Huaulu Hoaoeloe Seram II Senkoh 2021 - Northern Seram, buying Central Maluku - Incense Sticks - Indonesian Seties

Huaulu Hoaoeloe Seram II Senkoh 2021 - Northern Seram, Central Maluku - Indonesia


Jungle : Hoaoeloe - Huaulu - Northern Seram, Central Maluku (some buying call Ceram Island) - Indonesia
Class : Wild, Live Tree Moluccans (a Gyrinops Sub Species) - Single Tree Harvest


So I have two batches here that I've aptly named Seram I and Seram II. What's the difference?

When it comes to Indonesian Gyrinops and Filaria, many have smelled dead and swamp woods from the Mangroves of Papua, generally around Meroke (and we have a stellar specimen of incense from here currently in the shop). But few have seen LIVE woods from the region from higher grounds and dry forests.

For starters, both batches are single-tree harvests, and were acquired at separate times.

Secondly, Seram I was made from very large chips, some of which I hung on to as chips as they were quite large and thick. I may get these chips up in the shop at some point. Seram I you is a mix of mostly Super and and some Sinking quality. Very resin dense, premium chips.

Seram II, on the other hand, was made from a second batch I had acquired from the same area. The chips were smaller and not quite as thick as the monsters we used in Seram I. Although made from smaller chips - the resin density was superb, and the scent spectacular.

Both batches smell unique from one another.

Worth mentioning, also - not only are these both Live, Single-Tree harvests - but these are Moluccans, which is a subspecies of Gyrinops. The Seram Island Senkoh that has been up in the shop is a Filaria species from the same region as these, in Werinama. Smelling these is a pretty cool study of regional and batch differences, as well as species variations from the same region.

Until recently, Gyrinops and Filaria weren't really found in the Eastern Markets - but it's long been beloved in the Gulf Market, especially for it's green, foresty character. Makes sense when you think of it ... a region renowned for lots and lots of sand liking a scent reminiscent of greener pastures.

Arabs have a particular appreciation of Gyrinops and Filarias from Sri Lanka, various parts of Indonesia (like Papua, PNG, and Sulawesi), and most recently from the Philippines for this very reason - for these species ability to bring the jungle into the desert.

With that said - Moluccans has a particular affinity for the Asian nose, and part of the reason finding any Moluccans these days is due to the demand in the Chinese market. Moluccans woods have a very powdery scent many say is reminiscent of Iris Flowers, and can have hints of spice and gourmand notes of vanilla or chocolate. Needles to say - this stuff is a rare treat.


THE SCENT


Where Seram I was more of a Powdery Floral Iris - Seram II has more of a dry, peppery, woody Austereness to it.

Seram I had a more feminine quality to it - soft, caressing.
Seram II, on the other hand, has more of a masculine feel to it. Like strong, callused hands - reaffirming in their ability to grip your soul and providing you sure footing in the jungle we call Life.

Together, they provide an interesting Masculine / Feminine juxtaposition.
Seram I being ideal when you need that warm hug.
Seram II ideal for when you need to grit your teeth and overcome the challenges in life.

Maybe another way to say this is that Seram II has an austerity to it that I equivocate to Focus and Determination. I find myself reaching for this batch when I need to have a firm hand to hold me steady.

Seram II I'd also say has a bit more of a gourmand quality to it - an almost chocolate note rising underneath the more dry, peppery woodiness.

If you recall my Bushido Attar - I made that scent to try and capture the looming "scent of oncoming death" - that of a Samurai preparing for battle. Seram II, I'd say, brings to my Mind's Eye that of a Samurai after battle. The scent of Perseverance and Survival.