Papier D’Arménie – Tradition

I bought this booklet of Armenian Paper at a health food store in my area. It cost €4.65, which is quite expensive, but I’ve never seen it cheaper in Germany. In France, where it originates, Armenian Paper is significantly cheaper, and there are other brands available as well.
This Papier d’Arménie comes from the family business of the pharmacist who invented Armenian Paper in the 19th century, so this is the original. The story of its creation can be read on the Papier d’Arménie website.
I chose the Tradition variety, whose scent is primarily based on benzoin.
The booklet, which is about 8 x 5.5 centimetres, contains 12 sheets, each divided into 3 segments. You can carefully tear them out along a perforation.

On the last inner page, there are instructions for use. These recommend folding the strip like an accordion. After lighting one end, you need to immediately blow out the flame and place the strip on a fireproof surface.

I’ve tried several times to place the folded paper both flat or on its edge. In both variants, the paper never burned completely. Sometimes, it even extinguishes along the fold.
As an experiment, I also tested whether such a strip would burn cleanly if it wasn’t folded nor placed on a surface, but even then, the ember never lasted long.

In terms of scent, I’m again far from impressed.
The sweetness of the benzoin is quite noticeable even in the unlit paper. However, once it starts smouldering, a pungent smoke note arises, which smells chemical in a way that suggests the use of saltpetre. In addition to the benzoin, I smell another resinous note, reminiscent of frankincense, which mixes unpleasantly with the acridness of the smoke.
For such a small piece of paper, the smoke output is significant. In my opinion, the balsamic benzoin does not make up for the harsh nature of this incense. Even the after-smell has something pungent, and I was honestly relieved each time the strip stopped burning. Nonetheless, it is disappointing that a product that smells so strongly of saltpetre doesn’t even burn properly.

Armenian Paper might have helped with some foul odours of the late 19th century, but in the 21st century, this product strikes me as more of a gimmick. It’s something you can try, but certainly don’t need.

Below the instructions, there’s also a note that Papier d’Arménie can be used without lighting it. It’s suggested to place the strips in drawers, wardrobes, or even books to spread their scent. This seems like a sensible alternative to burning, as the raw scent is definitely more pleasant.