Stamford Mythical Range Incense Witches' Curse

Third review - for earlier scroll down

There's fruit - tangerine - in the scent on the cone, along with baby milk vomit, faint coconut, damp marsh weeds, and apple. It's curious and somewhat light and uplifting. While the scents on the cones have been broadly acceptable, in a perfumed way, for the Mythical Range, I have been somewhat disappointed with the scents on the burn. This one is a little more acceptable (or fresher) than most of the others, and does carry much of the scent from the cone, though it is a little blurred by the smouldering sawdust scent. It is clear to me that not enough perfume has been used when dipping the cones, or not fixative was put in the perfume mix. Or perhaps both. I have a memory of Stamford's perfumed incense being bold and reliable, but on looking back on my reviews of Stamford branded perfumed incense, I note that my comments often are that they smell nice on the stick or cone, but the scents on the burn are poor. It's curious how initial impressions are so powerful, and it takes a lot to rewrite the memory of that first impression.  There is a meme that people are selected or rejected at interview within the first five seconds - I've not researched how true that is, but it does align with anecdotal experience. Same as that meme of "love at first sight".  Anyway, there is a pleasant musk warmth on the burn.   

The brass dish I've been using for revisiting the Mythical Range cones was sent to me by Aida of IncenseBurnerHolder.com.  

Date: May 2024   Score: 24 

Second review

We did a mega comparison scent test. Originally this wasn't part of it, but it seemed fun to slip it in. It got the lowest scores, and responses were that it was OK, but a bit plain, with a little too much smoke in relation to the scent.  

 To be fair I think I've had this sample in my drawer for a while, and perfumed incense doesn't keep well - the perfume, being volatile, tends to evaporate. The stick has the sweet candy fragrance I noted on the cone in my last review. Pleasant, but quite faint. I get more of the sweet candy this time when burning - I suppose it has been absorbed and held by the charcoal - which seems to be good quality. I tested some ash on my palm and it was quite smooth. Along with the candy there is something vegetal and then something musky, and hints of old leather. Nothing chemical about this perfume - it is well made. Quite clean. It's low points are that it doesn't really make an impression, and it hovers around the same scent zone, so there is no journey, no delicious contrasts. It doesn't quite lift above the ordinary. I put a lot of that down to age - there is a lack of brightness and vibrancy.   The score this time will be less than my last review, but I won't alter its ranking on my chart due to it being an old packet of perfumed incense. 


Date: Nov 2021   Score: 24 

First review

Has a pleasing sweet candy fragrance on the cone which is less apparent when burning. It's an OK scent, which has some fruity floral memory of the cone aroma, but is less attractive. Soft smoke with mild sandalwood and musk undertones. It's OK, but there's a lack of imagination about this. Overall a soft, pleasant and relaxing scent which harmonises with the home and creates a gentle atmosphere. There's a mild hint of seduction, so could be used when you invite someone home you fancy, but don't wish to make it obvious.


Date: Dec 2016    Score: 28  

***

A little scent comparison

Stamford
Mythical (Black Magic) cones

Other ratings of incense by Aargee