Temple of Incense Big Cleanse

 

A chunky and resinous stick in the currently very popular and trending "resin-on-a-stick" style which appears to have originated with Fred Soll. Attractive and commercial sweet coconut scent on the stick, like a coconut scented shampoo or ice-cream. More like the the coconut ice-cream actually, as it is sweet and gourmandy rather than soapy. There's resins and some vanilla or benzoin notes. Overall an attractive and appealing perfumed smell. For a resin style stick, it disappointingly doesn't smell as natural or resinous as the others I've had.    

  

Available from ToI at £12 for a box of 12 sticks

Blurb: "Big cleanse incense sticks do exactly that, cleanse your home to a whole new level. Made from camphor, benzoin, frankincense and a mix of sacred woods and oils that are created especially to ‘BIG CLEANSE’ your home." 

There is an immediate resin hit on the burn, a little vague as to character, but distinctly resinous. A bit smoky, and a tad crude compared to other resin sticks I've had, but nevertheless attractive in a simplistic way. As the burn settles, the off notes fade, and there is a general resinous vibe, leaning toward frankincense - warm, gently citric, a mild woody sweetness. I'd like a bit more oomph, and if we're to burn resin on a stick, with the opportunity to blend, rather than burn resin direct on charcoal or a burner, then I'd like some interesting elements to enhance and contrast and develop a story, or just to give more pleasure. I like this, but it does underwhelm given that it is a resin on a stick, with all the opportunities that offers. Jeomra in Germany show what can be done with this style: Weihrauch Rose (Frankincense & Rose) is an awesome resin-on-a-stick. Pure Yemen Frankincense Incense Sticks are brilliant. New Age in California do attractive and very natural sticks, such as New Age Black Copal. And there's a number of companies in South America who are really stepping out with this style, such as Inca Aromas White Breu. Indian makers are giving the style a go, such as whoever made this, and Banjara. It's an interesting style, and worth looking into. This is an OK stick, and if you like it, it's worth checking some of the others. And if you didn't like it, don't dismiss the style, as you may find that some of the others are more to your taste.  

Date: Nov 2025   Score: 33

***

Temple of Incense

Reviewed in USA