
What it is
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Bakhoor Ghawi is a bakhoor incense bar made by the UAE‑brand Nabeel.
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This version is 40 grams in bar form.
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It is part of Nabeel’s “Oriental‑Woody” / “Heritage” style incense range.
Scent Profile / Notes
Here are the layers of fragrance in Ghawi, from top to base, and what you’re likely to smell in each stage:
Layer | Notes | What you might perceive |
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Top Notes | Saffron, Labdanum, Lemon | A spicy, resinous opening from saffron & labdanum — warm and slightly leathery or amber‑resin in character — uplifted by a fresh citrus twist from lemon. So it starts with both richness & brightness. |
Middle Notes | Lavender, Elemi | In the heart, softer, more aromatic herbal/floral tones: lavender gives a clean, calming floral edge; elemi adds resinous brightness (a bit citrus‑lemony/resinous, similar to frankincense/gum). This phase smooths the sharpness of the top and builds depth. |
Base Notes | Sandalwood, Guaiac Wood, Caramel | The finish is warm, woody and sweet: sandalwood gives creaminess, guaiac wood adds smoky/woody depth, and caramel brings a sweet richness to balance the dryness of wood. The result is lingering, comforting, with a touch of gourmand sweetness. |
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The scent family is oriental‑woody.
Experience & Character
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Balance of Fresh & Rich: Ghawi does a nice job of balancing freshness (lemon, resins) with richness (woods, caramel). It isn’t overwhelmingly smoky or heavy; there’s brightness early on that softens into warmth.
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Sweet‑Resinous Undertones: The caramel base gives a mild sweetness that prevents the woods from becoming too austere. The resinous labdanum and elemi contribute to a slightly opulent, slightly sticky (in a pleasant way) texture.
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Moderate to Good Longevity: As with many high‑quality bakhoors, once the base settles in, the scent stays in fabric and carpets for a while. Expect the fragrance to linger after the burn, especially in enclosed or soft‑furnishings spaces.
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Smoothness: The lavender and woods help smooth over what could otherwise be a harsh resin/citrus introduction. Ghawi is generally seen as fairly smooth and pleasant in its transitions.
How to Use / Tips
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Best used on charcoal burners (traditional mabkhara using lit charcoal disks) for full effect.
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You can also use electric incense burners if you prefer less smoke or easier handling.
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Use smaller amounts first: start with one segment or piece, allow the top to heat somewhat then add the bakhoor; if too much, it can become overwhelming or smoky.
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Let initial smoke dissipate before adding more; patience helps the full structure of the fragrance (from top→base) to emerge.