Copala by Xinú

Without a doubt, my favorite fragrance in the collection. It defines me, my personality… something very mystical and unique, you won’t find it in any other perfume… a 10/10 for me… it’s more of a fall scent, not for summer or spring, but wow, it’s a delight. I’ve received several compliments thanks to it.

Copal is a resin used since pre-Columbian times, and likely prehistoric ones, in rituals, where ancient peoples attributed esoteric or magical properties to it, forming the foundations of the oldest civilizations that left their mark on what is now Mexico. Today, crystals of this resin are sold in esoteric shops and burned in incense burners to purify the environment and energy, and even to cut off or ward off negative energies. Like myrrh and frankincense in the Middle East or balsams of Tolú and Peru in South America, copal is linked to pre-Hispanic civilizations and, in general, the use of resins by ancient civilizations worldwide (in fact, the word ‘perfume’ comes from ‘Perf-umum,’ equivalent to burning something to obtain aroma; these early incenses, being resins, woods like sandalwood and palo santo, are tied to communication with the beyond and the divine; in the case of ancient Mexicans, with the inhabitants of Mictlán and the plethora of gods they believed in). The crystals, when not burned (melted), have an aroma whose most congruent description is ‘sweet corn’ or ‘sweet corn’; when placed in the incense burner, they emit a scent similar to fresh pine sap or some conifer. In perfumery, I’ve perceived copal essential oil with two distinct nuances: one with that sweet corn aroma and another, more balsamic one, with a nuance similar to vetiver, strongly resinous, balsamic, and woody (but without earthy tones). In my perfume house, I used copal as a base to create my leather and amber accords, with excellent results. As for the Xinu perfume: a true Mexican niche. I’d dare to say it’s the introduction of copal to the rest of the world in perfumery. A highly recommended olfactory work that I suggest trying to perceive this characteristic and deeply rooted note, so important for Mexico’s cultural identity.