A fellow reader at the Olfactory Rescue Service was generous enough to send me samples of a couple of high end aloeswood incenses - Tennendo's Enkuu (fourth from the bottom) and Shunkodo's Aioi no Matsu (bottom of the page). They both employ a sweet/spicy dynamic to rather different ends.

The Enkuu is unusual (to me, at least) on account of the aloeswood in the mix being both distinctly bitter and sweet - usually it seems like one or the other of the qualities predominates, but I get both from this one. It's a nice contrast, the intensity of the bitter resinous notes tempered by a smooth sweetness. This is paired with a prominent cassia/cinnamon note. The overall effect is very dark, sensual and warm; it gives me a distinct color impression of black with gold light slicing through.

The Aioi no Matsu, on the other hand, has kyara in it, and it's a very smooth and sweet aloeswood that gives off a delicate coolness. The spices (getting a lot of clove from this one) enhance the feeling. Like most Shunkodos, this gives off a feeling of restraint and elegance - it's quite subtle (although not so subtle I have difficulties smelling it, like I do with some Shunkodos). This one gives me a tactile sensation of white silk and a cool spring breeze with rain in the air.

Actually, while I like the Enkuu quite a bit, I think I'm falling tragically in love with the Aioi no Matsu. ("Tragically" because, well, it's unaffordable for a peasant like me.) They're expensive, but if you can afford it, you're definitely getting your money's worth. High end aloeswoods really are an experience unlike anything else in the world.


Another fellow reader was generous enough to send me samples of Kunmeido's Goikuin Daiunkoh. (Scroll down to the bottom of the page to see it. Although it's listed under Baieido, that's an error. When it was discovered to actually be a Kunmeido I decided I had to try it, since Kunmeido is probably my favorite incense company overall.)

Well, I think this one's already among my favorite everyday incenses! Despite having the scent of all the signature spices of the brand, it's really a bit of a departure - it's much sweeter than the rest of their US line, sweeter even than Onkun Koh. The more fiery spices are toned down to a background warmth, and a sort of syrupy, maple-like note (probably the fenugreek?) that exists in the background of all of their scents is in the forefront here, over top of a very soft, almost powdery sandalwood. There might be a touch of aloeswood in the mix, too, but I'm not sure.

The overall effect is muted yellow, very warm and cheerful, soothing yet refreshing in a way that keeps it from being sedating. Quite different from the usual solemn blues and greys of the line. I imagine it would be good appetite stimulant, too, because that sweet syrupy note really makes my mouth water.

These are very cost efficient at $8.65 for 50, 14", extra-thick sticks per roll. They really pack a punch, so I don't think most people are going to burn whole stick at a time, so you can probably at least double or triple the stick count.

Many thanks to Steve and Janet for these samples!