Indian Study / Santal +++

It is said that sandalwood relaxes and quiets the conscious mind, enhances higher consciousness, and grounds one during meditation. I am no skeptic, I believe all of this to be true, and even in some instances, I believe perfume that contains the many constituents of sandalwood can have a notable effect. When wearing Indian Study, I do actually feel more relaxed and focused. Regardless of what its formula actually contains, this does come very close to the scent of Mysore sandalwood (Santalum album), creamy, somewhat buttery and sweet, smooth and nutty-earthy. Here, it is purported to be accompanied by amyris wood, which is believable, as amyris, long considered adjacent to and a more affordable alternative to sandalwood, is often used to enhance and extend sandalwood in a perfume composition. Its own qualities are more translucent and balsamic, and may serve to balance things out. There is also a subtle cumin and other spices here, adding extra grain to the wood, nothing too sharp at all, just a slight texture to counter the smoothness. It's worth noting that unlike several other sandalwood fragrances I've experienced, Indian Study, doesn't lean too heavily on cedar, has no curveball notes that detract (see Santal 33) and not a drop of Iso E Super can be detected (even if it may be stealthily present). It's not trying to be anything more profound or complex than what it is—it simply is. There are moments that recall milk powder and old paper—sweet, dusty, dry, still. I also imagine Hindu statues painted with sandalwood paste, spaces of devotion, quiet temples, divine forms of expression, quiet awe.

Sandalwood is possibly my favorite scent. I love the sensual, woody, and slightly savory complexity of sandalwood, the transcendental associations it has with various Eastern spiritual traditions, and nostalgia for the incense at my aunt's ashram and traveling throughout India. This one hits it on the nose. Because it's a true sandalwood, Indian Study works both on its own as well as layered with other perfumes or scents. I love combination of rose and sandalwood, and have often combined Indian Study with Made by Yoke's Flow perfume oil. Still, I have a common Miller et Bertaux complaint of sillage and longevity, which is too bad with how lovely and versatile this perfume is.

It's just sandalwood, plain, simple and beautiful. Sandalwood of the highest upbringing. Gently sweet, warm and very creamy. Like walking into a white sandalwood barn, made out of freshly sawn logs. There may be other ingredients in here which help in bringing this ethereal sandalwood note to the forefront and not making it just sandalwood. The fragrance is not complex or sophisticated. That's why I love it. More or less linear. The varnish accord hits you very gently at the beginning. Scent: 8/10 Performance: 5/10 Sillage: 4/10 Value: 10/10 Love 10/10 You just wear it for you and anyone else who will feel comfortable around you. Quite soothing.

Sandalwood at the peak - yes, just like they describe it. This is a really nice sandalwood fragrance, I would guess one of the purest sandalwood perfumes out there. Only downside is that it does not last superlong. But it's ok. Beautiful hippie stuff!

The warmest, creamiest dessert ever served in a wooden cup.