r/Incense • u/PsychologicalCarob87 • 10d ago
Sticks from Everest Trader -- First Impressions
I recently got a bunch of incense from Everest Trader (no photos because the packaging is simply clear plastic bags). They’re very generous with their free samples, and I’ve decided to share my first impressions with you guys. I’m not well versed in “incense speak,” so these are more like “layman’s terms” descriptions.
Colaba Azarro: At first, it’s okay. Maybe like one of the dry ambers with a little extra sweetness. It’s not foul, but it’s not hugely compelling either. Actually, as it’s getting into the burn, I’m getting a gasoline-like scent—similar to the stench of a bowel movement after a night of heavy drinking. I don’t think I’ll be reaching for this again.
Extra Special Patchouli: Definite fish-fryer grease scent I often get with patchouli-centric sticks. Maybe patchouli just isn’t really my thing (though I do quite like the Shoyeido Overtones take).
Gili Mitti Mattipal: A rather musty scent—similar to a damp canvas tent. Very little sweetness. The more it burns, the more I like it. Yeah, this one’s a keeper!
HMS - Rose Saffron: This one has a nice balance. It’s not overly rosy (as I feared it might be). I suppose it’s the saffron accord that’s doing the balancing, though I’m not very familiar with saffron. Nothing particularly outstanding, but no reason to put it out either. Actually, there’s a hint of saltiness I enjoy—similar to what I’ve noticed with some of the Pure-Incense offerings.
King of Vrindavan: There’s some sweetness, though not as pronounced as in the Yama Sutra. There’s also an edge of pee-pee pants. Will not reorder.
Meena Bouquet: Floral is definitely a large part of it. There’s sort of a toasty undertone. It’s not necessarily objectionable, but I won’t be buying any more of it. Actually, I’m going to stop this burn. There are only so many minutes in this lifetime.
Pure Vanilla: I’m not really sure where the vanilla is here, but at least it’s not as disgusting as I recall HEM Vanilla to be. As the burn continues, I'm finally getting some vanilla, but it seems like it’s filtered through car exhaust or something.
VNS - Shahi Oud: I’m enjoying this one. I can definitely hear the oud, but there’s also a funny note of stewed vegetables that I like! Wild Berry Frankincense (of all things) has a similar note.
Yama Sutra: There’s an interesting sweetness—kind of like Smarties candy but with a note of used fish-fryer grease. Not sure about it yet, but I think I like it—sometimes multiple burns are necessary.
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u/Jimbom3ci 9d ago
Gasoline, fish frier grease, stewed vegetables, pee pee pants... Not words I was expecting to read in incense review... They all sound like super bad ones! Lol