Candle lovers it's time to get poetic about wax. Whiskey & Woof uses a proprietary coconut blend wax. Many people have asked why I don't use soy wax, so let's dive into the various waxes because without wax, you’d just be holding a flaming wick, potentially tallow (eek) sloshing around and wondering why your life smells like burnt regret.
Let’s talk about soy wax—the hipster of the wax world. You might think it’s been around forever, but nope! Soy wax only came on the scene in the '90s, so it’s basically a millennial. It’s all about that eco-friendly, plant-based lifestyle, but here’s the tea: not all soy wax is created equal. It can be tricky to source ethically—some cheaper options cut corners on sustainability. Soy wax doesn’t hold scent or color as well as other waxes. While it’s biodegradable and burns longer, your candle might end up smelling like disappointment after a few burns.
Moving on to paraffin wax. Now, before you start thinking paraffin is the villain here, let me stop you. Paraffin is like the eco-friendly upcycler of the wax world. It takes a byproduct of petroleum—something that already exists—and repurposes it into something useful. So really, paraffin is all about sustainability, giving a second life to what would otherwise be waste. It holds color and scent well and is a good container wax option, but might have a bit extra soot when burned.
The coconut and apricot waxes are all about sustainability and gives a creamy, luxurious feel to your candles. It’s like taking a beach vacation every time you light one. Eco-conscious, but without sacrificing performance—it’s the best of both worlds!
Beeswax is the OG of waxes. This one’s been around since the ancient Egyptians and found in a Chinese tomb from the Qin Dynasty dating back to 21 BC. Beeswax candles purify the air while they burn, which could be called magic. They’ve got that natural honey scent, too, so it’s like having a beehive in your living room—minus the buzzing and potential for stings. Beeswax is great for taper candles as it is hard enough to stand on its own and holds color well. Unfortunately aside from its natural scent, it holds half the scent as the aforementioned waxes, and takes up to six weeks to cure enough for you to be able to smell that scent.
Finally, let’s not forget about palm wax, the underdog. Palm wax is like the crunchy granola friend who’s super into sustainable farming. It makes these cool, crystalline patterns when it sets, so your candles look like little pieces of art. However, there’s a catch—palm wax has some controversy around deforestation. So, if you go this route, make sure it’s sustainably sourced, or you’ll end up feeling like a villain in a nature documentary.
So there you have it—paraffin, paraffin-coconut blends, soy, beeswax, and palm. Each with its own vibe, pros, and cons. Whether you’re going for eco-warrior, ancient alchemist, or just trying not to set your kitchen on fire, there’s a wax for that. Happy candle-making, and may your wicks always burn bright!
Let me know if you have any questions : coco@whiskeyandwoof.com
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