Three or four years ago a reader suggested I review Vasu, so I ordered a couple of packs online, but the dealer had run out, and instead of informing me, substituted them for a couple of Satya. Traders, please, communication is key. Get in touch and say you have run out, and make some suggestions. Don't send people stuff they haven't ordered. Anyway, this pack turned up recently. Can't recall where it came from. But now's my opportunity to fulfil the reader's suggestion.
My expectation from the hex boxes and the cellophane packet holding the six different fragrances was that these Vasu sticks would be simple, but bright, perfumed-charcoal room fresheners. But on opening the first pack I note that they have a melnoorva/masala powder coating - and the small sub-title under the fragrance name says "Natural MASALA Incense". I also notice for the first time that Vasu is one of Ranga Rao's brands. Ranga Rao's main brand is Cycle, and I note that they tend to use the Cycle band logo on a number of their brands, such as this one, as a "symbol of quality".
My expectation from the hex boxes and the cellophane packet holding the six different fragrances was that these Vasu sticks would be simple, but bright, perfumed-charcoal room fresheners. But on opening the first pack I note that they have a melnoorva/masala powder coating - and the small sub-title under the fragrance name says "Natural MASALA Incense". I also notice for the first time that Vasu is one of Ranga Rao's brands. Ranga Rao's main brand is Cycle, and I note that they tend to use the Cycle band logo on a number of their brands, such as this one, as a "symbol of quality".
There is a pleasant perfume on the stick. Salted caramel / amber and jasmine - an odd mix, but it somehow works. It's not a profound scent, but it is attractive. The perfume is reasonably heady, quite Indian, and projects gently but firmly in the room.
Scent on the burn is a little smoky, but has much of the elements of the scent on the stick, though now I feel it is closer to benzoin than either amber or jasmine. There's a neutral mineral element combined with some sweet vanilla. Though perhaps it leans more toward sambrani than benzoin. Yeah, it's an OK scent. I'm quite happy to burn the rest of the pack as a room freshener, though I'm perhaps unlikely to want to buy it again.
Ganesha is one of the most popular and well known Hindu gods - usually depicted with an elephant head and four arms, he is, as it says on the box, the "deity of good luck and remover of obstacles".
Hi Steve, from my experience, all Cycle products use a lot of Benzoin. I guess that is because Benzoin is needed just a little to dominate the blend.
ReplyDeleteI quite like Cycle. I think they are quite solid. Essentially they make everyday incense, but that's mostly what I burn anyway, so that suits me.
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