Incense sold in the sacred city of Vrindavan, in northern India, by Vrindavan Bazaar, and made for them by unrevealed incense houses possibly in Pune and/or Mumbai. 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 seems plausible is that the incense maker(s) who supply Vrindavan Bazaar, also supply Gokula, and Sai Handicrafts, and Bhaktivedanta Manor. What is certain is that the incense is often very attractive. I like it. The formulations 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.
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