Jinko and Me

I received these samples of jinko and sandalwood from varying suppliers, some directly from Japan, from a friend and student perfumer. I opened the sandalwood samples first (though these technically aren't "samples" as they are the size and shape of what one would use to burn, though the larger sandalwood piece would need to be broken down a bit) and was utterly dumbstruck by the richness and full creamy texture that only a true sample of sandalwood can issue. The larger piece from "Ross" smells similar to the heart wood oil of a vintage Mysore sandalwood I possess. I don't get woody notes from sandalwood at all, but a creamy sweet softness, a buttery-ness that digs deeply into your olfactory stash and pulls up memories of sensual encounters you imagined you had.











The two smaller thin blocks of sandalwood from Shoyeido are a bit different. They are spicy. Edible. This is a sandalwood one might grind and sprinkle over confections and eat slowly, savoring every sweet, creamy, spiced bite.
The jinko. Studying the Shoyeido sample of jinko evoked a slight visceral response -- a tingling in the stomach, like a trickle of adrenalin. A downward tumble, a drop on a roller coaster.

Opening and studying the Yamadamatsu sample, however, evoked an even stronger response, awakening something primal. Elation. A full body tingle, like touching the skin of an angel or god.

These go into the scent library, to be opened for future study and comparison to more contemporary and common pieces.

I can hardly find words to describe these woods.