
Traditionally likened to grilled chili peppers, the Gomi’s “spicy” taste may be displayed as a piquant, zesty quality with a sharp, warm overtone, such as the warmth of clove or cinnamon, or the heat of curry or pepper.
Note: Incense in this category may present the taste "spicy" subtly or as its dominant note. This note may be the only taste presented, or combined with other tastes of the Gomi to create an even more complex fragrance profile. As everyone's sense of smell is unique, this presentation will be perceived differently by each individual.
About the Gomi:
A gifted fragrance expert, Yonekawa Jōhaku was a merchant during the Edo period (1603–1868) with the reputation of having never made a single mistake during the many kumikō (組香, incense games) he attended. To achieve this feat, Jōhaku is credited with having developed a system of fragrance categorization known as the Gomi (五味, Five Tastes) based on the five fundamental tastes: sweet, spicy, bitter, sour, and salty.