Julian of Incense Atelier has imported into the UK a selection of sticks from an outlet in the sacred city of Vrindavan which has a two generation heritage of incense making in Vrindavan, which Julian is selling as "True Vrindavan", and is keeping the name of the outlet to himself. I'll be honest and say that I've been studying Vrindavan for a while (I'll be visiting there in November this year) so I was able to identify the outlet; but out of respect for Julian I'm not revealing the source, not even privately.
Ruh Kesar means spirit of saffron. Saffron grows in North India - principally Pampore in Kashmir, and though it is a popular scent in Indian incense, real saffron isn't used as it is too expensive. Saffron fragrance oils such as those supplied by VedaOils, or a synthetic such as Safranal, are what tends to be used. When creating an incense with a saffron scent, it is generally blended with another scent, most commonly sandalwood. I think the only other mono-scented saffron incense I've had has been Goloka Saffron, which was reasonably pleasant, though with little awareness of the saffron fragrance. On the whole I tend to prefer the saffron-sandalwood blends.
The stick is attractive looking with a saffron coloured finishing powder. The scent on the stick is deliciously spicy with distinct clove elements, which I've noted before in Indian saffron incenses, and is likely from something like eugenol oil, possibly used to give the spicy and medicinal notes of saffron. It is fresh and cleansing and quite compelling - there are neat little apple and floral notes along with a creamy sandalwood base. Yes, I like this.
The scent on the burn replicates that on the stick. It is warm, and - considering the tangy nature of the clove fragrance - quite gentle and soothing. A soft woody base (quite clean, though with some leafy earthiness) wraps and holds the saffron-like and spicy clove notes in a comforting embrace. A brilliant meditation incense, this is physically calming yet mentally stimulating. Yes. Nice one. I like this a lot.
Ruh Kesar means spirit of saffron. Saffron grows in North India - principally Pampore in Kashmir, and though it is a popular scent in Indian incense, real saffron isn't used as it is too expensive. Saffron fragrance oils such as those supplied by VedaOils, or a synthetic such as Safranal, are what tends to be used. When creating an incense with a saffron scent, it is generally blended with another scent, most commonly sandalwood. I think the only other mono-scented saffron incense I've had has been Goloka Saffron, which was reasonably pleasant, though with little awareness of the saffron fragrance. On the whole I tend to prefer the saffron-sandalwood blends.
The stick is attractive looking with a saffron coloured finishing powder. The scent on the stick is deliciously spicy with distinct clove elements, which I've noted before in Indian saffron incenses, and is likely from something like eugenol oil, possibly used to give the spicy and medicinal notes of saffron. It is fresh and cleansing and quite compelling - there are neat little apple and floral notes along with a creamy sandalwood base. Yes, I like this.
The scent on the burn replicates that on the stick. It is warm, and - considering the tangy nature of the clove fragrance - quite gentle and soothing. A soft woody base (quite clean, though with some leafy earthiness) wraps and holds the saffron-like and spicy clove notes in a comforting embrace. A brilliant meditation incense, this is physically calming yet mentally stimulating. Yes. Nice one. I like this a lot.
Available from The Incense Atelier at £2.45 for 10gms (plus shipping).
Date: March 2026 Score: 40
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Huh, I wonder how they compare to Elbenzauber - Aramati
ReplyDeletehttps://blog.rauchfahne.de/en/2025/03/01/elbenzauber-aramati-en/