
Prinknash incense is a premium church incense with distinctive aromas of frankincense and pure essential oils. 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, creating superior recipes for a range of incenses. The blends now produced at the abbey are made using long-established recipes, ensuring that each blend has its devoted customers worldwide. The incense is supplied in 500g boxes and is available from specialist church supply stores.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| History | The Benedictine monks of Prinknash Abbey have been blending incense since 1906, making them the oldest major incense blenders in Europe. |
| Ingredients | Pure Arabian frankincense, natural oils, spices, styrax, olibanum, cinnamon |
| Fragrance | Distinctive aromas of premium frankincense and pure essential oils; the specific fragrance depends on the blend |
| Use | Best used soon after purchase; can be burned on charcoal discs or in a burner |
| Packaging | Sold in 500g boxes or individual packs containing 50g of incense and a roll of quick-lighting charcoal |
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What You'll Learn

Charcoal burners vs discs
Charcoal burners and discs are both used to burn incense, but they offer different experiences and have their own advantages and disadvantages.
Charcoal burners are containers that hold charcoal, which is then lit to burn incense. They are typically made of metal and have a screened or concave design to hold the charcoal in place. Burners offer a dynamic aromatic experience as the combination of herbs and resins in each pinch of incense placed on the charcoal varies, creating a unique scent each time. Additionally, burners allow for easier control of the burn temperature by tapping off the ashes for a hotter and faster burn. However, one user found that burners burned a little slow and did not produce the same level of scent enjoyment as charcoal discs.
Charcoal discs, on the other hand, are quick-igniting and can be placed directly onto a heat-resistant burner. They are typically made of natural coconut shell charcoal and are available in various shapes, including flat and cubic. Discs are easy to use and provide a consistent burn. However, one user found them to be fiddly and dirty, and the smoke released during ignition may be undesirable.
Both burners and discs have their own advantages and disadvantages, and the choice between the two depends on personal preference and the desired level of control over the burning process. Burners offer more control over the burn temperature and allow for a dynamic aromatic experience, while discs are easy to use and provide a consistent burn.
It is worth noting that, regardless of the method chosen, charcoal gets very hot, and caution should be exercised to avoid starting a fire or causing injury. Always use heat-resistant materials and follow the safety instructions provided with your chosen product.
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How to store Prinknash incense
Prinknash incense is renowned and enjoyed by many. To ensure you get the most out of your Prinknash incense, it is important to store it correctly.
Firstly, it is recommended to use your Prinknash incense soon after purchasing it. This is because the incense contains essential oils, which can evaporate over time, causing a reduction in the intensity of the fragrance.
Secondly, it is best to keep the incense in its original packaging. This ensures that the incense is protected from external factors that could affect its quality, such as moisture or pests. The packaging is designed to keep the incense fresh and potent, so it is important not to remove it from its protective wrapping until you are ready to use it.
Additionally, it is advisable to store your Prinknash incense in a cool, dry place. Incense is sensitive to heat and moisture, which can cause it to deteriorate or become mouldy. A dry, well-ventilated storage area is ideal, away from direct sunlight or heat sources such as radiators or ovens.
Finally, ensure that the storage area is pest-proof. Insects and rodents can be attracted to the incense, particularly if it is made with natural ingredients. Keeping the incense in a sealed container or bag within a pest-proof area will help to ensure that it remains in good condition.
By following these simple storage guidelines, you can ensure that your Prinknash incense remains fresh and fragrant, providing you with an enjoyable aromatic experience each time you use it.
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The history of Prinknash incense
The Benedictine monks of Prinknash Abbey in England have been blending incense for over a century. 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 community was on Caldey Island near Tenby until 1928 when they moved to Prinknash Abbey.
The origins of Prinknash incense can be traced back to 1906 when Samson Carrington joined the community at Milton Abbas. Carrington was a skilled craftsman who recognized the potential of arts and crafts within the community. He played a crucial role in establishing the vestment and incense departments and oversaw all the crafts at Caldey. Although Carrington's ideas did not initially bring significant financial success, they laid the foundation for the incense-making tradition at Prinknash.
