Vinasons (VNS) Royal Sandalwood Dhoop Sticks

 

Vinasons appear to be experts with sandalwood - a significant proportion of their output is sandalwood. Possibly to a degree above average for an Indian incense house (many Asian incense houses deal mostly in either sandalwood or agarwood, while Indian incense houses are more varied). Vinasons' sandalwood incense as a body is quite impressive; I have two listed with scores in the 40s, signifying what I regard as "Heavenly Incense".  This dhoop of the Royal Sandalwood fragrance blend is another fine sandalwood by Vinasons. Minty fresh aspects to the fragrance on the dhoop promises an intriguing blend. There's silky chocolate notes balancing the earthy sandalwood which is the backbone of the accord. 

The dhoop is thin and dry, and fairly short, so this is not a long, heady burn, nor is it smoky such as I tend to get with wet dhoops. This is more a casual everyday quick room freshener. Much in the style of  dhoops such as Panchavati, Vakratund, Padmini, Balaji, etc. And it does elegantly sweeten the room with a soft fragrant sandalwood - more floral and minty than earthy, though the accord is well supported by a sweet, musky, woody embrace. The general impression is perhaps more patchouli than sandalwood, and that plays to my tastes. 

I like this. I like this as a casual room freshener. It is not a complex incense, nor an attention seeker, this is a delicate pleasure giver. Soft, subtle, fragrant, floral,  and really quite pleasing. Some vanilla notes in the burn (possibly benzoin), linger delightfully for hours afterwards making the home feel clean, fresh, and happy. 

Royal Sandalwood Dhoop Sticks are available in boxes of 10 sticks from VNS at 30 rupees (25p). (If you live outside India, to buy from VNS you need to contact Shreyas Sugandhi at vns@vnsons.com). 

Date: Oct 2025   Score:  40

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Vithaldas Narayandas & Sons
Vinasons

Sandalwood

Dhoop