Monsoon Incense vs. Bhagwan: Lemongrass
I received Monsoon Incense – Lemongrass as a sample from Eugene, during my first order (end of 2023) from Bhagwan. At that time, it was not entirely clear under which brand he would market it, but it ended up being Monsoon Incense.
The current Lemongrass from Bhagwan seems to come from a different manufacturer. I recently received these as a sample as well. Based on the usual package content of 15g, a full pack from both brands would contain about 15 sticks. Monsoon Incense costs €2.95 (approx. €0.20/stick), Bhagwan €3.95 (approx. €0.26/stick).
Disclosure: Due to my history and friendly relationship with Eugene, the owner of Bhagwan Incense, I would like to point out that I cannot write reviews of this brand with complete impartiality. I write a lot of the Bhagwan reviews based on samples that were given to me – these are labelled accordingly.
All reviews are unpaid and reflect my honest opinion, but you are welcome to consider them as advertising.
Monsoon Incense – Lemongrass
I’m not a big fan of overly lemony scents, and the more or less ever-present vanilla note of incense sticks by HMS often gets on my nerves. However, in this case, two negatives make a positive.
Even so, Lemongrass is not a scent I would buy, but I find it pleasant. The lemony, slightly herbal scent of lemongrass peaks through without becoming obtrusive, and the sweetness of the vanilla lightens the scent, making it much more palatable to my nose.
Underneath lies a pleasantly warm woodiness as a base.
Overall, I find Lemongrass very similar in character to Bhagwan – Orange Blossom, except that the namesake scent is a bit more emphasized with the latter.
In Lemongrass, I find the sweetness of the vanilla a bit too prominent; the scent doesn’t feel perfectly balanced, which is why I understand why Eugene didn’t include it in the Bhagwan Incense line.
Monsoon Incense – Lemongrass is a vanilla-sweet, friendly, and fresh scent, almost like lemon cake.
Bhagwan – Lemongrass
Lemongrass from Bhagwan has a potent, pungent freshness that reminds me rather of citronella oil or lemon peel oil than lemongrass.
The first few minutes after lighting, a very attractive, fruity-sparkling sweetness develops within the lemon scent, but then the aggressive citronella character takes over, and it reminds me of citrus-scented cleaning products.
Before the scent starts to turn overpowering, I notice a soft, woody note that smells like sandalwood oil to me; unfortunately, this is gone just a few moments later.
I am almost certain that people who love intensely citrusy scents will perceive this Lemongrass differently than I do. Anyway, these incense sticks are simply not made for my nose.