Re: Differences in incense

[Guest guest]

> So I got about 9 different ones (CO2, from India, Somalia, different

companies)and immediately noticed some definite differences (unlike with

something like lemongrass or a jasmine) and then even more with how they

lasted/dried out/etc. . Typically the ones from Oman were the sweetest then

turning somewhat resinous, but then one from India that didn't smell very

desirable at first had the strongest and most pleasant smell a few hours later.

I've also noticed that there are some serious price differences even within a

company for different kinds....anyone have some information about what their

favorite is and why, and what's behind a lot of the price differences?

Thanks!

>

---

:

I had a similar experience with a incense that I bought from White Lotus in

2006 which was the, considered inferior, Boswellia serrata. Unlike the

Boswellia carterii, it seemed thin and harsh in comparison, so I sort of shoved

it to the back of the shelf for a long time.

I've gone through so many Franincenses over the years, I honestly can't remember

which ones have been my favorites, but having gone back to this serrata, it has

bloomed in aging and works very well in blending. It's not as nice on the skin,

straight up, but I would recommend it for perfumery, especially if your using

more than just a bit.It's more economical. I also don't feel as guilty using so

much of it, as I do when using my better Olibanums, which I usually do so

judiciously.

If I have more than a few olibanums at a time, I will often blend several

together to make a more complex incese. The variations combine and usually

make a spendid oil. I do that with Patchoulis, also.

-RuhKewda

[Guest guest]

From personal experience the Omani is best. They have the best plantation. Most

times the price should reflect the quality but in some cases its just variables

in production, location etc etc.

[Guest guest]

< I will often blend several together to make a more complex incese. The

variations combine and usually make a spendid oil. I do that with <Patchoulis,

also.

<-RuhKewda

Hi Ruh,

I read that a few have done this - mixing blends like this. I wonder if this

mixing EOs together like this could create such a lovely scent and what

the ease of replicating the exact same scent? Or, is this perfumery not able

to be made the same scent from batch to batch because we are using

EOs with different aromas from different areas?

Carole

[Guest guest]

> < I will often blend several together to make a more complex incese. The

variations combine and usually make a spendid oil. I do that with <Patchoulis,

also.

>

> <-RuhKewda

>

> Hi Ruh,

> I read that a few have done this - mixing blends like this. I wonder if this

mixing EOs together like this could create such a lovely scent and what

> the ease of replicating the exact same scent? Or, is this perfumery not

able to be made the same scent from batch to batch because we are using

> EOs with different aromas from different areas?

>

>

> Carole

>

Hi Carole:

I would have to say that in Natural Perfumery, you are always going to have some

slight variation of your perfumes from different batches due to the natural

variation of all EOs from seasonal, environmental and process divergence. That

is really one of the essential differences of natural and synthetic perfumery;

synthetics use mainly single-note fragrance molecules that are consistent is

scent, availability and cost, and therefore are controlled by corporate

proprietary rights and profit. Whereas, the soul of the Natural Perfumer sort

of sways with the curves of Nature and EXPECTS the pleasurable nuances of her

variations. Just as you expect each apple in a bushel to vary somewhat, so your

EOs will also. That's one of the beauties of this art form!

[Guest guest]

>

> So I got about 9 different ones (CO2, from India, Somalia, different

companies)and immediately noticed some definite differences (unlike with

something like lemongrass or a jasmine) and then even more with how they

lasted/dried out/etc. . Typically the ones from Oman were the sweetest then

turning somewhat resinous, but then one from India that didn't smell very

desirable at first had the strongest and most pleasant smell a few hours later.

I've also noticed that there are some serious price differences even within a

company for different kinds....anyone have some information about what their

favorite is and why, and what's behind a lot of the price differences? Thanks!

>

I have such a huge frankincense collection at this point, I can't even keep

track of it anymore. It's a real universe, even the harvests from year to year

in the same place are different....

[Guest guest]

>

> So I got about 9 different ones (CO2, from India, Somalia, different

companies)and immediately noticed some definite differences (unlike with

something like lemongrass or a jasmine) and then even more with how they

lasted/dried out/etc. . Typically the ones from Oman were the sweetest then

turning somewhat resinous, but then one from India that didn't smell very

desirable at first had the strongest and most pleasant smell a few hours later.

I've also noticed that there are some serious price differences even within a

company for different kinds....anyone have some information about what their

favorite is and why, and what's behind a lot of the price differences? Thanks!

>

I've never met a " " I didn't like! My favorite is the Omani, Boswellia

frereana. It dries down to that churchy incense smell. I just bought a

Boswellia papyrifera that has distinct floral notes. My Boswellia serrata CO2

extraction has a cedarwood-like sweetness. And Boswellia carterii tends to have

a high lemony note. There are differences in the types of extraction as well.

