How do you tell good incense from bad? Smell it before you light it, then watch how it burns. It should fill the room evenly without being harsh or overwhelming. Price and packaging don’t decide quality, so trust your nose and ask what’s in it. Here is what I look for after more than 20 years in my family’s shop.
Incense Has Been Part of Our Family Business for Decades
My father started Nicholas in 1974, and incense has been one of the things our customers come to us for ever since. I’ve been in the business for over 20 years, and in that time I’ve learned a lot about fragrances and what people enjoy.
We carry a large variety, including Satya, Tulasi and HEM. People buy incense for many different reasons. Some use it during meditation or spiritual practices, and others simply like having a home that smells good.
What I find interesting is how personal fragrance is. We have customers who have bought the same incense from us for years, and they have no interest in switching because they know exactly what they like.
How I Judge the Quality of Incense
Start With the Smell Before You Light It
The first thing I pay attention to is the fragrance. Before I light a stick, I want to know how it smells. Is it pleasant? Is it too strong? Does it have a harsh smell?
Watch How It Burns
Once it’s burning, that’s when you can really tell the difference. Here is what I look for:
- How the fragrance fills the room
- Whether it burns evenly
- Whether the scent is enjoyable without being overwhelming
Satya Nag Champa: An Example of Incense That Lasts
Out of everything we carry, I would have to say Satya Nag Champa has stayed our most popular incense of all time. It has a distinctive fragrance that people recognize right away. We’ve been selling it for years, and customers keep coming back for it.
To me, that says a lot about a product. When people have so many options and still choose the same incense year after year, you know you have something special.
Does a Higher Price Mean Better Incense?
Over the years I’ve come across all kinds of incense, from inexpensive everyday brands to more expensive varieties. One thing I’ve learned is that price doesn’t always decide quality.
Some inexpensive incense smells very strong in the package, but once you light it, the fragrance turns harsh or overwhelming. Other incense has a more balanced fragrance that’s pleasant to burn.
Satya Nag Champa is affordable, has a fragrance people recognize, and has been a customer favorite for decades. We also carry a wonderful selection of Tulasi and HEM, so there are plenty of fragrances to choose from at affordable prices.
What I’ve learned is that people aren’t looking for the most expensive incense. They’re looking for something they genuinely enjoy.
What to Know About Ingredients Before You Buy
Not All Incense Is Made the Same Way
Some incense is made with natural resins, woods and herbs. Other incense contains fragrance oils and different types of binders.
Ask What “Natural” Really Means
I appreciate companies that are open about their ingredients. If something is advertised as natural or organic, customers should understand what that actually means.
Don’t Judge by the Price or the Packaging
I’d caution people about assuming that something is better because it costs more. I also think people should pay attention to how the incense smells while it’s burning, and not only to how nice the packaging looks.
Burn Incense in a Well-Ventilated Area
Whatever brand you choose, I always recommend burning incense where there is fresh air. Incense produces smoke, so it’s important to be mindful of that.
Finding Incense You Enjoy
For me, it comes down to finding a product you enjoy while also knowing what you’re buying. If you’re not sure where to start, come in and tell us what you like. We’re happy to help you find a fragrance that fits. New to incense? Our beginner’s guide to resin, stick and cone incense explains how each one burns.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can you tell if incense is good quality? Smell it before you light it: is it pleasant, too strong, or harsh? Then watch it burn. Good incense burns evenly, and its fragrance fills the room without being overwhelming. Price and packaging don’t decide quality, so how it smells while it burns is what counts.
Does expensive incense mean better incense? Not always. Some inexpensive incense smells very strong in the package but turns harsh or overwhelming once lit, while other incense has a balanced fragrance that is pleasant to burn. Most people aren’t looking for the most expensive incense. They are looking for a fragrance they genuinely enjoy.
What is incense made of? It depends on the brand. Some incense is made with natural resins, woods and herbs, and other incense contains fragrance oils and different types of binders. If a product is advertised as natural or organic, it is fair to ask what that means and to favor companies that are open about their ingredients.
What is the most popular incense at Nicholas Brooklyn? Satya Nag Champa has stayed our most popular incense of all time, and customers keep coming back for it. We also carry a wonderful selection of Tulasi and HEM incense, so there are plenty of fragrances to choose from at affordable prices.
How should I burn incense safely? Burn it in a well-ventilated area where there is fresh air, because incense produces smoke. Set it in a heat-safe holder, keep it away from children and pets, and never leave it unattended while it is burning.
Come See Us
Nicholas Brooklyn is at 1396 Fulton Street, Brooklyn, NY 11216. We’re open Monday through Saturday from 10 am to 7 pm and Sunday from 12 pm to 7 pm, and you can call us at (718) 858-4400.