Disclaimer

Recently I started to be interested in Japanese incense. I had hard time finding some reviews that are more detailed than "smells good/bad", so I decided to create amateur reviews to make it easier for others. I also want to learn how to describe smells so advices are welcome.

Review

Nippon Kodo Zuiun has fascinating scent evolution.

• Unlit: Very soft, warm, and balsamic. It is dominated by a deep, resinous sweetness
• While burning: The fragrance changes dramatically. There is a very distinct, waxy accord that brings to mind the warm paraffin and glowing wick of a traditional cemetery candle. The smoke is light, misty, and airy. Smoke level is between regular and low smoke ones.
• After burning: Once the smoke settles, a delicate and elegant scent of a luxury leather sofa lingers slightly in the room for a long time. It creates study/library atmosphere.

Maybe it reminds me of cemetery candle but it is very nice scent that isn't sad. I think I will call Zuiun a "happy cemetery candle" 😄