Heidi Norton
The Benedictine monks of Prinknash Abbey in Gloucestershire, England, have been blending incense since 1906, making them the oldest major incense blenders in Europe. They have developed unique processes for blending the purest Arabian frankincense with precious aromatic oils and spices, creating superior recipes for a range of incenses. In this article, we will explore the history of Prinknash Abbey incense and provide a step-by-step guide on how to burn it to achieve the best results.
How to burn Prinknash Abbey Incense
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| History | The Benedictine monks of Prinknash Abbey have been blending incense since 1906, making them the oldest major incense blenders in Europe. |
| Location | Prinknash Abbey is situated in Gloucestershire, England. |
| Ingredients | The monks use a unique process to blend pure Arabian frankincense with precious aromatic oils and spices, creating superior recipes for a range of incenses. |
| Varieties | Basilica, Cathedral, Sanctuary, Abbey, Priory, Mission, Church, St. Michael, Gums of Arabia, and Vatican. |
| Burning Method | Charcoal discs or burners can be used to burn the incense. Some people prefer charcoal for its aroma, while others find it fiddly and dirty. |
| Storage | It is recommended to use Prinknash incense soon after purchase, as the essential oils may evaporate over time, altering the scent. |
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What You'll Learn
The history of Prinknash Abbey incense
The Benedictine monks of Prinknash Abbey in Gloucestershire, England, have been blending incense since 1906, making them the oldest major incense blenders in Europe. The monks developed unique processes for blending the purest Arabian frankincense with precious aromatic oils and spices, inspired by Exodus 30:34-35. The blends now produced at the abbey follow long-established recipes, with each blend having its devoted customers on every continent.
The monks of Prinknash Abbey are considered one of the finest blenders of incense, with their blends being qualitative and highly refined, yet distinctive and not overpowering. Their most famous blend is called "Basilica", which is an attempt to recreate an incense mentioned in the Book of Exodus. In addition to Basilica, they carry seven other varieties: Cathedral, Sanctuary, Abbey, Priory, Vatican, St. Michael, and Gums of Arabia.
The mystique surrounding the incense of Prinknash Abbey can be attributed to Br. Gabriel, who kept the task of blending the gums and mixing the oils to himself. Abbot Dyfrig Rushton, in a memoir written in 1976, describes Br. Gabriel's thoughts on the task:
> it could not with safety be entrusted to a novice and the formula was a carefully guarded secret.
Br. Gabriel suffered from poor eyesight, which sharply deteriorated after World War II, eventually leading to blindness. It is unclear who succeeded him in incense-making, but a book marked "Incense DPT" with the name "D. Aidan" on it is believed to be the logbook of Aidan Haynes, who entered the community in 1944. The book lists the recipes for seven varieties of incense, with some differences from the current blends, such as the absence of the "Church" variety.
The design on the incense packages has remained the same as that of Br. Hugh's from forty years ago, and the names of the varieties have not changed in eighty years. The incense-making process at Prinknash Abbey has been perfected over a century, with the blends being renowned throughout the world for their intense fragrances and minerals sourced from various places.
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The different varieties of Prinknash Abbey incense
The Benedictine monks of Prinknash Abbey have been blending incense since 1906, making them the oldest major incense blenders in Europe. Inspired by Exodus 30:34-35, the monks developed unique processes for blending the purest Arabian frankincense with precious aromatic oils and spices, creating superior recipes for a range of incenses.
The blends produced at the abbey are made using long-established recipes, and their consistent excellence has earned them regular devoted customers on every continent. The different varieties of Prinknash Abbey incense include:
- Basilica: One of the finest blends, this incense attempts to recreate the incense mentioned in the Book of Exodus.
- Cathedral
- Sanctuary
- Abbey: A blend of frankincense and essential oils, this variety produces a mild scent with some soft citric notes and a hint of lemon soap.
- Priory: This variety is pure frankincense without the addition of other oils.
- Mission
- Church
- Vatican
- St. Michael
- Gums of Arabia
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The process of burning Prinknash Abbey incense
The Benedictine monks of Prinknash Abbey have been blending incense since 1906, making them the oldest major incense blenders in Europe. The monks developed a unique process for blending the purest Arabian frankincense with precious aromatic oils and spices, creating superior recipes for a range of incenses.
- Prepare the Prinknash Abbey incense by breaking or cutting it into small pieces. The amount of incense you need will depend on the size of your burner and the desired intensity of the fragrance.
- Choose a suitable burner for the incense. You can use a traditional incense burner or charcoal discs. Some people prefer using charcoal discs as they can provide a stronger aroma, but burners are also effective and less messy.
- Place the broken or cut incense pieces onto the burner or charcoal disc. If using a charcoal disc, you may need to light the disc first and then place the incense on it once it is hot enough.
