I have just become aware of a new UK based incense house, Temple of Aromas. Derrick, the owner, sent me some samples. The style of the sticks reminds me of the foil wrapped incense supplied by Zam Zam of London, and by Balarama of Thailand. Indeed, my assumption was that the incense had been sourced from either Zam Zam or Balarama, and was being labelled Temple of Aromas in the same way as Temple of Incense, Bhagwan, Prasad, and other own brand traders are operating, and I thought no more of it. I asked Derrick "So what is your story? When did Temple of Aromas open? How did you get interested in incense?" so I could put some background to Temple of Aromas.
Derrick's response intrigued me. He told me that he had started in 2002 because he was disappointed with the quality and scent range of incense available. He told me: "I decided to source suppliers of natural oils from around the globe and began making my own." I clarified that: "So you make the sticks yourself?" And Derrick confirmed: "Yes. In London". I offered the suggestion that he bought blank sticks and dipped them himself in the same way that Wild Berry do in Ohio. Derrick was reluctant to go into details, so I said that I would say in my review that I thought that the sticks were made by Balarama, but that he had informed me that he made them himself in London.
Temple of Aromas sell incense in three packet designs - Premium, Premium Oud, and Luxury. The Luxury packaging contains Premium or Premium Oud, but in larger quantities - it's not a different style or quality of incense. This Rosemary & Sage is part of the Traditional range, and is sold as a Premium Incense for £4.00. The sticks are 12 inches long, with 9 inches of machine extruded wood powder infused with perfume. The scent on the stick is pleasant - gently but sharply volatile, with a cologne freshness and a distinct awareness of sage, though less so of the rosemary, but that is there as well. The accord is fresh, herby, and attractive.
I find the oils on the stick attractive, though the scent doesn't initially make much of an impression when burned. It is there, though somewhat modified by the aroma of the smouldering wood. It reminds me of Chinese incense: delicate scents infused in wood paste. I do gradually tune into the rosemary & sage, and it is an acceptable blend, and it grows in strength over time. For those who like the cleansing nature of sage, and the uplifting nature of rosemary, though are uncomfortable with the strength and energy of a smudge, then these sticks would work well. They do burn a long time, and the aroma of the rosemary and sage does build over time, so by the end I am quite satisfied with the way they have informed and cleansed the house.
Derrick's response intrigued me. He told me that he had started in 2002 because he was disappointed with the quality and scent range of incense available. He told me: "I decided to source suppliers of natural oils from around the globe and began making my own." I clarified that: "So you make the sticks yourself?" And Derrick confirmed: "Yes. In London". I offered the suggestion that he bought blank sticks and dipped them himself in the same way that Wild Berry do in Ohio. Derrick was reluctant to go into details, so I said that I would say in my review that I thought that the sticks were made by Balarama, but that he had informed me that he made them himself in London.
Temple of Aromas sell incense in three packet designs - Premium, Premium Oud, and Luxury. The Luxury packaging contains Premium or Premium Oud, but in larger quantities - it's not a different style or quality of incense. This Rosemary & Sage is part of the Traditional range, and is sold as a Premium Incense for £4.00. The sticks are 12 inches long, with 9 inches of machine extruded wood powder infused with perfume. The scent on the stick is pleasant - gently but sharply volatile, with a cologne freshness and a distinct awareness of sage, though less so of the rosemary, but that is there as well. The accord is fresh, herby, and attractive.
I find the oils on the stick attractive, though the scent doesn't initially make much of an impression when burned. It is there, though somewhat modified by the aroma of the smouldering wood. It reminds me of Chinese incense: delicate scents infused in wood paste. I do gradually tune into the rosemary & sage, and it is an acceptable blend, and it grows in strength over time. For those who like the cleansing nature of sage, and the uplifting nature of rosemary, though are uncomfortable with the strength and energy of a smudge, then these sticks would work well. They do burn a long time, and the aroma of the rosemary and sage does build over time, so by the end I am quite satisfied with the way they have informed and cleansed the house.
Yes, these are decent sticks. They have seduced me. Similar sticks under the brand name of Zam Zam can be bought in the UK from places such as BazaarBarnstable for £1.89, or Zam Zam for £1.50.
Date: Sept 2025 Score: 34
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