In my observations I notice that saffron (Kesar) and henna (Hina) are only occasionally used in Indian incense, usually by the older, more traditional incense houses, such as Vinasons (founded in Pune in 1883). The scents are very pleasant - both of them floral and spicy and fairly complex; I'd like to see more use of such scents. I'd rather more saffron and henna than yet another rose or jasmine or sandalwood. There's only so much of those scents one can take. It's nice to come upon something not just a little different, but also interesting and attractive.
This is the first time I've experienced them blended together, and I'm curious as to what the result will be.
My packet is one of the ink blob samples that Shreyas of VNS sent to me - it is just readable as Kesar Hina. The incense normally comes in a standard masala pack, shown above - fairly plain, with soft neutral colouring that hints at henna and saffron. The sticks are a hand rolled dry masala which have a fairly powerful floral accented cologne perfume on the surface along with a volatile note of petrol and tobacco. Though perfumey, it is quite a beguiling scent; the sweet floral notes are balanced with notes of tree bark, autumnal leaves, and damp earth. Bloody good actually.
The scent from the stick - placed at the far end of the room, and with front and back doors open to provide plenty of ventilation, is quite exquisite. Floral, spicy, musky, sweet, earthy. Delicious. There's an engaging warmth about this that is almost an embrace. Woods and florals are such a successful blend, and seem to be at the heart of much great Indian incense (and, indeed, many perfumes in general). Nag Champa, of course, being a classic blend of wood and floral.
Though heady, the incense is quite soft and delicate. The wood base is certainly woody and a little scratchy, but the florals are light, delicate, citric, with a fragile and nuanced sense of resin, the lemony critics hinting at frankincense. I do like this one a lot. It's right up there amongst my favourite incenses, and while the delicate florals / earthy woods combination is based on a familiar incense theme, it is scintillatingly fresh and new and different enough to keep me fully engaged and interested.
Kesar Hina is available from VNS at 100 rupees (85p) for 20g, from Padma Store for 6.85 Euros, and from Everest Trader for $5.00. (If you live outside India, to buy from VNS you need to contact Shreyas Sugandhi at vns@vnsons.com). This is what the incense would be if it were music.
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