Yamadamatsu Hojo Red 19g (61012)

My box of Hojo Green is nearing its end as I received this box of its big brother. The scent profile of these two are unique and similar in a beautiful way. What you get with the green is undeniably quality wood, surrounded by a complex splash of ashy salt, burnt leaves, cooling borneol, marine and forestial notes - weaving in and out in a mercurial manner, leaving a beautiful lasting scent in the room. Hojo red instead hones straight into the kyara that peaks out in glimpses in the former, hitting a constant resinous tone with full clarity, like a really good dark chocolate. But leaning toward cool gentle spicyness, supported by very restrained musk, at times notes reminiscent of salty liquorice. Hojo Green might be considered the rambunctious younger brother, a pungent personality that will not be ignored. Hojo Red is the more measured and disciplined older brother, leaves the room tidier than when he came. Both require patience and are acquired tastes. To put it another way... a prodigious jazz trio, and a ruminative shakuhachi played by an old master.