Kesar is saffron, and chandan is sandalwood. They make a popular combination in Indian incense. The scent on the stick is perfumed, strong, volatile, pine disinfectant, camphor, mainstream sandalwood fragrance oil, furniture polish, cardboard. Quite an assortment of scents which don't quite hold together - this feels like a barrage of the senses, not helped by the chemical tinge to the scent, and the icy volatility. My sandalwood essential oils have some volatility, but it is a warm, beguiling volatility, rather than the harshness frequently encountered on some Indian incenses, as here. My assumption is that this fragrance is not put on the stick for the pleasure of the customer - as in the cold throw used by candle makers. My assumption is that this is the fragrance composition put together for best effect when burned - the hot throw.
And, yes, the scent on the burn is much more attractive and harmonised. It's mainly mainstream sandalwood with sweet florals, some light citrus, petrol, and vanilla. Despite that range of scent notes, the accord remains quite tight, and feels somewhat constricted. This is an attractive incense though despite riffing around the sandalwood scent, doesn't quite project sandalwood - at least not essential oil sandalwood. There's a lot going on, but I'm not getting what it is. I think there is a lack of space between the scents so everything is somewhat blurred together in a whole that I'm having difficulty fully appreciating.
And, yes, the scent on the burn is much more attractive and harmonised. It's mainly mainstream sandalwood with sweet florals, some light citrus, petrol, and vanilla. Despite that range of scent notes, the accord remains quite tight, and feels somewhat constricted. This is an attractive incense though despite riffing around the sandalwood scent, doesn't quite project sandalwood - at least not essential oil sandalwood. There's a lot going on, but I'm not getting what it is. I think there is a lack of space between the scents so everything is somewhat blurred together in a whole that I'm having difficulty fully appreciating.
I think this is a scent I'm going to need to spend more time with. After several attempts I'm not quite getting this one. I'm not sure how much I like or dislike it. I like the general trend, and I like that it is something of a challenge. But it's not touching me emotionally or aesthetically. Ah, I'm kinda of getting it now - the mix is tilted more to the saffron than the sandalwood. Mmmm. Interesting - there are sweet saffron moments, and spicy saffron moments. It's not a smooth operation, but that kind of makes it more interesting.
Kesar Chandan is available in 20g packs from Padma Store for 6.95 Euros, from Everest Trader for $5.00, from Lotus Zen for £6.25, and from VNS at 100 rupees (85p). (If you live outside India, to buy from VNS you need to contact Shreyas Sugandhi at vns@vnsons.com).
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