I got this Woods from Vrindavan Bazaar ($1.40 for 20gm) because I wanted to check it against the Woods from Sai Handicrafts, as I felt that the Sai Handicrafts incense was made by the same hand. But it is not the same. The Sai Woods is fairly sharp and woody, whereas this Vrindavan Woods is sweet and creamy with vanillin notes. It has similarities to incense from Pune, such as made by Damodardas Bhagwandas Sugandhi and Haridas Madhavdas Sugandhi, with the use of that vanillin. I was initially drawn to Vrindavan incense because folks suggested that the incense sold by in the holy city of Vrindavan was made by Haridas Madhavdas Sugandhi - after all, they make incense for so many traders in India and the West that being the supplier for the Vrindavan shops is plausible.
I'd love to go out to India and explore incense making. It's difficult to make sense of it from a distance. The shops in Vrindavan, same as those in Pushkar, appear to be selling locally made incense; though, while I am listing these sticks on my blog as "Vrindavan Bazaar" - they are just the trader, like Temple of Incense, or Happy Hari, or Bhagwan. At this moment we don't appear to know who the person or house is who is responsible for blending the oils and making the paste that is at the heart of these incense sticks. Though an incense house in Pune is likely.
There is a very "Indian" incense fragrance on the stick. There's wood, yes, soft and creamy, with mild spice; plus rounded sweetness with elements of honey and vanillin, fruits, and florals. Nothing very specific, but a beautiful melange that absolutely delights the senses. The scent on the burn is not as beautiful. Indeed, it is a little thin and vague. Get too close to try and pin down some scents, and it gets a bit smoky. Like Asian incense I have to wait until the scent comes to me. It is, of course, being Indian, more assertive and present than Asian incense, but it is the principle of waiting for the fragrance to unfold and drift across that I find similar. When the fragrance does arrive it is gentle, creamy, touched with vanillin, woody - a white, creamy, soft sandalwood, and mildly floral. It is attractive, though I'd like it to be a bit bolder both in strength and in style. The scent on the stick I adore. The scent on the burn I simply like. Though I suspect that I will get into this the more I burn it.
I'd love to go out to India and explore incense making. It's difficult to make sense of it from a distance. The shops in Vrindavan, same as those in Pushkar, appear to be selling locally made incense; though, while I am listing these sticks on my blog as "Vrindavan Bazaar" - they are just the trader, like Temple of Incense, or Happy Hari, or Bhagwan. At this moment we don't appear to know who the person or house is who is responsible for blending the oils and making the paste that is at the heart of these incense sticks. Though an incense house in Pune is likely.
There is a very "Indian" incense fragrance on the stick. There's wood, yes, soft and creamy, with mild spice; plus rounded sweetness with elements of honey and vanillin, fruits, and florals. Nothing very specific, but a beautiful melange that absolutely delights the senses. The scent on the burn is not as beautiful. Indeed, it is a little thin and vague. Get too close to try and pin down some scents, and it gets a bit smoky. Like Asian incense I have to wait until the scent comes to me. It is, of course, being Indian, more assertive and present than Asian incense, but it is the principle of waiting for the fragrance to unfold and drift across that I find similar. When the fragrance does arrive it is gentle, creamy, touched with vanillin, woody - a white, creamy, soft sandalwood, and mildly floral. It is attractive, though I'd like it to be a bit bolder both in strength and in style. The scent on the stick I adore. The scent on the burn I simply like. Though I suspect that I will get into this the more I burn it.
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