Description

Incense has been associated with religions since ancient times, and was considered more precious than gold in the Middle Ages. The resin of a tree native to Dhofar in the present-day Sultanate of Oman, also cultivated in Yemen, Somalia and India, where the species varies slightly, is called olibanum. The incense is collected by incising the bark, which is scarred three times during the production season. This raw material yields a resinoid and an absolute, which is distilled to produce an essential oil.

The fragrance of this incense, a classic in high perfumery, opens with a champagne accord (grape effect), hints of bergamot and spicy notes of pepper and clove. The heart conceals impressions of rose, jasmine and an undefined fruity touch. The base is more oriental, with incense, tonka bean and wood accents. The scent is fresh, resinous, camphoraceous, waxy, spicy, peppery and balsamic, and can evoke dusty old waxed wood such as is found in the interiors of old houses and churches. Noble in its expression of severity and elegance.