Paropakaram – Dragon Blood

This is one of the samples that Sascha (owner of Indiaroma.de) sent me from his private collection at the end of 2023. (Purely by chance, almost all can be found in his shop as well.)
At Indiaroma, a pack of 10 of the 23cm long, almost 2g heavy sticks costs €6.89. Apart from them, only one other shop in Germany seems to sell them: Weltenrauch.com, where they cost €6.90. The brand is significantly better represented in Switzerland.

Paropakaram is a brand that was entirely unknown to me before. After a little research, I found out that the trademark owner appears to be an association in Switzerland. According to their homepage, the term “paropakaram” describes the principle or practice of caring for the well-being of others.
They advertise naturalness, fair trade and environmentally friendly packaging made from recycled cardboard and newspaper. They don’t seem to have a certificate. It is not clear where exactly the incense sticks come from, but a video suggests it might be Mysore.

As I already indicated in my review of Bhagwan – Dragon’s Blood, these are very authentic smelling incense sticks. Actually, they are the first “Dragon’s Blood” incense sticks I came across, that clearly and unmistakably contain Dragon’s Blood resin and therefore really live up to their name.
I’m not a particularly big fan of dragon’s blood (neither the Asian nor the Socotrian), but I nevertheless think that speaks for the natural quality of these incense sticks, and in this respect I am very convinced of them.
The scent is tart-aromatic, it has a very underlying, fruity sweetness and a deep, resinous character. Almost a little earthy. I think it’s probably the Asian (Daemonorops draco) Dragon’s Blood.
The sticks are smoky, but not in a scratchy, biting way. It’s a soft, balsamic smokiness. I also smell some of that special freshness that I have described as “cosmetic” in other Dragon’s Blood incense sticks.
I wonder if they contain some sandalwood, as there is a softness (especially in the aftersmell) that would suggest that.

If you’re looking for authentic smelling dragon’s blood sticks, Paropakaram – Dragon Blood is an excellent choice (and, at least currently, the only one I am aware of).