Sandalwood By-Absolute

This sandalwood is a perfumer's dream. It is a perfect fixative...buttery, warm, rich, inviting...and it blends marvelously with just about anything. Unlike steam distilled sandalwoods which have this "musty" (almost moldy) dry smell, sandalwood absolute is loved by all. I have some customers who generally hate sandalwood but still love this essential oil. Why is solvent extracted so hard to find? I've been trying all of EB's alternatives... unfortunately none can substitute for this one. I wish we had been given warning... I would have bought an 8 oz. :P

Review by The best sandalwood in the world 9/13/2016

Ok so.....I just purchased some of this. I have sampled the New Caledonia Sandalwood essential oil before but not the absolute, so it was pretty much a blind buy. I brought the absolute because it is cheaper compared to the others, which is surprising for an absolute. I have to say, however, that I am a bit unimpressed. It is not a bad smell at all, but it is not what I expected. I have gotten the sandalwood character with the essential oil I sampled but not with this absolute. Some of it comes out a bit later on in the dry down but not much. Initially I do kinda get the maple syrup reference, but only slightly. Also the overall strength of the smell is muted and could easily get lost in a blend. All in all, not my cup of tea. Response from the oils room: Please keep in mind that the famous sandalwood from Mysore, India will always be the standard for the best of all the attributes associated with it, perhaps especially regarding sandalwood's aroma. But also bear in mind that the species that grows in New Caledonia is not the same as that from India, and it will have somewhat different chemical constituents and constituent ratios which will have an affect on aroma, tenacity, and/or fixative qualities, which is to be expected.

Review by anonymous 10/28/2015

When I smelled this oil & rubbed it on my hands , the smell was new & interesting. 30 minutes later the sandal wood smell comes out , that interesting smell gradually fades away leaving a nice clean , not too bold sandalwood scent .I received this in a sample pack & would buy more for friends & family , still testing the rest of the samples.

Review by Ish ( oudh fanatic ) 4/17/2015

It's got a soft scent that is not overbearing, or in your face. I would prefer a little more strength to it however. It dosen't have the legs I like in a base oil. But, it is real, and it is Sandalwood oil, nothing else. I will be getting more.

Review by Robert 3/6/2015

I've went through ounce after ounce of this absolute over the last few months. It's truly incredible. It has a very traditional sandalwood scent, but with an added dimension that makes it sweeter and so much more aromatic. The description speaks of "maple syrup-like notes", but I don't get maple from this, although I can see where the comparison might be made. It's sweetness has a depth that regular sandalwood just doesn't posses. For the price this is, by far, the best deal on sandalwood you'll find. Unmistakeable quality and beauty.

Review by Matt 2/19/2014