Although incense and rose are by no means an unfamiliar combination, one often thinks of this in a middle-eastern sense, or at least I do.
Today I layered a rose fragrance and an incense fragrance, each of which has its roots firmly in the west. In the case of Domenico Caraceni 1913, Italy, and Incense Pure by Sonomo Scent Studio, sunny California in the USA.
In reality, Domenico Caraceni is not a rose soliflore by any means. In fact, it contains geranium, styrax, rose, tobacco, cypress and even frankincense. I like it straight up, but do find it a bit demure, if such a word can be used for a men's fragrance. However, combined with the austerity and beautiful simplicity of Incense Pure, I find the result a heavenly blend of rose and resins.
Layering can be hit-or-miss. To my mind it usually works or it doesn't. When it does work, then bam! we're talking rock 'n roll.
