This sweet poem was sent in by a customer
        I also would like to dedicate this to my Lovely Mimi who always had one thing to say 
"How much God loved us"
Received the attar today--yes very floral and beautiful....reminded me of a poem called "My grandmother's (Paithani) saree" and of my grandmother...here is a brief translation of the poem...hope it brings you joy too. 
 
In the cupboard, there is a bundle- there, at its bottom, deep down
Where the old clothes are kept, faded hats, scarves, and shawls
There is stored a neatly folded, lovingly kept, one single (Pathani) silk saree. 
Orange gold border, golden squares,  her color is like golden wheat
 
My grandmother wore this saree in her wedding
Had taken blessings from all her elders holding this very fabric 
The faint fragrances wafting around this Paithani
Some known, some unknown, are now shrouded in the ancient past
 
So much Dhoop, camphor, Oudh it must have experienced
The paithani preserved it one body, one mind 
Fingers smeared with Khus, heena unconsciously wiped 
Jasmine and mogra garlands must have caressed it

Years passed after years, life became second nature
A softness soon replaced the once crispness 
Seems like life unfolded through each fold of this paithani
Old age brought death--my grandmother merged in the divine
 
Whenever I hold this paithani close to my heart 
Through the soft stands of silk, my grandmother meets me once again
All the years of separation fade away, the threads of time meetO glorious squares (on the paithani), please convey my love to my grandmother. 

This sent in by Ev- we love you ev!

I have LOVED every one of Ish's fragrances that I've tried! They all are tooooo yummy! My favorites (so far) are: "The MUSE" - with it's complex and ever evolving layers of deliciousness; "Royale#1" - because I love ambergris and the hint of royal black musk is so sensual; and "Blue Lotus" with it's true blue lotus scent is perfect for Spring time. I look forward to wearing one of Ish's scents everyday! And, using only a small drop of oil, which ever one I choose to wear that day truly lasts all day! In my opinion, you can't go wrong with any of Ish's wonderful oil blends!

TTYS and many blessings,
Ev

Review: Blue Lotus, Dehn Al Oud Hindi, Asian Florals, Sandalwood, Kasturi Attar (Whew! Say that one three times fast! : )

Hello my friends,

This is my third review, and many more will be coming in the future. I hope this writing finds all of you happy and healthy. In this installment I will be reviewing Ish’s composition containing Blue Lotus, Dehn Al Oud Hindi, Asian Florals, Mysore Sandalwood, and Kasturi Attar.

This is without a doubt the most complex of Ish’s offerings yet, and it is a masterpiece as well as evidence of his considerable talent.  Mysore Sandalwood, Blue Lotus, Dehn Al Oud Hindi, and a host of florals are the cornerstones upon which this fragrance is established. Kasturi Attar and yet more Blue Lotus are then added to arrive at this absolutely wonderful composition.

 Blue Lotus absolute is derived from the Nymphaea Caerulia species of Lotus. This is really my first introduction to this wonderful flower/fragrance,  which I was aware of but had never taken the time to become acquainted. This particular fragrance used to be quite rare, and it still is to some extent. However it seems as though its availability has increased since I was first introduced to essential oils some twenty-odd years ago. I’ve been performing some research regarding Blue Lotus and its uses. Evidently this flower and its fragrance are used for spiritual purposes, such as meditation. It is also linked with pleasure in some of its many forms, including use as an aphrodisiac as well as to induce feelings of euphoria, ecstasy, and overall general well-being. This plant has been used in a manner similar to that of Cannabis in some countries and cultures, as it is possessed of definite psychotropic/psychoactive properties.

