@powdernose, IMO the blind test was fun. However, I am still unsure of the thesis, what the blind test intended to elucidate, and what it actually demonstrates.
The primary goal was to strip ouds of all extrinsic information and see how they fared when reviewed by representatives of the community (consisting of different preferences and experience levels).
In that respect I think this was executed in a successful fashion.
Everything else is a bonus.
I think Rai Munir hit the nail on the head here:
Brand pressure. Description pressure. Peer pressure. Already done review pressure. Forum pressure. Olfactory has gone astray amidst the clamorous pandemonium caused by such pressures.
Pearl, I agree somewhat in that I am trying to figure out what to make of the results. It is nice to see some reactions with the placebo effect more or less neutralized for a change. That’s a first, and although I don’t know what to make of it exactly, it might perhaps be considered interesting in itself as a way for a bunch of oud nerds to work out their oud muscle in their spare time and experience some camaraderie and the thrill of a blind taste test.
Figuring out the results is a good challenge to set.
In my opinion there is plenty of data to work with.
I'll start with the minimum. If nothing else, we got to know how 10 of our own evaluate oud, what ouds and styles they like and dislike.
Then, we got x5 unbiased reviews (as unbiased as they can be, that is) for 13 different ouds and x10 for Sweet Trat.
No small thing!
I've had a further thought or two,
As an example, I think there was region bias, Indonesia/Borneo seemed to fare better on average.
If I were a vendor, I'd be combing through the data to see what works and what doesn't for Ouddicts.
Isn't there value in that?
The blind test was superlative, but I share your sentiments.
I declined participating because I wanted to remain a spectator.
In doing so, I am left wanting more than the parameters that were set.
Hats off to powdernose though, he executed the test like a champ
Thank you!
As for parameters, I had an open invitation for anybody to contribute ideas, and was open to receiving suggestions up until the day the test commenced. You were welcome to make suggestions
What else would you have liked to see?
Rasoul Salehi after the test noted that he would have liked a parameter for 'Balance' and I think he makes a good point.
When I was considering factors I also though about 'Clarity', as an example FHI displayed great clarity in its notes and in its overall progression; to me that attribute oozes quality. One might say Borneo Diesel also displayed that attribute.
Yet I respect all vendors. I strongly supported the project to face 'my own self', not to know about the vendors. Respected Shabby rightly said the experience was shattering as well as liberating.
I agree. I hope there was a fair amount of self discovery for the participants.
God willing, this project will be further refined to unveil more dimensions of Oud oils, brands, and wearers. May this triangle not be a Bermuda Triangle, but visible enough like clear azure sky. "Let freedom ring from every hill and mole hill." Of course, after a pause, the second phase of the project is to be initiated with some changes in modus operandi.
Hey.... it wasn’t my baby so I’m not knocking it, but I see room for it to evolve.
Yes, there is always room for evolution.
When breaking new ground, it is impossible to do so perfectly.
When looking at the results I hope one of the things considered, is how to better focus future trials.
@Rai Munir what do you recommend for a second phase?