Nandita – Black Gold

This sample is from my friend Silver, who lives in India. Black Gold had been on my curiosity-list for a while, but since I wasn’t really impressed with other popular Nandita incenses, I never bought them.
What stands out with the sample is that the sticks are clearly extruded, whereas the product image on Ephra World Shop shows hand-rolled run-of-the-mill masala. In Steve’s review, you also see hand-rolled sticks. This is the second variety from Nandita, for which, it seems, a different version is sold here than in India.

Black Gold reminded me right from the start of Vijayshree – Golden Buddha, as it has a very similar character, which I would describe as an ‘extra-sweet chandan scent’. It has the milky, soft, and sweet quality that is familiar from many chandan incense sticks.
However, Black Gold also has an extra dose of creaminess, a honey note, and a slightly bitter tone. I think it’s what Steve refers to as bitter almond.
The fragrance is lush and dense, but not overwhelming; it’s enveloping and very delicious.

I still have a few sticks of Golden Buddha left, and I took the opportunity to compare the two directly:
In contrast to Black Gold, Golden Buddha comes across as much more tart, almost soapy in a way; it also smells a bit woodier and nowhere near as lush as Black Gold. With the Nandita sticks, the bitter note is slightly emphasised, and the sweetness is particularly highlighted.

After already liking Saffron Sandal from Nandita and finding Black Gold seriously delicious, my opinion of Nandita has improved.
I’ll put the last stick in my sample archive, in case the opportunity arises to compare it with the hand-rolled version.