In 1948, Brother Emmanuel (Joseph Davis) from Birkenhead arrived at Prinknash and transformed the incense-making operation. Despite having no prior knowledge of incense, he applied his business acumen and sales experience to rapidly increase production and sales. Under his leadership, the incense craft flourished into a thriving industry, with sales tripling during his short but significant reign.
Today, the Benedictine monks of Prinknash Abbey continue to produce incense according to long-established recipes. Their blends are renowned for their qualitative and highly refined nature, striking a balance between distinctive and overpowering aromas. The monks' incense-making expertise, passed down through generations, has established Prinknash as one of the oldest and most respected incense blenders in Europe.
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The different blends available
The Benedictine monks of Prinknash Abbey have been blending incense since 1906 when they were on Caldey Island, making them the oldest major incense blenders in Europe. The monks have developed unique processes for blending the purest Arabian frankincense with precious aromatic oils and spices, resulting in superior recipes for a range of incenses.
Abbey Incense: A blend of frankincense and natural oils, producing a mild scent with soft citric notes and a hint of lemon soap. As the smoke rises, the resin starts to blacken.
Priory Incense: This is the simplest blend, being pure frankincense with no additional oils added. It starts with an intense lemon scent and then mellows with a touch of tamarind.
Sanctuary Incense: A blend of pure frankincense and natural oils with a very intense lemon and sweet smoke aroma that stays strong throughout the burning process.
Basilica Incense: One of the oldest secret recipes, this blend includes the finest quality frankincense, two other incenses, and the purest natural oils.
Cathedral Incense: A harmonious blend of frankincense and natural oils, with hints of lemon, honey, and rich spices, perfect for enhancing peace and contemplation.
St. Michael Incense: Natural and coloured grains of frankincense with a little added myrrh.
Gums of Arabia Incense: Natural and coloured grains (black and red) of frankincense with a little added styrax.
Vatican Incense: Natural and coloured grains of gum with added olibanum and cinnamon.
Each blend has its own distinctive fragrance and aroma, ensuring constant demand and devoted customers worldwide. The monks' commitment to quality and their deep understanding of sacred aromas set Prinknash incense apart.
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How to light Prinknash incense
To light Prinknash incense, you will need a heat source, such as a lit candle or charcoal disc. If you are using charcoal, you should light it with a match or lighter and let it burn out before placing the incense on top. This will ensure that your incense burns evenly and safely.
Once your heat source is ready, you can begin to light your Prinknash incense. Hold the incense stick at a slight angle, with the tip of the stick just above the flame or charcoal. Allow the incense to burn for a few seconds, until you see a glowing ember develop. Then, gently blow on the ember to encourage the flame to go out, leaving a glowing, smouldering tip.
Carefully place the incense stick in an incense burner or heatproof dish, ensuring that it is secure and will not topple over. If you are using charcoal, you can place the disc in a heatproof burner or dish and sprinkle the incense on top. The incense will then begin to smoulder and release its fragrance.
Prinknash incense is renowned for its distinctive aromas, blending premium frankincense with natural and essential oils, spices, and other fragrances. Each blend has its own unique scent, so you can choose the variety that most appeals to your senses and suits your purpose. Whether you are creating a calming atmosphere, setting a sacred space, or simply enjoying the sensory experience, Prinknash incense offers a range of options to enhance your environment.
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Frequently asked questions
Prinknash incense is a premium church incense with distinctive aromas of frankincense and pure essential oils. The Benedictine monks of Prinknash Abbey have been blending incense since 1906 and are the oldest major incense blenders in Europe.
You can burn Prinknash incense on charcoal discs or in a burner. Some people prefer burners as they find charcoal discs fiddly and dirty, but others find that burners burn too slowly and don't release the scent as well as charcoal.
The Abbey blend of Prinknash incense has a distinctive fragrance and aroma. It starts with an intense frankincense and orange peel aroma, tapering to a lemon peel scent. As it mellows, the scents of bitter wood and savory spices are drawn out. It finishes with a sweet incense aroma with a return of orange peel overtones.
You can buy Prinknash incense from North East Church Supplies, either directly or through distributors like Lumen Christi Religious Goods LLC.











































