Sweet and comforting, reminiscent of baked cookies, Vanilla is one of the first fragrance notes which we all fall in love with. Known to be present in even breast milk, is there any doubt of its universal appeal. Naturally derived from the seed pod of the vanilla orchid, a flowering vine which is native to Mexico, most natural vanilla available today comes from Madagascar, although in truth due to its cost, it is more common to encounter synthesised vanilla in the form of ‘vanillin’.

Vanilla is also well known as an aphrodisiac which furthers its appeal. Together with amber, vanilla is a core note found in Oriental perfumes.

The Gourmand note has grown out of our love for Vanilla, paving the way for more extreme doses of sugary goodness, often in the form of fantasy desserts.