Incense In The Wind

Radiating Incense In The Wind - a painting by Hai Linh Le

Thursday 19 October 2023

Bhagwan Incense Himalayan Musk Masala Incense

 


I have now burned several of these, and my mind has wandered each time. I'm grateful that Eugene of Bhagwan Incense sends generous sample packs. Himalayan Musk is presumably named after Rosa moschata, a cultivated rose which was first discovered in the wild in the Himalayas. It is known for having a musky scent. The scent on this incense is softer, more subtle, lighter, and more floral than what I would normally expect from a musk, though there are certainly musky elements. 

The sticks are 8 inches with approx 6 inches of very neatly and sparingly applied hand-rolled paste which has a fine covering of slightly sparkly powder. The stick and paste are both coloured green. The scent on the stick is menthol, sweet, floral, waxy. Moderately attractive, though a little cold for my taste. The smoke and scent on the burn is modest, and though the scent on the burn is a little lighter, dryer and more modest than I really like, it is attractive - more rewarding than the scent on the stick suggests. There is vanilla, a soft dry musky note inclining more toward sandalwood than musk, and some soft herbal and floral notes. This is a gentle scent that modestly informs the room - it is a background scent that fills the gaps to give a room warmth and colour rather than a bold scent demanding attention. It is best experienced obliquely and subliminally rather than wafting, which tends to bring in too much smoke character. 

The packet says: "A lovely bright musk fragrance with the base of a precious vanilla halmaddi. Soft notes of pine, cedarwood, and patchouli." Yes, I would agree with that - it largely lines up with my experience. Soft, slightly woody, with the minor herbal notes of a patchouli, supported with vanilla.  Sold by Bhagwan at 5.95 Euros for 15g.  The sticks on the website are red rather than the green that I have. I am certain that mine are Himalayan Musk as they match the description so much. The write up on the website is rich and confident - a much better sales pitch than most sites, though also perhaps lacking in individual personality - a little too smooth and glib: "As you ignite one, you’ll uncover a symphony of fragrant notes. Soft whispers of pine and cedarwood blend seamlessly with the earthy richness of patchouli. And for a touch of playful indulgence, there are subtle hints of chocolate dancing in the background." I like it, though I think I'd like something a little less corporate, and something more human.  

On the whole another attractive Bhagwan, though a little too soft and dry for my personal taste. 



Date: Oct 2023   Score: 35 






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