Incense made in or around the sacred city of Vrindavan, in northern India, by unknown artisans, and sold by Vrindavan Bazaar. There are other outlets in Vrindavan, but it is unclear if the incense sold is all made by the same people/person, or even if the incense bought under this name from Vrindavan Bazaar will be made by the same person next time it is bought. What I do know, is that the incense I buy that is made in Vrindavan, whether it is sold by Vrindavan Bazaar, or by Gokula, or by Sai Handicrafts, or by Bhaktivedanta Manor, or any other traders, is very attractive. I like it. The formulations are not sophisticated - indeed, sometimes they can be a little simple, almost crude - but they tend to be charming and great value for money, and often very beautiful.
The name is written "Sandhal" on the label, which is an unusual though not unique spelling - I have seen it used elsewhere. However, it is spelt "Sandal" on VB's website, so that's what I'm going with. Sometimes the spelling on the labels can be difficult to work out. It is all part of the rustic charm of buying direct from Vrindavan!
The scent on the stick is quite earthy and smoky, with contrasting but not clashing farmyard and floral notes. A fairly cool and sharp volatility doesn't sit well with the overall earthy darkness. However, the overall impression is positive.
The scent on the burn is moderate and pleasing with the main note being a standard sandalwood, common to much Indian sandalwood incense, and which is generally derived from one of several sandalwood synthetics. I tend to find that standard or mainstream sandalwood note quite agreeable, and I suspect most people do as well, as such sandalwood incense is very popular. Around that main note are some wilder and more interesting scents - some florals, some citrus, and some of the darker, earthy notes that were so dominant on the stick. Those wilder notes gently lift this Sandal Supreme above the average, especially when they approach a musky quality. A generally agreeable and moderately interesting sandalwood incense, good for burning any time. I'd buy this again, though I wouldn't use it for special occasions.
The scent on the stick is quite earthy and smoky, with contrasting but not clashing farmyard and floral notes. A fairly cool and sharp volatility doesn't sit well with the overall earthy darkness. However, the overall impression is positive.
The scent on the burn is moderate and pleasing with the main note being a standard sandalwood, common to much Indian sandalwood incense, and which is generally derived from one of several sandalwood synthetics. I tend to find that standard or mainstream sandalwood note quite agreeable, and I suspect most people do as well, as such sandalwood incense is very popular. Around that main note are some wilder and more interesting scents - some florals, some citrus, and some of the darker, earthy notes that were so dominant on the stick. Those wilder notes gently lift this Sandal Supreme above the average, especially when they approach a musky quality. A generally agreeable and moderately interesting sandalwood incense, good for burning any time. I'd buy this again, though I wouldn't use it for special occasions.
Available at £1.06 for 20gm from Vrindavan Bazaar. They ship internationally at reasonable rates.
No comments:
Post a Comment
Please leave a comment: