Ramakrishna’s – Rain Drops

I received Rain Drops as a gift from my friend Silver in India.

Silver told me she isn’t particularly fond of Rain Drops. She says it’s not bad, but reminds her of ‘paan beedi shops’ (Indian tobacco shops); a scent of tobacco, fresh laundry, and rose.
When I smell the raw sticks, I can especially relate to the comparison with fresh laundry. There’s a hint of an almost chemically sharp scent, which as well is in a similar vine as toilet cleaner.

Once lit, the note isn’t gone, but presents itself differently. The scent no longer reminds me of detergent, but still has a certain, pungent sharpness that at the same time feels fresh. I found something similar in Flourish – Khus. This also corresponds to the earthy, slightly musty note that Rain Drops exhibits.
The other aspect of this composition is woody and rather subtly sweet. I suspect that’s what Silver associates with tobacco. I occasionally smell a hint of a sandalwood scent and other woody notes that I know from some oud incense sticks. The combination of these woody notes, the cool freshness, and the somewhat perfumey character of the scent leads me to categorize Rain Drops to a certain extent as a ‘masculine perfume’ fragrance.

In a well-ventilated area and cooler weather, I find Rain Drops not bad. The sweetness of the scent seems less obtrusive then, and allows the scent to be perceived as fresh.
Some people surely like these kinds of scents, but I’m certainly not one of them.