Description
Frankincense has been associated with religions since ancient times, and in the Middle Ages was considered more precious than gold. The resin from a tree native to Dhofar in the present-day Sultanate of Oman is called oliban or olibanum and is also cultivated in Yemen, Somalia and India, where the species varies slightly. The incense is collected by incising the bark 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, an eternal classic in haute parfumerie, 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 elusive 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, evoking the dusty aged waxed wood found in the interiors of old houses and churches. Noble in its expression of severity and elegance.
