Heera Krishna Leela Premium Masala Incense

 

Sandalwood and fruit predominant in this very attractive masala stick.  The term "Krishna Leela" refers to stories about Krishna, such as Bhagavad Gita.  This and other Heera incense is available from many UK Indian corner stores for less than a £1 for 15 sticks - or online from UK Indian grocery shops, such as; Kopalretail.co.uk (99p), Savecobradford (79p), Falcononline (77p), etc. 

The stick is a masala incense - a fragrant charcoal paste hand rolled onto a bamboo splint, and then coated in a nurva powder (a fine woody powder) to prevent the sticks from gluing together as they dry. A fragrant oil or perfume has been used, and this provides a pleasant fruity, bubble-gum aroma, quite crisp and fresh, with soft notes of creamy sandalwood. It's a decent scent. 

On the burn there is some prickly lamb's wool, which I associate with halmaddi, and in general with all masala incense, even though such a scent is not always present. It's a good scent, though most of the fruity high notes from the stick are not quite present - the scent now being more woody and more woolly.  It's a good scent rather than a wonderful scent. Kind of everyday, but more decent than that. There is no clear defined character, but it does generate a general "decent masala incense" aroma, and a feeling of calm and comfort. It's rather like an average Satya. But, of course, slightly cheaper. 

I like this, and I think it's great value. It doesn't excite or transport me the way that heavenly incense does, however,  based on the masala sticks I have burned so far from Heera (more reviews to come!), I'll be getting more of their sticks.  

[Added 2024: This is similar to Aargee Krishna Leela, which could have been made by Nikhil's as they have a Krishna Leela in a very similar packet.  When I get access back to my stock (currently in the attic) I'll compare this with the Aargee - and I'll see if I can get hold of some Nikhil's Krishna Leela.  

Date: Feb 2023   Score: 36 

Heera (P&B Foods Ltd)