Misbah Fragrance are an incense house I have really loved since finding them on Aarvaa in 2023. When I first looked them up, I noted that the company was formed in 2017, though other sources mention 1970. They do feel well established and experienced, so I assume the 1970 date is the founding date, and 2017 is when they registered their name and trademark. They make a wide range of incense, though there is a distinct Middle Eastern feel to their fragrances. There is a deep, rich, oily oudh character to this Sandal, for example.
Julian of The Incense Atelier sent me a few sticks of the Sandal as he is considering importing Misbah. I hope he does. This is authentic Indian incense - rich and beautiful. Deep and lasting fragrance. Bold without being harsh or aggressive. I love the layers in this sort of incense, and the huge comforting duvet of rich, woody, sexy, dark scent that envelopes me. Misbah's incense is not regularly imported into the West. Sometimes a few boxes turn up on eBay, and there's always a good supply on Aarvaa, though these days you need to contact Vishesh, the owner of Aarvaa, on WhatsApp (details below) to sort out shipping, which can put off some shy Westerners who'd rather just click and go. Having a ready supply in the UK of some the richest, most beautiful, most authentic Indian incense would be heaven.
The fragrance on the burn is gorgeous. Smoky-sweet, woody, leaning heavily into oudh. This is not pale, creamy, soft, slightly dry sandalwood, this is the heart of the matter, the teeth, claws, and raging glory of the essence of rich, dark, oily sandalwood. If there's a flaw, it's that it is absolutely dark and rich, so while there are layers, they are layers of the same meat, so this is a pie without veg. Yes, there are floral tones, but they are also dark and rich, so the floral notes are heady dark rose, rather than anything light and feminine. I adore it. And lovers of dark, rich incense will also love it. But for greater acclaim and adoration, I would like balancing nips of light and ice to cool down and illuminate the raging dark heart. But put that quibble aside, for as it stands, this is bloody gorgeous.
Available in India from Scenting Secrets and Aavyaa (the free international shipping has stopped - though they still do ship internationally: contact Vishesh on Whatsapp [+91 97100 09184] with a list of what you want, and he will work out postage). May occasionally turn up on eBay - such as here.
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