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Archipelago Botanicals Monogram Series Soy Candles: Key Lime & Neroli / Sweet Pea & Jasmine

Posted by Kevin on 5 May 2007 8 Comments

Archipelago Botanicals Monogram series fragrance candlesAn archipelago is a chain of islands. A monogram is a single decorative letter, an initial. Here at Now Smell This, we all know what candles are: “hunks of perfumed wax with embedded wicks in extravagant containers that produce: scented air, warm light, and, in extreme cases, heavy debt or bankruptcy.”

My initials are: K.S. Perhaps Archipelago Botanicals hopes someone will give me a “K” candle (Key Lime & Neroli) as a present. If that someone wants to impress me even more, why not throw in an “S” candle as well (Sweet Pea & Jasmine)?

The Archipelago Botanicals Monogram candle series comes in 24 fragrances — a scent for every letter of the alphabet except “X” and “Z” (sorry about that Xenobia Zarhoff and Zachary Xolo). There is a problem with this monogram idea: the scent that a person finds attractive may not be the “scent” of their initials. Of course, one could simply buy a candle for its smell and ignore the monogram (though that’s hard to do because the monogram is the decorative element on the candle packaging). And speaking of the packaging: though many of the fragrances in the Monogram candle series qualify as “masculine” or “unisex,” the design of the pastel-colored candle boxes (topped with crystal knobs) seems aimed toward women.

I like the “K” candle with its vibrant lime scent (lime peel and lime juice) and sharp neroli. This is a perfect “cool” candle for warm weather — its aroma is refreshing (and unisex). The “S” candle is too feminine for my tastes — it smells of soft water lily and powdery gardenia; there is not even a hint of the honeyed richness of fragrant sweet peas. Both candle aromas are powerful and produce minimal smoke/soot.

The wicks in Archipelago candles are centered — bravo! These days, I’m refusing to buy any candle I cannot examine (cellophane-wrapped boxes? I pass!) because I’ve noticed an infuriating trend in candle production, even in high-end candle brands (including my favorite candle brand of all — Diptyque): the wicks are carelessly placed in the candles. Beware the candle with a wick that is not centered; your candle will not only have an unsightly and uneven burn, but much of its scented wax will not melt — so you are wasting money.

Archipelago’s Monogram candles are hand poured and made of soy-blend wax; they use lead-free, double-cotton wicks and come in a reusable presentation box topped with a crystal knob. The 11 oz. candles burn for approximately 60 hours and cost $25.

Archipelago Botanicals produces a wide selection of candles and bath and body products. They are available at xanadus, maxalo, scentsandsprays, wrapables, candledelirium and electricladyland.

Filed Under: home fragrance
Tagged With: archipelago botanicals, candle

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8 Comments

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  1. Anonymous says:
    5 May 2007 at 11:44 am

    Perhaps AB has figured out that a large percentage of candle sales are related to gift-giving, and the initials are a default method for prompting shoppers to choose from amongst these–and selling TWO candles at that. Gimmicks = gross receipts.

    At first glance, I thought the display looked like a keyboard. QWERTY, anyone?

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  2. Anonymous says:
    5 May 2007 at 1:11 pm

    I bet these are popular for birthdays, all sorts of “showers” (baby, wedding), etc. I guess since women buy LOTS more candles than men the packaging makes sense for a “monogram” candle. K

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  3. Anonymous says:
    5 May 2007 at 2:11 pm

    What, no Z? Does that mean I should change my last name? It's not like there aren't any interesting materials starting with z – zucchini, for example. Or zlime, zorange, zinnamon and my favorite zoakmoss 🙂

    Tell me K, what D scents do they offer?

    An off-topic question for K and R, if you happen to be seeing this: how do you feel about my beloved Tori Amos? Just curious…

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  4. Anonymous says:
    5 May 2007 at 2:13 pm

    I bet you mine will turn out to be Marine/Oceanic for M and Gardenia for G. Which pretty much the candle scents I'd never want to receive 🙂

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  5. Anonymous says:
    5 May 2007 at 2:16 pm

    Well, I was wrong about M. It turns out to be Mango & Nectarine. But G is indeed Gardenia (& Jasmine) 🙂

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  6. Anonymous says:
    5 May 2007 at 3:13 pm

    Hi Dusan…you're right, WHY not any zucchini blossom at least…or zucchini vine? “D” is Delphinium and Rose…a girly rose at that. I can't disparage or praise Tori…I don't know enough about her. My musical tastes…let's say I live in the 18th-19th centuries more than in the 21st. When it comes to divas I'll admit to adoring Nina (Simone), RIP, and Mina (Mazzini)…still going strong. K

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  7. Anonymous says:
    5 May 2007 at 3:15 pm

    No way to escape Gardenia with a “G” initial! And too bad they didn't give you Mignonette! for “M”…you would have liked that wouldn't you? K

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  8. Anonymous says:
    5 May 2007 at 3:17 pm

    PS: two of these I also liked: Eucalyptus and Sweet Basil and Yucca Blossom and Grapefruit…both good for warm weather use if you can bear to burn a candle in hot weather (I can't).

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