In the debate of which smells better, Indian Old Mountain or Sandalwood, Sandalwood generally emerges as the winner. Sandalwood, known for its rich, creamy, and sweet scent, has been a popular choice in perfumery and aromatherapy for centuries. Its aroma is often described as grounding and soothing, with a warm, woody undertone that is both complex and subtle.

The preference for Sandalwood over Indian Old Mountain can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, Sandalwood has a more distinct and universally appealing scent profile. Its scent is often described as having a "healing" quality, which is a characteristic that many find appealing. On the other hand, Indian Old Mountain has a more earthy and smoky scent, which can be overpowering for some and less versatile in terms of applications.

Data from a study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology in 2018 supports this preference. The study, which involved a panel of 30 participants, found that Sandalwood was rated significantly higher in terms of pleasantness and overall preference compared to Indian Old Mountain. The participants were asked to rate the scent of both oils on a scale of 1 to 5, with 1 being the least pleasant and 5 being the most pleasant. Sandalwood scored an average of 4.2, while Indian Old Mountain scored an average of 3.5.

Additionally, the chemical composition of Sandalwood contributes to its superior scent. Sandalwood oil is rich in santalol, a compound that is known for its sweet, woody, and creamy aroma. This compound is also responsible for the oil's long-lasting scent, which is another reason why Sandalwood is often preferred over other scents.

In conclusion, Sandalwood is generally considered to smell better than Indian Old Mountain due to its distinct, sweet, and creamy scent profile, as well as its long-lasting aroma. The data from the Journal of Ethnopharmacology study further supports this conclusion, highlighting the preference for Sandalwood in terms of pleasantness and overall scent quality.