You know I'm a sucker for high-end scents, especially those with hints of incense or wood in them that veer off the normal path. Charismatic British bespoke fragrance line Boadicea The Victorious has launched a special library of no less than nine oud or agarwood perfumes for winter 2009.

What is oud/agarwood, you ask? According to Wikipedia, it's "the resinous heartwood from Aquilaria trees, large evergreens native to southeast Asia. The trees occasionally become infected with mold and begin to produce an aromatic resin in response to this attack. As the infection grows, it results in a very rich, dark resin within the heartwood that is commonly called gaharu, jinko, aloeswood, agarwood, or oud and is valued in many cultures for its distinctive fragrance, and thus is used for incense and perfumes." Sounds amazing, although I have to admit I've never smelled it.

The collection was made exclusively for London department store Selfridges and is availabe now. The 9 fragrances it comprises are titled as usual after moral characteristics. Elegant for example is touted as "...probably the most luxurious perfume in the world. Prepare to be indulged." And you know how I love indulgences!

There are also Emprise, Intricate, Inquisitive, Intriguing, Passionate, Magnificent, and Provocative. The olfactory descriptions reveal 9 variations on oud, from floral to fruity, to leathery to camphoraceous, and more.

The brand creator and the main nose Mister Michael Boadi -- former uber stylist who began his career working on campaigns for Gucci, Chanel, and Karl Lagerfeld -- aims at luxury and reportedly this is no obstacle to its popularity, especially given the prices ranging from $360 - $750 for a 100ml bottle.

Check out Boadicea The Victorious online for more information on the creator, the various collections, and a very short list of retailers: Selfridges and Harrods.

If you're feeling really daring -- or rich, as the case may be -- try the bespoke line, where you can sit down and create a scent just for you. Price tag? It's not listed, but as my mother always used to say: If you have to ask, you probably can't afford it.