Incense In The Wind

Burner Burner - Carhartt jacket incense burner

Saturday, 25 May 2024

New Age Code 1995 Thousand Aromas

 


New Age are a California based wholesaler founded in 1995. This Code 1995 Thousand Aromas is a bamboo-splint based smudge which New Age have had made for them in California since 1995. The ingredients are "Jasmine, Gardenia, Patchouli, Roses, Vanilla, Lavender, Coconut, Cinnamon, Sandalwood, and other special all natural herbs".  I got my pack of six sticks from ExoticIncense in America for $5. ExoticIncense do ship internationally.  

The scent on the stick is fascinating - a melange of florals, resins, and spices. A little cool and a little prickly, and not really balanced - it's just a glorious mess that assaults the senses gently and pleasantly. There's a blur of late summer fields and coastlines. Mineral, marine, "sea breeze" notes that lift and invigorate the gentle floral display. There are similarities with the same company's Five Elements Incense - both in appearance and in aroma experience, though this stick has way more aromas, and is in danger of losing control. This is not so much a crafted incense as something more organic and natural - an almost casual, instinctive grouping together of fragrant substances that are not structured like a fine perfume such as Chanel No5 with a careful arrangement of soul, heart, and top notes, and so there is no form or harmony, and some of the scents clash a little rather than balance or counterpoint or compliment. But that assault of the senses works. The fragrant clashes add sparkle and interest. This feels organic and natural and real and vibrant. The beauty comes from its casual naturalness, and the interest generated by stone cold mineral notes laid upon light florals laid upon musky woods and all swirling together. Nothing really dominates. This is nature in harmony. It's beautiful, and it's profound. And it's not too heady or overpowering. The scents are here in the room and noticeable, but they are not clamouring for attention. I love this. I love the rawness and the energy. Yes, it's a little rough. Yes, I would prefer more base notes to hold it all together (shame on me for that, but that's how it is). And, yes, I would like a few less off notes, and more control of the olfactory experience. But, I do love its sheer wildness. And perhaps something like this could be my way into appreciating the organic wildness of Tibetan incense


Date: May 2024   Score: 41 

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