So sad...

I recently purchased a package of Shoyeido's kyara online from an incense shop in the US. Everything was hunky dory, and the product was as advertised. However, when I opened the box, I knew immediately that it was trouble. The entire box wreaked of incense. I opened the inner Shoyeido package hoping that it hadn't permeated the wrapping...but it had. The inner plastic bag that contained the precious wood smelled like incense, and the wood chips themselves smelled like it, too.
The kyara was ruined. It made me realize how important it is to store these precious woods carefully, away of strong smells. I had read somewhere to keep jinko away from sandalwood, as sandalwood's smell can transfer to jinko. When I was sampling Rakoku and Sumotara this summer at Yamadamatsu, a guy was having his old wood evaluated. He was being told that one of the woods had taken on a perfumy smell. Too bad.

Jinko is delicate. Remember, just like wine, if it's not stored correctly, it can be ruined!