Introduction
This Benzoin Absolute is the last (I think) of the samples I got from Temple of Incense (ToI) back in 2021. I am determined this year to really reduce my backlog. But as I write this I suspect I have another batch of ToI samples somewhere in my collection; well, at least none are cluttering my desk at the moment. My immediate goal is to clear the incense on my desk so I can get on to explore some decent quality Chinese incense, and do a two-way incense blind test with Irene from Rauchfahne.
About Benzoin
Anyhow. Benzoin Absolute. Ho hum. Benzoin is such a common resin in Indian incense that it's hard to work up an enthusiasm for this. It's usually used as a fixative, or to add some sweetness to a fragrance blend. It is sometimes used by itself, most commonly in a format which Thomas Kinkele says may be termed "Calcutta block benzoin", though is better known as Loban or Sambrani - a rough benzoin mixed with other resins, used in Indian rituals.
Because benzoin is common in Indian incense, and can be rather linear and dull due to the somewhat boring focus on vanilla sweetness, it can be difficult to work up excitement for a single-fragrance benzoin stick.
Because benzoin is common in Indian incense, and can be rather linear and dull due to the somewhat boring focus on vanilla sweetness, it can be difficult to work up excitement for a single-fragrance benzoin stick.
Scent on the Stick
This Benzoin Absolute comes as a simple, extruded paste stick. The cold throw scent has the expected vanilla sweetness, though there's some fresh cologne here as well which add balsamic, floral, and fruit notes. A small amount of crisp volatility is a little off-putting, but that is not uncommon with perfumed sticks. Overall, the scent is pleasant but unexciting, typical of perfumed-incense formulations.
Scent on the Burn
The fragrance on the burn evolves into a soft, warm, musky blend. Woody notes introduce a slight bitterness that balances the sweetness, providing harmony. The result is an acceptable everyday room fragrance - familiar, comfortable, and non-intrusive. This incense performs well as a room freshener, but it is unlikely to surprise or delight anyone familiar with benzoin incense.
Value
At £10 for a pack of 20 sticks, the price is relatively high for what you receive. Comparable quality incense can be bought elsewhere - such as sourced direct from VNS in India, costing 100 rupees (~85p) or less for 20g - a significant value advantage over ToI. But it's each to their own, and some folks do feel more comfortable buying close to home.
Value
At £10 for a pack of 20 sticks, the price is relatively high for what you receive. Comparable quality incense can be bought elsewhere - such as sourced direct from VNS in India, costing 100 rupees (~85p) or less for 20g - a significant value advantage over ToI. But it's each to their own, and some folks do feel more comfortable buying close to home.
Pros
*Pleasant vanilla sweetness with subtle balsamic, floral, and fruity nuances.
*Soft, warm, musky burn with woody notes that balance the sweetness.
*Reliable everyday room fragrance, non-intrusive and familiar.
Cons
*Linear and unexciting; lacks complexity.
*Slightly off-putting crisp volatility on the stick.
*High price (£10/20 sticks) compared to alternatives like VNS in India.
Conclusion
Temple of Incense Benzoin Absolute is pleasant, approachable, and reliable, but unremarkable. It is well-suited for casual use as a room fragrance, yet it lacks complexity or uniqueness for those looking for something more. While the quality is respectable, the price-to-value ratio is not compelling.
Note: It is not revealed where Temple of Incense source the incense for their brand; however, a number of the incenses are similar to those made by HMS of Pune.
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