Thiouraye Diguidje Saff (oudandmusk.fr)
This and a number of other Thiouraye incenses were part of a generous selection of samples that my friend Povilas sent me; they were bought at Oud & Musk [FR].
Thiouraye isn’t strictly speaking a bakhoor but is strongly related in concept, which is why I’m putting them in the same category. Thiourayes are, in a way, the West African, particularly Senegalese variant of bakhoor.
This thiouraye with the name Diguidjé Saff, looking almost like candied nuts, seems to consist of cyperus roots coated with sugar.
At what point the perfumes are introduced, I don’t know.
50g cost €18—€0.36/g.
The description on oudandmusk.fr reads as follows:
This African incense is known in Senegal not only for its pleasant fragrance but is also used by women who want to keep their husbands at home. It gives off an almost intoxicating fragrance and creates a warm and inviting atmosphere. Often compared to an aphrodisiac, this room fragrance is supposed to possess both stimulating and relaxing properties and thus be a means of seduction for couples.
As usual, I’m using this incense on a tealight incense warmer.
The raw scent of Diguidjé Saff is strangely pungent; the smell reminds me somewhat of hot plastic.
When the sugar-coating gets too hot, the smell is slightly bitter and strengthens the association with plastic. I therefore don’t find Diguidjé Saff suitable for charcoal.
On the warmer, the fragrance no longer has that pungent feel to it. Heated gently, a sugary-sweet fragrance spreads, underlaid by a soft, feminine florality and a subtle spiciness.
The smell feels warm and enveloping.
Diguidjé Saff is interesting and unusual due to how it is made, which makes it exciting to try. However, it won’t become part of my permanent collection.