Xiang Lian Hainan Chen Xiang (Hainan Agarwood)

 

Agarwood was planted in the Chinese island province of Hainan in the late 1950s, and is regarded as a commercial success, with enterprises in Hainan making a variety of agarwood products, including agarwood-infused wine. The scent on these sticks is softer, sweeter, and more fruity than other Asian agarwood sticks I've burned. I'm pre-disposed to that, as I tend to like my incense sweet (preferably with an agreeable balance of darkness). I find this to be one of the most pleasant of the Xiang Lian sticks I've burned. That, to be honest, isn't much of an acclamation, but it is a positive statement. This is an incense that isn't harsh, isn't too faint (best burned with three of four sticks at a time in my experience, though your mileage may vary), and while not thrilling or profound, is really quite acceptable, with some rewards for being patient and paying attention. There is a caramelised smoky quality wafting around the fruity notes, so there are faint echoes of Arbroath smokies and baked pears in the mix. Curious and interesting. 

Available as part of a set of 11 fragrances from Amazon, Temu, and Shein, for around £8. Or by itself from Dylans Den for £3. 

Date: May 2025   Score: 36

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Xiang Lian

Agarwood incense