Goloka Chandan

An elegantly designed 15gm box of Goloka Chandan incense from my local shop for £2.50. Rather expensive for 12 rather thin, mildly perfumed, not especially long-lasting sticks. The box is elegantly designed, with high quality printing, giving the impression that the contents are high value - and this is reinforced with the Goloka hologram seal on the side. The sand coloured incense is hand rolled around natural, undyed bamboo sticks - the twists of the hand rolling can be clearly seen; and there is a pleasant dry powdery appearance.

Goloka are one of the leading Nag Champa brands, and there is more than a hint of that incense here, though well grounded in a very clean and pleasant sandalwood. This reminds me of incense I sometimes encountered burning at festivals during the Seventies - the aroma is top quality, clearly 100% natural, quite evocative, and is something that would make an impression and be remembered. Though expensive, it is damn good, and worth the money - though can be bought for around £1.50 online. Cheapest is justaromatherapy.co.uk/, at £1.05, and they also have some very good deals on multi-buy selections.

From an initial disappointment that the sticks were over-priced and inadequate, I have grown to love the quality of the scent, and the approach of the company, and have already ordered more. The ingredients include "rare herbs, flowers, honey, resins & oils". The quality of the burning material is faultless, and the aroma left behind is warm, clean and and highly attractive. Though initially the scent appears as though - like NagChampa - it could be a little sweet and cloying, it is quickly balanced by the pure sandalwood to produce a balanced and harmonious aroma. This is a very refined and well designed scent - reflective of the quality of the design and printing of the box (which is made from 100% recycled material).

Score: 46   Date: April 2013

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Goloka

Sandalwood