Indole (adjective indolic) is a chemical compound synthesized but also occuring naturally in floral notes like jasmine and tuberose. which smells floral at low concentrations, fecal at high concentrations. A very common perfumery term, indoles usually impart a narcotic (strong floral), ripe or animalic character. As an aside indoles also…
Sillage is French for "wake", akin to the trail left behind by a moving boat in water, or the jet stream of a passing airplane. Applied to the context of perfumery, it refers to the range or distance from the wearer, that his or her fragrance may be detected;…
Nutmeg possesses a sweet, spicy, woody odour profile. The essential oil obtained by steam distillation of ground nutmeg is used widely in perfumery. Nutmeg, during the Middle Ages was known as a valuable commodity by Muslim sailors from the port of Basra traded and sold to the Venetians for…
Vetiver is a bunchgrass , (ie grasses that usually grow as singular plants in clumps or bunches). Vetiver is mainly cultivated for the fragrant essential oil distilled from its roots (via steam distillation). Due to its excellent fixative properties, vetiver is used widely in perfumes. The island of Réunion is…
Sacred and profane, scent of skin and skank, fragrance of royalty and rebels, the word musk derives from the Sanskrit word for testicle, muska, and there is no simple description for its odor (or odour!). Overpowering, urinous, fecal, floral, milky, leathery, earthy, sweaty, spicy, woody, and sweet are some of…
