CHAPEL FACTORY
HOLY STICK

2020

PERFUMER
Anais Biguine

cardamom
clove
elemi

frankincense
petitgrain
cedar

amber
palo santo
patchouli

I’d heard good things about Holy Stick and the  Chapel Factory brand in general, when it comes to incense. I was a little bit surprised, although not let down, by this release.

Surprised, because I found the incense to be quite understated here. I was expecting either a full-on incense, or perhaps a really smoky woody scent. Instead, this is quite sweet and with the inclusion of clove, this DNA instantly  registers as something in the realm of Tom Ford Tobacco Vanille.

More specifically, with the brighter tinge of incense and a slight fruitiness that I perceive, this reminds me a lot of Scent Of Wood Plum In Cognac. Perhaps Holy Stick doesn’t go as lactonic or gourmand, but it felt very similar on my skin. A nice, slightly smoky and woody sweet fragrance that I think will appeal to many people.

Not quite something most (niche) perfume enthusiasts haven’t smelled before. But where a huge advantage to Holy Stick comes in, is that it retails for €90/100ml and quality wise, it feels like you’re not downgrading.