Lance Carson
Resin incense is a popular choice for those who enjoy a strong aroma. However, not all resin incenses are made equal, and some cheaper options may not provide the desired fragrance. Resin incense can be purchased from specialist incense shops, or online, with Etsy being recommended for its high-quality resins. The scent of resin incense varies depending on the type of resin used, with some of the most popular types being frankincense, myrrh, copal, guggul, and sal. The scent of frankincense, for example, can range from citrus-like to a mix of pine, eucalyptus, and citrus fruits, while myrrh has a more unpleasant burning smell.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Smell | Sweet, spicy, citrusy, pine, eucalyptus, honey, musty, vanilla, warm, fruity, clean, sensual, musky, evergreen |
| Quality | Good, poor, premium |
| Colour | Golden white, gold, grey, black, white |
| Origin | Native to the Americas, Indian |
| Burning | Intense, mild, clean, fast, slow |
| Blend | Cedar, Juniper, Palo Santo, Sandalwood, Aloeswood, Calmus, Orris Root, Benzoin, Pinion pine |
| Brand | Three Kings, Cathedral Candle Company, Jarguna, ApothecarysGarden, HEM, Mermade |
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What You'll Learn
Frankincense: citrus, pine, eucalyptus, and fruity notes
Frankincense is a complex scent, with a wide range of notes. It is often described as having a citrusy, lemony, or fruity scent, with a hint of pine and eucalyptus. The higher grades of frankincense, such as Boswellia Sacra from Oman and Yemen, are said to have a delicate mix of pine, eucalyptus, and citrus fruits, while other varieties may have a stronger pine or citrus scent.
The essential oil of frankincense is particularly complex, with many terpenes that are difficult to find in isolation or through synthetic means. However, aromachemicals can be used to create a convincing frankincense scent. The lemony or citrusy aspect of frankincense can be recreated with alpha and beta pinene, alpha phellandrene, limonene, camphene, delta-3-carene, P-cymene, and eucalyptol. This citrusy aspect is often accentuated when frankincense is paired with orange or other citrus oils in perfumes.
The resinous part of the scent can be created with beta caryophyllene, Hercolyn D, Fixamber (Trimofix O), and Vertofix Coeur. To add a burning effect, cade oil and birch tar oil can be used, while aldehyde C12 MNA, Musk R1, and Oxyoctaline Formate can be added for diffusion and fixation. Natural ingredients that can be used include olibanol for a lemony note, bois d'encens for a woody note, fumencens for a burning note, and olibanum resinoid for a resinous note.
Some people also describe frankincense as having a sweet, balsamic, or even urinous scent. The smell of burning frankincense in particular is said to be unique and magical, with a piney or woody aspect that is hard to replicate with fragrance oils or perfumes. Overall, frankincense has a wide range of scent notes that can be difficult to capture in isolation, but the combination of various aromachemicals and natural ingredients can create a convincing frankincense fragrance.
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Myrrh: pleasant smell, but not nice when burning
Myrrh resin incense is known for its strong, bitter, and earthy scent. While some people find the smell of myrrh pleasant, others find it unpleasant, particularly when it is burned.
When burned, myrrh can produce a deep bitterness that can be overpowering and unpleasant. Some people have described the scent as reminiscent of patchouli, loamy soil, or spice, with hints of citrus. Others have likened it to a dental clinic or mop detergent. The scent has also been described as "leathery", "brown", and "funky".
The unpleasant smell of burned myrrh may be due to low-quality resins or improper burning techniques. It is recommended to use high-quality myrrh resin and control the temperature to avoid burning it too hot. Some people suggest using a tea light burner with an adjustable handle or creating a barrier between the coal and the resin to manage the temperature better.
Additionally, myrrh is often paired with frankincense, a citrusy or piney scent, to create a more palatable blend for a wider audience. However, combining myrrh with other scents may not always result in a pleasant fragrance, as some people find the smell of burning myrrh overpowering and difficult to mask.
Overall, while myrrh may have a pleasant smell in its raw form, the process of burning it can alter its fragrance, resulting in an unpleasant aroma for some individuals.
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Copal: clean-smelling, blends well with cedar, juniper, or palo santo
Copal is a resin that comes from sacred copal trees found in the tropical forests of Mexico and Central America. It has a clean, woody, and frankincense-forward scent with warm, almost citrus notes. It is also described as having a slightly hypnotic and resinous fragrance, with a hint of medicine as a back note. The scent of copal incense is said to be soothing and relaxing, often used to aid in meditation and spiritual practices.
When burned, copal incense releases a smoke that is believed to have magical and divination qualities. In some cultures, shamans use copal incense smoke to interpret messages or to communicate with ancestral spirits. The scent is also said to aid in opening up the soul to intuition and inspiration, making it a popular choice for creative and spiritual practices.
