One afternoon, about ten years ago, I wandered into one of those stores that sells stinky incense and cheap synthetic fragrances, and asked if they had any sandalwood oil. The proprietor said that indeed they did and let me smell a sample. When I pointed out that the sample was odorless, he offered another one, also odorless. Then, he said he had another, but that it was very expensive and I probably wouldn’t be interested. Bingo. When I smelled it, I knew it was the real thing. I bought out all he had. A few weeks later, I went into the store and he told me that sandalwood had tripled in price the next day.

Many suppliers of sandalwood claim it to be Mysore, the best kind, but almost impossible to find. Sandalwood still comes from India, but also from other places such as Sri Lanka, Indonesia, and Hawaii. After working with the material over the years, I’ve learned much and know Mysore when I smell it. Of over 20 samples, most of which claimed to be Mysore, only one had the distinct milky complexity lying under the surface.

Despite the claims of the shop owner, this is NOT Mysore. It’s wonderful stuff and as good as almost any of the sandalwoods I’ve been working with, but I would guess it’s from Indonesia.

Authentic sandalwood is derived from Santalum album as is this one. Beware of sandalwood from other places derived from Santalum spicatum, another species without the same aromatic qualities.