RITIGALA RESERVE 2018 - Vintage Sri Lankan Sandalwood oil [Santalum album]

Oil from circa 30 years-old sustainably grown semi wild trees (in a mixed natural forest ecosystem).

Slow pressure hydro distillation in copper still over during the first few months of 2018 (March, from memory).  This is a regular collaboration, that I source in generous quantities.  I am currently maturing a 2020 distillation from similar quality (even slightly better wood and first few years of maturation, I'd say. I will offer the new oil here starting 2025 (5 years being the limit for the 'reserve' label for my Sandalwood oils).

The profile is typical terroir quality Sri Lankan sandalwood: deep, round, forest infused (lush jungle soil, moss), slight terroir notes of nutmeg, tobacco and molasses. The oil is round without sharp notes and offers a fruitful balance between sweetness, woodiness and terroir Mild intensity and Exceptional longevity (like often good Sri Lankan oils have, for the latter)  

The inspiration behind the name
Ritigala is a fabulous, lush and mystical mountain in central Sri Lanka which is home to an ancient Buddhist monastery. The ruins and rock inscriptions of the monastery date back to 1st century BCE.