Copal de Terre

Let me start this review by stating that Copal De Terre is one of the best incense fragrances in its price range. This is truly one of the rare, although increasingly much more common, fragrances that offer truly niche level quality and profile for a budget price. If you read nothing else you should know this. Copal De Terre is the result of a collaboration between Le Monde Gourmond, perfumer Rodrigo Flores Roux with global fragrance house Givaudan, and multi-disciplinary artist based in Los Angeles, Juan Renteria aka El Creativo. Known for his floral arrangements, pottery and t-shirts which pay homage and draw inspiration from his Mexican-American heritage. Renteria is quoted as stating, “I want them to feel a rush of home like being embraced by Mother Earth herself. More than anything, I want them to experience the essence of México Antiguo, a fragrance steeped in history, warmth and soul". Happily, I can say that I believe Mr. El Creativo & Mr. Rodrigo were successful in creating a fragrance that celebrates Mexican and Mexican-American culture. Copal being the prominent note not only makes sense but works perfectly. Mexican copal is not only recognized internationally but loved domestically by "La Raza" for it's beauty. The other notes in the composition play a background but blend beautifully. This is certainly a church incense fragrance, make no mistake about that, there are similarities to Avignon or Full Incense but the copal adds a smokiness and the vanilla is slightly thicker here. If Avignon smells like a French cathedral, Copal De Terre smells like the famous Mexican-American cathedral "Our Lady Queen of Angels" in Los Angeles. This is the furthest thing from a heavy incense and while I would say this is "thicker" than Avignon I do think Copal De Terre would be a better choice for hot weather. Copal De Terre truly is an all year fragrance. The traditional Western(church) incense composition of frankincense, myyrh, vanilla, and woods here is composed light enough for this to be warm weather and daytime friendly. Where the copal and extra dose of vanilla add a beautiful warmth that make this great for cold weather. I got Copal De Terre last year as a Christmas gift from my parents and it was my daily wear for most of this past winter. So it was a pleasent surprise today when I decided to see how it would fair in much, much warmer weather and it smelled great and performed amazingly. In conclusion, I think you should get your nose on Copal De Terre. You want to smell good for cheap? You're a fragrance nerd who loves incense fragrances? You want to smell like a botanica in Pico Rivera or Boyle Heights? You want something that smells like a Mexican or Mexican-American church? Maybe you want to smell like that incense your abuela burned? Copal De Terre - 9.5/10 - All Year - Location/Situation: somewhere in East Los Angeles, April, 130PM... The sun is shining, your stomach is full and in the distance you hear a corrido you can't understand. There is a culture here. God, Raza, Family. - Song: Suavecito - Malo

Much greener than I was expecting! This reminds me of the time I spent up in the Tetons. By the lake, just off the main road, is the Chapel of the Sacred Heart. A small cabin sat nestled in the pines. While I'm not religious, it was a lovely space and surround by so much natural beauty. The shore was empty in every direction and I sat on a gnarled, pale bough of drift wood with my bare feet against the cold stones of the lake, breathing in as much of the rain wet, piney atmosphere as I could. It was so still. The soft drone of rain dimpling the lake, great branches of sticky pine bobbing against a breeze, my old friend not far off inspecting pine cones and pebbles, smelling faintly of his home, warm quits and incense. It was one of the few times in my life I felt my mind quiet. Felt deeply and solidly apart of the world around me and it wasn't accompanied by fear. Copal de Terre brought me back there. I'm thrilled to have this little bottle of heaven.

I hope they never discontinue this.. I've never smelled anything quite like this. It's sort of like a "clean hippie" perfume. It's not "dirty" or overly earthy smelling, it's smokey, incense-y, resinous and pine-y. The subtle vanilla note in the background ties everything together and elevates it. And yes, it smells a lot like a Mexican Catholic church which makes this even more beautiful and nostalgic to me. I know it has pine notes but this perfume reminds me more of the desert than a forest. Its both but more desert vibes to me. I can see why people think its more masculine but to me its a true unisex perfume. The type of woman I feel is represented by this is a woman with airdried waves and abalone jewelry who spends her weekends doing yoga in a forest and bathing in its creeks, camping in the desert but also going to galleries and museums in the city.

gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous! A beautifully masterful take on incense done in such a perfectly simplistic way while still packing some depth. Opens with a prominent elemi resin note paired with some fresh cypress. Very resinous and warmly dusty, as it transitions into a smoky incense body. This does a really good job of highlighting copal as note in all its glory. It has body, warmth, a vintage charm, and ofc smokiness. Nails it pretty close to the real thing. The dry down maintains that dusty vintage charm but takes it into a sweeter direction with a warm vanilla and Peru balsam combo. If you want incense done exceptionally for a low price point this is it.

This perfume was recommended as a good budget incense scent and I am absolutely obsessed with it. It definitely smells like burning incense and reminds me of church services from when I was a kid. It is warm and smokey and comforting and all around an amazing addition to my collection that I see myself reaching for often in the future.