The air in my grandfather’s workshop always smelled of sawdust and pine. Even now, decades later, I can conjure that fragrance with laser focus. It’s a smell I chase, a primal connection to a lost art. So, when it comes to capturing the essence of the forest in a jar, I approach it with a certain… reverence.

This Yankee Candle Balsam & Cedar, well, it aims squarely at that sensory sweet spot. The first impression is crucial. The initial scent throw, a critical metric for any home fragrance, is surprisingly potent. Upon cracking the lid, the sharp, clean bite of cedar is immediately apparent, like the crispness of a winter’s morning. It’s a testament to Yankee Candle’s consistent fragrance oil concentration. Then, the subtler, softer balsam weaves in – a balancing act that avoids the cloying sweetness some pine-scented products suffer. It genuinely smells like the inside of a well-loved woodworking shed, which, for me, is high praise.

The 22oz jar boasts a respectable burn time, but remember that the quality of the burn matters just as much as longevity. Uneven melting, known as tunneling, is a cardinal sin. This candle, thankfully, performs well. The key is proper wick trimming (essential before each use to about ¼ inch) and allowing the melt pool to reach the edges on the initial burn. This ensures even wax consumption – a good sign of quality wax formulation, and a factor that distinguishes them from some cheaper alternatives, such as the generic “Great Value” candles, which can sometimes tunnel worse than the Grand Canyon.

Compared to the older, rectangular-jar design, this updated version feels far more elegant, and, truth be told, a little more premium. The aesthetic is subtle, and allows the scent to take center stage. Now, the wicking on this particular jar, while generally even, can develop a slight mushrooming effect at the tip of the flame. Nothing alarming, mind you, and easily corrected with a swift snip of the wick trimmer. It’s a minor inconvenience, but par for the course with many natural wax candles, and hardly a deal-breaker.

The Yankee Candle’s biggest strength? Its consistent, balanced fragrance. This is not some artificial, chemically-laden concoction. It’s the real deal – a comforting, grounded scent. This makes it perfect for those who crave a touch of nature inside, or for those of us… chasing ghosts.

For the serious craftsperson, the avid weekend woodworker, or those simply yearning for a genuinely forest-like scent, this candle is a safe, and frankly, delightful bet. Go on, give it a try. I reckon you won’t regret it.