Upon first application, this fragrance comes off as an intense floral scent with definite undertones of the sweetest nectar and honey. It reminds me of being in a garden of fragrantly intense flowers, very energizing, uplifting, and above all pleasurable for the body, mind, and spirit. As the fragrance evolves, the fragrance of the blue lotus becomes apparent and takes the center stage while the Dehn Al Oud Hindi, and Kasturi provide sweet yet animalic accompaniment. A description of the Blue Lotus fragrance seems to elude me…I can’t find the words to express it. The Lotus is a very spiritual fragrance, and it seems to me to not entirely be of this world alone. It has one foot in this world and one foot in the Otherworld. It is sweet, but in a very subtle way. It is prominent, but very gentle and not overpowering. I find it inspires in me a contemplative and spiritual mood.  I next noticed the Mysore Sandalwood stepping out to take its bow, and the fragrance of this fine oil is as distinct and enjoyable as always. This fragrance composition evolves in a surprising way, as one never really knows what is next. This only serves makes it that much more enjoyable and appreciable. 

This fragrance is pretty well dominated by floral notes, but it is still very well balanced. It is as though the various fragrances contained within were putting on a play or a concert. They all interact harmoniously with one another, and yet each has their moment in the spotlight or time to play their solo and showcase their individuality. If this were a play or concert I’m sure it would be highly praised by entertainment critics.  I certainly give this composition a five-star review. This attar comes highly recommended, and it is absolutely perfect for floral fragrance lovers of both genders who are looking for something pleasurably unique and pleasantly surprising. Until next time….Peace. Stephen 

Review: Sumo Kushi “The Muse”

Hello everyone,

In this installment of my review series I’ll be reviewing the Ishman’s Sumo Kushi Mukhallat, which is also known as “the Muse”. I’ve had my bottle of this particular Mukhallat (Arabic for “mixture”) for a few weeks now, giving me ample time to become acquainted with the nuances of this astounding and outstanding natural fragrance. It is definitely a favorite of mine, and one I find myself reaching for again and again. 

This fragrance is a blend of an Indian Amber and a beautiful Oud from Sumatra, and the combination creates nothing short of pure magic. The amber in the fragrance was a big draw for me because I really enjoy Amber fragrances. This type of fragrance usually contains many ingredients, which are usually a closely guarded secret among their makers.  Amber fragrances can vary from powdery and subtle, to sweet, spicy, and any combination of these characteristics. The amber used in the Sumo Kushi Mukhallat is spicy and bold, which is my preference. It is fiery and masculine in character with some sweet undertones, yet it could be worn by either sex.

The Oud in this blend is unlike any other I’ve experienced. It hails from Sumatra in Indonesia, and it is definitely unique. It is an beautiful Oud with smoky, leathery, fruity, and woody notes. This combines well with the Indian Amber, and the two harmonize as one creating an awesome effect that is unparalleled.  This particular Oud seems to blend well with just about any fragrance as it is also incorporated into other blends by the Ishman, such as in his new Spring line, but that is for another time. Sumo Kushi is the choice to make when one is seeking a fiery, aggressive, spicy fragrance that conveys confidence and compels others to notice you. This is definitely another masterpiece from Aloes of Ish that comes highly recommended.

Aloes of Ish Oudh/Amber/Clove/Damascus Rose (Spicy Rose)
 "Semira, this too is love."

Spicy Rose incorporates the same base as the Tuberose mukhallat (Oudh/Amber/Clove), and the variety of rose added to this ensemble is a delicious and deep Damascus Rose. It truly lives up to its name, and it is suitable for wear by both men and women.

This fragrance is a sensory experience, starting off with very aggressive, fiery, spicy notes courtesy of the amber and clove. The Oudh then announces itself by adding its unique sweet, woody, and earthy notes. Finally, the fragrant and unmistakable Damascus Rose makes its lovely presence known, but only for a brief time. She is a very sweet and deep rose with undertones of the finest honey. After introducing herself she then gracefully blends in with the other notes, still noticeable but not dominant. A very shy and refined lady that is seemingly content to share the stage with the other notes in this fragrance. She and the clove seem to prefer the company of one another, although all of the ingredients blend harmoniously.  This is yet another masterpiece from Aloes of Ish.