Anand – Tejus

These sticks come from the extensive sample package that Silver sent me from India in early 2024.

This variety used to be available at Ephra World for €2.25, but has been marked as out of stock for a while. However, you can at least see the pack there, which refers to the sticks as ‘Flexo Bathi’. Often also called ‘Fluxo’, these are usually thicker, heavily smoking sticks. Tejus strikes me as pretty average in both respects, though.

The raw smell is moderately volatile, but with a certain freshness reminiscent of cosmetic products. I also smell a bitter-almond-like aroma.

The tart and persipan scent continues when burning, coming across as slightly bitter now.
At the same time, Tejus has a good portion of sweetness and a powdery softness in which the cosmetic smell of the cold throw continues.

The first time I tried them, I felt slightly reminded of Rathnams – Tanjore, which I can only partly relate to in subsequent attempts. I think I now perceive the bitter note much stronger than at first. At times, I even find it iodine-like.

Anand – Tejus has an interesting aroma that some will likely find appealing. However, it is not my cup of tea.