Agarwood incense is the most expensive and precious incense in the world, with a refined, strong scent and religious significance. For its high value, however, the market is saturated with fake and low-quality products. To feel the true effects of Agarwood incense, you must be able to tell the original from the fake. This post will help you differentiate between genuine Agarwood incense and not using fake ones by inspecting important features such as fragrance, color, incense ash, and the genuineness of the incense stamp.
Contents
Familiarizing yourself with Agarwood and its unique features
Agarwood, or oud, is very rare and highly valued resinous wood produced within trees of Aquilaria after being infected with a specific kind of mold infection. Aromatic wood is generated to create premium-grade Agarwood incense, which has a refined aroma with heavy woody, sweet, rich, and warm spicy fragrance. Natural Agarwood incense will mature with an evolving scent and will smolder well without any supplementation.
Examining the Scent Profile
One of the easiest ways to tell genuine Agarwood incense is by scent:
Natural and Multi-Layered Aroma: Genuine Agarwood incense will have a natural, multi-layered aroma with wood, sweetness, spice, and a delicate floral nuance. The scent should be rich and well-balanced but not overpoweringly strong or chemical-like.
Transition Scents: Real Agarwood incense dries out when burning, emitting higher levels of aroma in the process. If the aroma is stale or does not get any better at all, it probably contains added chemicals.
No Chemical or Harsh Smell: Cheap or fake Agarwood incense usually comes with added perfume that creates a chemical-like, overly sweetened, or coarse smell. If it gets too perfumed or fake to smell, it is probably not real.
Examination of Incense Stick or Cone
Agarwood incense can be identified by its physical form:
Color and Texture: Genuine Agarwood incense tends to be natural in the shape of dark wood brown or brown in color. Reject the dark products or products that contain uneven colors because most of the time those include artificial dye or some additives.
No Bamboo Core: Good quality Agarwood incense sticks will not have a bamboo core. If you see there is a bamboo center stick, it is a low-quality product.
Smooth and Firm Composition: Genuine incense will be well-formed and stay that way without crumbling texture. If it is too soft or powdery to the touch, it contains fillers.
Checking the Incense Ash
When burning Agarwood incense, the ash produced can indicate whether it is natural or contains artificial content:
Fine and Light Ash: The ash produced by natural Agarwood incense is soft, light, and fine, typically gray or white in color.
No Sticky Clump Residue: If the ash is dark, sticky, or clumpy, then the incense could contain artificial binders or oils.
Refined Smoke with Natural Aroma: Genuine Agarwood incense smolders in a light, refined smoke. If it is black and heavy or contains artificial-scented smoke, it could be adulterated with chemicals.
Check for an Incense Stamp or Mark
Good Agarwood incense manufacturers emboss an incense stamp or mark on their products for authentication:
Traditional Incense Stamps: Some high-end incense producers in Japan and China apply an incense stamp on the product, signifying the quality and geographical location of origin of the used Agarwood.
Certified Labels: Find labels issued by established companies claiming the Agarwood to be pure and environmentally friendly.
Manufacturer Reputation: Find out about the company and supplier before making the purchase. Old-established manufacturers are more likely to supply authentic products.
Conducting a Burn Test
A burn test can help you determine if your Agarwood incense is authentic:
Burn a Small Amount: If you are burning Agarwood chips, place a small amount on hot charcoal or an electric incense burner.
Observe the Smoke and Smell: Authentic Agarwood will emit a blue, thin smoke with a natural, earthy aroma. Artificial ones emit a dark, sooty smoke. They have a chemical or overwhelming smell.
Inspect the Residue: Real Agarwood will not produce an oily or sticky residue when it is burned.
Price and Market Awareness
Since the incense of Agarwood is a precious and uncommon product, its price indicates whether it is authentic:
Too Good to Be True Pricing: A quality Agarwood incense is pricey since it is not readily available. If priced too cheaply, then chances are that it is a counterfeit or low-grade blend.
Knowledge of Grades: Agarwood comes in various grades. More expensive and higher grades have a higher percentage of resin and have a more intense fragrance.
Purchasing from Reliable Sources: Always buy from reputable incense vendors, specialty stores, or authentic online retailers to get genuine Agarwood incense.
Final thoughts
Buying authentic Agarwood incense is an art of smell, sight, authenticity of incense ash, and incense seal. The testing of smell, texture, combustible nature, and certificates will keep you away from the counterfeits and allow you to enjoy the deep flavor of this precious and exclusive incense. Buy from well-known sources and do not accept cheap duplicates in order to get the actual taste of richness in Agarwood incense.
