Aasha Aromatics Patchouli

Aasha Aromatics are an independent incense maker in Ahmedabad, the former capital of the ancient Indian state of Gujarat which has a history stretching back to the Indus Valley Civilisation, one of the original three cradles of civilisation. The company was founded forty years ago, and is owned and run by Vikram.  They make masala incense and perfumed incense. Perfumed incense is the most popular incense in India, and is what most Indians burn everyday at home or in the temples.  

The patchouli plant

Patchouli is a herb from the patchouli plant, which is in the mint family, and has been used as a perfume for hundreds of years, especially in India. It became particular popular in the West during the Sixties and Seventies, when it was strongly associated with the Flower child movement, and with travellers coming back from India.  When Madonna released her Like A Prayer album in 1989, she had each copy scented with patchouli in order to create a sensual feeling, and a flavour of the Sixties.

The sticks are highly perfumed and fragrant with quite sombre woody tones and a feeling of old leather armchairs and a sensual and earthy hint of an ancient garden. When lit there is an encouraging floral note, like a bunch of heady roses, then it settles down into a musky sweetness very reminiscent of patchouli from the Seventies.  This is solid everyday Patchouli  incense. Quite satisfying without being overwhelming.

I imported this myself from India, and it's it was [2023 edit] available in my eBay shop:  IncenseInTheWind.


Date: Oct 2018   Score: 30

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Aasha Aromatics

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Patchouli