Temple of Aromas Black Opium

 

Temple of Aromas is a new UK trader brand selling the same style of incense as the foil wrapped incense supplied by Zam Zam of London, and made by Balarama of Thailand; though the owner, Derrick, who sent me some samples, informs me that he makes the incense himself in London with "natural oils from around the globe". 

Black Opium is based on the 1977 Opium perfume by Yves Saint Laurent. I have reviewed several incenses which use the scent, and I generally like them. This is bang on target. A professionally made scent utilising decent synthetic aroma compounds to replicate Black Opium. There is some cool volatility on the stick, though not off-putting, as it feels appropriate, and also projects the aroma around the stick. Vanilla, milky coffee, white lilies come to the fore, underscored by white sandalwood. Nice. 

The scent on the burn mirrors very closely the scent on the stick, though initially the fragrance is wrapped in the smell of the smouldering wood paste. Balarama generally uses powders of cypress, tabu bark, and Chinese juniper, and there is a citric and pine note to the smouldering wood smell. Initially the fragrance accord is mild and delicate, but as the stick burns (and they do burn for a very long time) the scent builds up. If leaving the stick to burn down fully, depending on individual taste, it may help to have some decent fresh air flow in the room. As the burn progresses some other scents waft in and out, such as black cherry, and fermented fruit. All in all, an attractive incense which I like. 

The same or similar sticks under the brand name of Zam Zam can be bought in the UK from various places including direct from Zam Zam for £1.50. This Temple of Aromas branded stick can be bought from Temple of Aromas for £5. 

Date: Sept 2025    Score: 31

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Foil wrapped incense

Opium

Temple of Aromas