HEM Lord Shiva

 

I tend to prefer incense which have names rather than scents. They are usually blends, and if the name is unique, the scent blend will likely be unique. This is generally where the incense fragrance blenders can show their creativity and originality. And a successful blend can really make the reputation of an incense house. And, in general, I prefer a blend to a single scent because blends tend to be more interesting. This incense is, as is popular in India, named after a god - Shiva, an ancient and powerful  pan-Hindu god, respected and feared from Nepal down to Indonesia. 

The sticks are 6 1/2 inches of charcoal paste thinly hand-rolled onto 9 inches of plain bamboo splint, and then dipped in a liquid scent.  The scent on a perfume-dipped stick will generally be quite vivid - if not, then the stick is either quite old, so the scent has evaporated, or it's a poor quality stick, and the scent is weak - or both. If the scent is not vivid on the stick, then - unlike with a traditional masala incense - the scent on the burn is not going to be effective. The scent on this stick is vivid. It smells like a room or car freshener scent. There's some dark berry fruit, some shoe conditioner, some farmyard, some faint woods and herbs and violets. It's a little sweet and synthetic, but it's acceptable. 

The scent on the burn is a little mild and modest for my taste, but is reasonably pleasant. It echoes the scent on the stick, with a focus on the violets, and with a little more warmth and depth. It's not a scent to excite or interest me, but it's an acceptable and pleasant everyday room freshener. 

Date: Nov 2024    Score: 25

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HEM Corporation