding gradually to desired texture or your paste.

Patience is the key, I let it sit 2 years before even considering it ready for testing. I make make them with an intent to age it atleast for 5 years or more

that looks absolutely phenomenal, i bet it smells intoxicating! I'll have to try it

 

[Ahmed113]

Maybe better to macerate 5grams of musk in 15 grams of the desired sandalwood you will use for the big batch and see the result after 6 months to a year. I for one did not like musk with sandalwood and I have different macerations since 2020 in concentrations from 20% to 30%. With oud it is amazing and I liked it immediately but I used oud with some inherent sweetness to it.

 

[Shiningrobes]

Unfortunately I don't have a technical solution for that. I have tried a number of different approaches, for example I have whole threads on distillation, incense making etc open to the public, but unfortunately more often than not the content gets derailed by some baseless side ideas.

As I mentioned earlier everyone has to work out what works best for them. I answered the question in enough detail, and for any specifics they can DM and anyone can DM.

I‘m now off to try and find those threads and sift through them. Even if I don’t want to personally take up distillation or incense making I love to learn and having access to knowledgeable information is a godsend. I find that many of my questions have already been asked on here even if it’s not always easy to find the relevant answers. I realize that you and several others have answered many of these questions over and over again, but for someone like myself these answers are invaluable.

 

[Saudalhajri]

Maybe better to macerate 5grams of musk in 15 grams of the desired sandalwood you will use for the big batch and see the result after 6 months to a year. I for one did not like musk with sandalwood and I have different macerations since 2020 in concentrations from 20% to 30%. With oud it is amazing and I liked it immediately but I used oud with some inherent sweetness to it.

I will try doing a few small batches as others recommended using different oils, then choose from them in 6 months time

 

[Saudalhajri]

I will try doing a few small batches as others recommended using different oils, then choose from them in 6 months time

Final decision is :

8.5ml of fresh indian (St Album) Sandalwood (not mysore) with 3.5g of dried Siberian musk grains (approx 30% dilution)

Another 30% in New Caledonia sandalwood (3.5ml with 1.5g musk)

1/2 tola Malaysian oud, with 20% Siberian musk.
1/2 tola taif rose, with 20% Siberian musk.

I’ll do my math again and see how much it’ll all cost, and wether or not the material will still be available to buy in a years time.

Total will be around 1180$ not counting shipping and bottles. The biggest expense is the actual musk (7.5g) and the taif Rose oil.

It’ll all be ordered when my salary comes inshallah.
Until then, any recommendations or stories or questions are welcomed.

 

[NinjaRobb]

My dear first of all I wish you all the best with this project.

Secondly I would recommend changing from sandalwood to oudh. Malaysian oudh. Whilst this won't help your budget, it will be a scent that is inline with our tastes.

The unfortunate thing with sandalwood and musk is, the sandalwood takes over.

As for storing musk pods, it is best stored in a sealed glass bottle, in the freezer. Nature stores musk by freezing it. As for dried grains they can be stored in a glass bottle in a dry dark place.

As for the time record, you can add 30grams every year, the smell will vary every time you add another batch of musk. Each time you add new musk it will require 6months to reach equilibrium with the mixture. You can just keep adding until you reach the amount you are happy with them leave it for another 6 months. The longer you then leave it after that will bring out more nuances.

The temperature is best as human body temperature. If you can put the mixture on something that would replicate body temperature and movement, that would be ideal. As it will be the optimum temperature for aging and also the motion will keep it mixing.

If you need further assistance please drop me a DM.

Excellent answer, regarding the storage of musk, I subscribe to every word

 

[NinjaRobb]

I’m pretty new in this forum so I apologize if this is the wrong section for my topic.

I’m planning on making a big batch of musk in sandalwood oil for my personal use, and to pass on to my children.

The total weight would be 300g of musk grains in 1 liter of mysore sandalwood
As is obvious, this is a very expensive project, and I won’t be able to do it in one go. So I’m planning on buying the materials but by bit every month.
But the problem arises with the storage. My questions are:
1. What is the best way to preserve raw musk pods until I use them? In the freezer? Dry them first? Or how?
2. If I were to buy the sandalwood oil first, and add the musk to it bit by bit, how would I record the maceration time? If I added 30g a year ago, and 30g today, would the maceration be 1 day old or 1 year old?
3. What are the best conditions to macerate and store? I presume a dark, room temperature place right?

I apologize if these questions have been asked before, but from my research here people ask only about making a batch all at once, not over time.

So, how to store a musk pod:
1. If you have dried it completely and you cannot push through the skin with your finger, the walls of the pod are quite hard, this means that all the moisture has left the pod and you can safely store it in a glass jar, you can pre-wrap it in a cotton cloth, and put it in a dark cool place.

2. If the pod is not completely dried and the grains are semi-dry, you should put the pod in a glass jar and put it in the freezer. the pod will retain the state in which you put it there.

How to store musk grains:
The best way to store musk grains in a tightly closed glass bottle at a temperature of +4-+8 degrees Celsius, a refrigerator is perfect for this.
It is allowed to store musk grains in a tightly closed glass container in a dark place at room temperature

 

[Saudalhajri]

So, how to store a musk pod:
1. If you have dried it completely and you cannot push through the skin with your finger, the walls of the pod are quite hard, this means that all the moisture has left the pod and you can safely store it in a glass jar, you can pre-wrap it in a cotton cloth, and put it in a dark cool place.

2. If the pod is not completely dried and the grains are semi-dry, you should put the pod in a glass jar and put it in the freezer. the pod will retain the state in which you put it there.

How to store musk grains:
The best way to store musk grains in a tightly closed glass bottle at a temperature of +4-+8 degrees Celsius, a refrigerator is perfect for this.
It is allowed to store musk grains in a tightly closed glass container in a dark place at room temperature

I’ll be buying the pods from you so I assume they’re dried. And I’ll store them in airtight Duran jars at room temperature with a sachet of anti-moisture silica gel.

The grains I’ll also get from you, the dried Siberian grains. And same as above but in the fridge until I need to use them.

Thank you very much for your input, your expert advice is very valuable. If you have any critique of my plan please let me know.

 

[NinjaRobb]

I’ll be buying the pods from you so I assume they’re dried. And I’ll store them in airtight Duran jars at room temperature with a sachet of anti-moisture silica gel.

The grains I’ll also get from you, the dried Siberian grains. And same as above but in the fridge until I need to use them.

Thank you very much for your input, your expert advice is very valuable. If you have any critique of my plan please let me know.

Fine and Thank you, we can discuss the details in private messages