Gulabsingh Johrimal – Kesar Chandan

I received these two sticks in May 2024 from Sascha.

To my knowledge, this variety isn’t available in Germany and Gulabsingh Johrimal in generally isn’t easy to find; the brand is considered an insider tip.

I was absolutely delighted by the Nag Champa by this brand, and like these, Kesar Chandan have a relatively pronounced fruitiness, which, however, surprises me in a Kesar Chandan fragrance and, frankly, irritates me. I find it simply doesn’t fit into the fragrance concept and clashes with some of the other notes. Primarily with a slightly funky musk aspect of the composition, which is constantly present.

The spiciness of the saffron is pleasantly pronounced, but is still frequently masked by the somewhat acidic fruity smell. I don’t get any of the other typical saffron notes.

Sporadically, a delicate, vanilla-like sweetness appears that lifts and rounds off the fragrance to a certain degree. When it’s present, I can get far more out of the fragrance; but unfortunately, it doesn’t come out often and doesn’t linger for long either. For me, it doesn’t manage to make the fragrance feel balanced in its overall composition.

Kesar Chandan fall outside the norm, that much can be said.
Those who like interesting, unusual fragrances that have a few rough edges could find appeal in Kesar Chandan.