Julian of The Incense Atelier sent me samples from a range of Baykeri incense he is selling. Shivranjani, the flagship brand of Baykeri, is a well known and auspicious incense in India; Julian told me that he had fond memories of it from his days out in India. He started selling it on ebay, and I have become aware that a few other places in the West also sell it. And now, through The Incense Atelier, Julian is bringing to the West more Baykeri incense; selling them in his own branded packaging, which is all biodegradable. It appears that, other than Shivranjani, The Incense Atelier is the only outlet for Baykeri's incense outside of India.
Chandan is sandalwood - one of the great incenses, used for thousands of years as fragrance. It is at the heart of Indian and Asian incense (less so in Japan, where agarwood is more popular), though in India it is usually the essence of sandalwood fragrance rather than actual sandalwood that is used - sometimes via alternative natural oils, sometimes via aroma molecules, and often both.
The scent profile on the stick is a little harsh - tickly tree bark at the back of the throat, generic soapy notes, with a general sense of woody sandalwood. This appears to be a blend of natural wood substitutes with aroma molecules. There is a pleasing freshness about the whole - a feel of walking over a bed of dried pine needles on a fresh morning.
The scent profile on the stick is a little harsh - tickly tree bark at the back of the throat, generic soapy notes, with a general sense of woody sandalwood. This appears to be a blend of natural wood substitutes with aroma molecules. There is a pleasing freshness about the whole - a feel of walking over a bed of dried pine needles on a fresh morning.
The scent on the burn is softer and sweeter, and more fragrant than that on the stick. Some patchouli notes creep in - which is always going to please me, along with soft, sweet florals. Yes, this is an attractive room freshener. I wouldn't say the burn has a distinct sandalwood character, but it is quite acceptable.
Available in India from ShivranjaniAgarbatti (Baykeri) at 100g for ₹840 (no international shipping on website). Available in the UK from TheIncenseAtelier starting at 10g for £2.65, or as part of a useful sample pack of two sticks each of seven fragrances for £4.45. International shipping available.
Date: May 2026 Score: 29/50
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| Sandalwood - Heart of Incense |
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