KARMAWOOD™ (IFF)

Very similar to blackwood, but softer.

Just sampled some of this. I learned from my past few experiences that sometimes when you get a sample of a material, it sometimes has a tendency to smell a tad bit different or weaker compared to if you smell a larger amount. The reason behind that remains a mystery but maybe it's just me. With that said, I'm going to be a little more generous with this review but I'm going to be honest still...... To me, Karmawood is another one of those very subtle notes that works as shading in a mix. The ambery and sandalwood aspects are indeed detectable. It has the sandalwood creaminess with the ambery heft, but again, it's a subtle note. However, I detect this somewhat (and my apologies for sounding vulgar) "fart" note in it. It isn't foul smelling or strong but it smells a bit "off" and it lasts a while, but thankfully it's subtle like the whole aroma itself. Not sure if I just have a bad sample or if it is actually part of the smell, but in either case it's not that bothersome, honestly. Nonetheless, everything else that was described about this material is indeed true. I haven't used it in a blend yet as I only have a sample, but upon applying it to the skin and letting it stay a while, I can tell it is very substantive and would add more power to a woody composition. Do NOT let the faint smell fool you in that aspect. Overall, I would definitely say it is worth it. Compared to the other woody-amber type chemicals out there, this one actually impresses me a little more, though I haven't tried them all, mind you. I will give this 4 stars.