- Light the incense with a match or a lighter. If using a charcoal disc, you can blow out the flame once the disc is glowing.
- Allow the incense to burn safely and enjoy the aroma. Ensure that the area is well-ventilated, and always burn incense responsibly, following the safety instructions provided with your incense and burner.
Prinknash Abbey offers a range of incense blends, including Basilica, Cathedral, Abbey, Sanctuary, Priory, Mission, Church, and Gums of Arabia. Each blend has its unique aroma, and you can choose the one that suits your preferences. It is recommended to use the incense soon after purchase, as the essential oils in the blends may evaporate over time, affecting the fragrance.
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The benefits of burning Prinknash Abbey incense
The Benedictine monks of Prinknash Abbey in Gloucestershire, England, have been blending incense using unique processes and recipes since 1906, making them the oldest major incense blenders in Europe. The monks' incense-making tradition began when they were on Caldey Island, and they moved to Prinknash Abbey in 1928. Their incense is inspired by Exodus 30:34-35, where they blend the purest Arabian frankincense with precious aromatic oils and spices.
Prinknash Abbey incense is known for its consistent excellence, and each blend has its devoted customers worldwide. The incense is made with superior recipes, resulting in distinctive yet not overpowering aromas. One of their most renowned blends is "Basilica," which aims to recreate the incense mentioned in the Book of Exodus. In addition to Basilica, they offer seven other varieties: Cathedral, Sanctuary, Abbey, Priory, Vatican, St. Michael, and Gums of Arabia.
Burning Prinknash Abbey incense offers several benefits. Firstly, it provides a lasting impact on the liturgical worship experience, both symbolically and aesthetically. The incense creates a pleasant and soothing atmosphere with its mild scent and soft citric notes. The act of burning incense can also be a form of sacred art, adding to the beauty and solemnity of religious ceremonies.
Additionally, burning Prinknash Abbey incense supports the monastic community and their way of life. Purchasing their incense helps sustain the monks' community and their dedication to their craft. The incense-making process at Prinknash Abbey is a testament to the monks' skill and commitment to creating high-quality, distinctive blends that have gained recognition worldwide.
Prinknash Abbey incense is best enjoyed soon after purchase to appreciate the full aroma of the essential oils. While it can be burned using charcoal discs or burners, some prefer the aroma produced by charcoal as it enhances the fragrance of the resin. However, burners offer a convenient and less messy alternative.
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The best burners and charcoal for Prinknash Abbey incense
The Benedictine Monks of Prinknash Abbey have been blending incense since 1906 and are the oldest major incense blenders in Europe. They have created superior recipes for a range of incenses, including Basilica, Cathedral, Abbey, Sanctuary, Priory, Mission, Church, Vatican, St. Michael, and Gums of Arabia.
When it comes to burners and charcoal for Prinknash Abbey incense, there are a few options to consider. For burners, it is important to first decide what kind of incense you want to use, as not every burner is made for all kinds of incense. If you prefer incense sticks, you can explore options like cast bronze incense stick holders, which can be found on platforms like AliExpress or Kikoh, the latter of which offers handmade burners from Japan. If you're interested in loose incense, you'll need a burner that can accommodate that form, such as a burner with a long wooden handle or a small bowl for ash or sand.
Regarding charcoal, there are a few recommendations to consider. Bamboo charcoal from Japan is perfect for burning loose incense and resins. It burns cleanly and does not contain saltpeter, allowing the natural scent of the incense to shine through. You can light it with tongs over a flame, and then place it on a safe burner or bowl. However, charcoal has some drawbacks, such as the difficulty in controlling the temperature and the need to avoid leaving it unattended. As an alternative, an electric heater with an adjustable thermostat can be used for better temperature control. Additionally, at least two major Japanese incense houses, Baieido and Shoyeido, offer charcoal that is widely available online.
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Frequently asked questions
The Benedictine monks of Prinknash Abbey have been blending incense since 1906, making them the oldest major incense blenders in Europe. The monks developed unique processes for blending the purest Arabian frankincense with precious aromatic oils and spices. They are based in Gloucestershire, England, and are known for their high-quality blends.
In addition to their famous Basilica blend, they carry seven other varieties: Cathedral, Sanctuary, Abbey, Priory, Vatican, St. Michael, and Gums of Arabia. Each blend has its own unique scent and characteristics.
There are a few different methods to burn incense, such as using charcoal discs or a burner. Some people prefer charcoal discs as they can enhance the aroma of the incense. However, burners are also a popular choice and can be adjusted to operate at higher temperatures if needed.
Prinknash Abbey incense is available for purchase online through websites like Amazon and eBay. You can also find it in religious goods stores or contact Prinknash Abbey directly to enquire about their wholesale business.
