Woody Incense

Woody Incense aims at the cult dry-incense of Armani Prive's Bois d'Encens and lands a convincing budget impression. It opens spicy and peppery, with a curl of smoky incense rising almost immediately, then moves into a heart of dry frankincense and clean cedar before settling onto a grounded vetiver-and-labdanum base. Compared to the Armani, this version reads thinner and less resinous - the dusty, semi-sweet balsamic depth and the polished smoky elegance are pared back, and it turns into a skin scent sooner. Still, the core meditative, smoky-woody signature is intact, making it an unusually refined budget pick for those who love austere incense fragrances. Best in cooler weather and for occasions where a quiet, contemplative scent suits.