When I first opened the inner packaging of this pack of Gonesh No. 2 Oils and Spices I was struck by the citrus note.  I was expecting something earthy and warm considering the name of the incense is “Oils and Spices”.   So, a personal note to myself:  Don’t try to smell with your eyes anymore. So with that in mind I gave the stick a thorough sniffing before ignition.  Later I will check my nose in the mirror and remove the inevitable black spots from the charcoal based stick bumping into the end of my nose.

It still smells citrus-like to me.  A fresh citrus smell that isn’t entirely natural.  More like a citrus scented household cleaner.  Which is not to say the scent is bad.  Not by any means.  It is just what the unlit stick reminded me of first.  When lit however the character of the scent changes quite a bit. It isn’t nearly as citrus-like and flattens out a bit to remind me of (variously) bubblegum, pink urinal cakes and flowers at a funeral!  I don’t know how the character of the scent changed in such a shocking way from unlit to lit, but it was more than a bit surprising.

I am trying to think of other ways to describe it, but so help me the mental/olfactory association that leaps to the forefront is the bathroom of a gas station.  Here is the kicker though.  I don’t find it to be an unpleasant scent.  It would take some getting used to and it would be best used for very specific moods, but it isn’t horrid by any means.  In fact, my significant other finds it to be rather pleasant and enjoyable and focuses more on the bubblegum like note.

I have been sitting in it for over half and hour now (Gonesh sticks burn a long time) and I suppose my scent receptors are tired and almost immune to the smell.  Since that strips out any of the more piercing notes in the blend it lets me say this as honestly as I am able.  It still smells like bubblegum, pink urinal cakes and Exxon bathrooms!

Perhaps I am just not a big fan of “blends” of this type or I need to experience this scent in another setting.  Whatever the reason, I am not terribly pleased with this scent and will only use it again grudgingly when my significant other wants to burn it.