Disappointment: I am a big fan of Shoyeido (松栄堂), a purveyor of incense in Kyoto established in 1705. I usually get their ‘Horikawa’ (堀川) fragrance from the Horin (芳輪) series. The Horin series has more than half a dozen fragrances with a price range of not too expensive to a bit expensive. My favorite, Horikawa is in the middle of the price range.
At the beginning of this year (2012), Shoyeido launched a new fragrance in the series called Shirakawa (白川) and today I purchased a box. (I had actually gotten a two stick sample pack at New Year’s and vaguely recall being underwhelmed. But hey, it was New Year’s, perhaps the sake and champagne had dulled my sense of smell, I thought.
Today I burned several sticks and must say I am really disappointed with Shirakawa. When it is burning, I can barely smell anything! (I must say, the fragrance of the stick itself, is very subtle and beautiful. But, I don’t buy incense to sniff the sticks!)
Shoyeido has some incense, especially their premium products, range from sublime to otherworldly. I hope next time they update their Horin line, the fragrance will not be a dud!