Absolutes tend to be deeper and richer, EO's thinner and higher and CO2's just

right (to quote Goldilocks). There are other Boswellia's I'd like to try:

neglecta, rivae . . . I've never tinctured frankincense, but I imagine I'd get a

different scent profile that way. I also diffuse it in a ceramic bowl in some

water by lighting a candle under the bowl. The water/frankincense bubbles and

releases a wonderful scent.

Maggie

[Guest guest]

> >

> > So I got about 9 different ones (CO2, from India, Somalia, different

companies)and immediately noticed some definite differences (unlike with

something like lemongrass or a jasmine) and then even more with how they

lasted/dried out/etc. . Typically the ones from Oman were the sweetest then

turning somewhat resinous, but then one from India that didn't smell very

desirable at first had the strongest and most pleasant smell a few hours later.

I've also noticed that there are some serious price differences even within a

company for different kinds....anyone have some information about what their

favorite is and why, and what's behind a lot of the price differences? Thanks!

> >

> I've never met a " " I didn't like! My favorite is the Omani, Boswellia

frereana. It dries down to that churchy incense smell. I just bought a

Boswellia papyrifera that has distinct floral notes. My Boswellia serrata CO2

extraction has a cedarwood-like sweetness. And Boswellia carterii tends to have

a high lemony note. There are differences in the types of extraction as well.

Absolutes tend to be deeper and richer, EO's thinner and higher and CO2's just

right (to quote Goldilocks). There are other Boswellia's I'd like to try:

neglecta, rivae . . . I've never tinctured frankincense, but I imagine I'd get a

different scent profile that way. I also diffuse it in a ceramic bowl in some

water by lighting a candle under the bowl. The water/frankincense bubbles and

releases a wonderful scent.

> Maggie

>

I'm with you, the CO2s are my favorites. And that frereana is GORGEOUS, isn't

it? Very unique.

[Guest guest]

> I've never met a " " I didn't like! My favorite is the

> Omani, Boswellia frereana. It dries down to that churchy

> incense smell. I just bought a Boswellia papyrifera that has

> distinct floral notes. There are other Boswellia's I'd like to

> try: neglecta, rivae . . . I've never tinctured frankincense,

> but I imagine I'd get a different scent profile that way. I

> also diffuse it in a ceramic bowl in some water by lighting a

> candle under the bowl. The water/frankincense bubbles and

> releases a wonderful scent.

> Maggie

>

>

Maggie, I'm with you, I adore all the " franks " . I use the Omani

B. frereana in the kits for my students (also available on my

website) and I used that variety, and several others, including

some raw resins, in my Light perfume. Just perfect!

The tinctures are sticky, but you can work with them if you're

careful. I have pounds of Hojari, purchased about six years

ago. I use the incense warmer from Guild member Mermade Magickal

Arts for gently warming resins like this, and the delicate beauty

of them is just beautiful. I'll never go back to using charcoal

again with these rarities.

Anya McCoy

http://AnyasGarden.com

http://PerfumeClasses.com

http://NaturalPerfumers.com

[Guest guest]

> >

> I have such a huge frankincense collection at this point, I can't even keep

track of it anymore. It's a real universe, even the harvests from year to year

in the same place are different....

>

Same here. Most of them are samples-I went through a big frankincense period a

while ago. I honestly don't remember what was what, but I do recall really

loving a variety from India, I don't remember the species. The main one that I

have and use is the f. i CO2 extract. I also agree on the CO2s. I also

have a frank absolute and its almost too subtle ie. weak. It too is carteri. I

remember I used to have an eo from Tisserand, once again I don't recall the

species, but to me it was very warm and sharp, peppery almost. And then I

smelled the CO2 and was amazed at the deep, balsamic character that it possesed.

I also have the resin that I got from Enfleurage in New York. I think it is

from Oman.

[Guest guest]

~~~

namaste all!

i am quite fond of neglecta, although it is a different frank indeed. a resin

warmer? i am going to check it out now! much light, einsof

[Guest guest]

> ~~~

>

> namaste all!

>

> i am quite fond of neglecta, although it is a different frank indeed. a resin

warmer? i am going to check it out now! much light, einsof

>

>

Here you go, Einsof

http://www.mermadearts.com/product_info.php?cPath=9 & products_id=98

I keep mine right next to my favorite chair. I blogged about it,

you can search my blog for the review.

Anya McCoy

http://AnyasGarden.com

http://PerfumeClasses.com

http://NaturalPerfumers.com