Copal blends well with other woody and earthy scents such as cedar, juniper, and palo santo. These blends can enhance the clean and woody aspects of copal, creating a harmonious and balanced aroma. The combination of these scents can evoke a feeling of being in a forest, connecting with nature, and grounding oneself.
The quality of copal can vary, and different types of copal may have distinct scents. Some people describe copal as having a strong, almost plastic-like smell, which may be due to lower-quality ingredients or improper burning techniques. However, high-quality copal is known for its pleasant, warm, and slightly sweet fragrance.
Copal is a popular ingredient in perfumes and cosmetics, often used as a base note to add depth and complexity to the fragrance. It is also a key ingredient in some incense blends, providing a unique and captivating aroma that is sought after by many.
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Boswellia Sacra: citrus, pine, eucalyptus, and fruity notes
Boswellia Sacra, a type of frankincense native to Oman and Yemen, is known for its unique aroma, which varies depending on its grade. Lower grades of Boswellia Sacra tend to have a citrus-like scent, while higher grades offer a more intricate blend of pine, eucalyptus, and citrus fruits. This variation in fragrance profile is due to the different concentrations of essential oils present in the resin.
The scent of Boswellia Sacra is often described as a delicate balance of freshness and warmth. The citrus notes, reminiscent of lemon, provide a bright and uplifting character to the fragrance. At the same time, the pine and eucalyptus elements contribute a refreshing and invigorating sensation, akin to a walk in a pine forest.
The fruity notes in Boswellia Sacra add a layer of complexity, enhancing the overall sweetness of the aroma. These fruity accents are often likened to the scent of ripe, juicy citrus fruits, such as oranges or tangerines. The combination of citrus and fruity notes creates a harmonious symphony that delights the olfactory senses.
In addition to its citrus, pine, and fruity aspects, Boswellia Sacra also exhibits subtle hints of spice. This spicy undertone serves to deepen the fragrance, providing a rich and captivating base that lingers even after the initial burst of freshness has faded. The interplay between the bright, crisp notes and the warm, spicy undertones creates a well-rounded and captivating olfactory experience.
The aroma of Boswellia Sacra is not just pleasing to the senses but is also believed to have therapeutic benefits. Its warm and soothing scent is commonly used in aromatherapy and meditation practices, promoting relaxation and enhancing spiritual experiences. The complex blend of citrus, pine, eucalyptus, fruity, and spicy notes makes Boswellia Sacra a sought-after choice for those seeking a unique and captivating incense experience.
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Benzoin: sweet and warm, or musty and like melting rubber
Benzoin resin incense is described by some as having a vanilla-like fragrance with earthy balsam notes. It is commonly used in churches and is said to help with focus and concentration. The scent is also described as sweet and warm, with strong vanilla notes and, in some cases, an almond aroma.
However, others have described the scent of benzoin resin incense as musty and like melting rubber. Some have even gone as far as to say that it ""absolutely reeked". This discrepancy in the scent description is likely due to the quality of the benzoin, with some sources noting that it can be difficult to find good quality benzoin resin incense.
One source mentions that the ""benzoin" they received was almost certainly not real benzoin, even Sumatra Black Benzoin, and that it looked and smelled very different from what they expected. They described it as having off-white chunks in grey-brown material, stuck together in a couple of pieces. This description is similar to that of "Block Benzoin" or "Loban" (also known as "Sambrani"), which is often sold as Benzoin.
Another source mentions that the benzoin they received was of extremely poor quality and smelled like melting rubber. They also mention that this has happened on multiple occasions from different places, indicating a potential issue with the sourcing or production of the benzoin resin incense.
It is important to note that the scent of benzoin resin incense can vary depending on its source and production methods. For example, the powdered version used in sticks may smell different from the typical profiles, highlighting less sweet and more fragrant qualities. Additionally, Benzoin Sumatra contains cinnamic acid, which can affect its scent.
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Frequently asked questions
The smell of resin incense varies depending on the type of resin used. Some resins have a sweet fragrance, like gum benzoin, which has a vanilla-like scent, while others have spicy, fruity, or citrusy notes, like Boswellia Sacra, a type of frankincense.
Some resins that are commonly described as having pleasant aromas include Copal, which is native to the Americas and has a clean, fast-burning scent, Guggul, a relative of myrrh that is sweet and sensual, and Sal, an Indian tree resin with complex notes of spice, musk, and evergreen.
The quality of resin incense can vary significantly, and it can be challenging to find good resin without paying premium prices. Some recommended sources for high-quality resins include ApothecarysGarden and Jarguna on Etsy.
