Let the Oleoresin Talk: A Comparative Analysis
In past review I mentioned that with Lalitya, by Taha of Agar Aura, he was able to capture the scent of the resin itself while greatly minimizing the scent of the wood and displaying an absence of nearly all auxillary notes of tweaks, tricks, specifics of distillation, etc. IME there are two highly dichotomous oils juxtaposed to each other, that speak the same resinous language, Agar Aura's Lalitya and Ensar Oud's Chugoku Senkoh.
In talks with Ensar he told me that I'd likely find similarities between the two, and while I do, these oils take me on a completely different scenic and sensory oudyssey to the same blissful, resinous destination.
Both of the oils are lightly hued; way lighter in color compared to other oils from their respective regions. Lalitya is a light, golden sunshine while Chugoku Senkoh has a very soft muslin, linen color. Both oils have glistening transparency; lacking opacity, cloudiness and with no visible sediment. The oils are of medium viscosity and on the skin they have a silky shimmer and leave a long-lasting sheen. Both oils are visually and texturally appealing.
Both oils have, at the center of their scent characteristics, a core focus on exemplifying the resinous quality of their feedstock that permeates the entire spectrum of their development. Lalitya does it with the precision, control and composure of Federer*; oddly and despite this, it is an invigorating oil, overall more yang. Chugoku Senkoh does it with the dashing, youthful athleticism of Nadal*; oddly and despite this, it is a calming oil, overall more yin. Lalitya's DNA is more firmly rooted in Assamese Agallocha, spicy and more medicinal, with notes of hay, tobacco and the dry down of a barn Hindi; oddly and despite this, the overall feel of the oil is more Oriental. Chugoku Senkoh's DNA seems to be more firmly rooted in Chinese Sinensis, slightly sweet, with notes of vanilla, anise, clove and a faint hint of orange rind; oddly and despite this, the overall feel of the oil is more Arabian. The projection and longevity of the oils are excellent, with Lalitya's being more ethereal and effervescent and Chugoku Senkoh's being more direct and concentrated. Both oils are full spectrum with deep complexity and have smooth transition from top to base notes, without collapse.
Having had Lalitya first I can say that Chugoku Senkoh has given me an even deeper, more profound respect, admiration and appreciation for it, and I'm sure it would be the same way if it was the other way around.
The journeys were undertaken and the goals achieved, two beautifully epic tales conveying the powerfully compelling narrative of resin while maintaining the distinct and unique signatures of their authors. Oftentimes we bestow accolades onto our artisans and it is deservingly so, I increase my hat to you both and if my neighbors wouldn't immediately call pepperoni on me, I'd salute you with celebratory gunfire.
*this from Yoda, I borrowed