Bergamot

What Does It Smell Like?

Bergamot smells like someone's just peeled a ripe orange in bright morning sunlight—that initial burst of citrus sweetness combined with something distinctly floral and almost tea-like. It's lighter and more delicate than lemon or grapefruit, with a subtle bittersweet edge and a powdery, slightly herbaceous undertone that lingers. Imagine Earl Grey tea without the tannins, mixed with candied orange peel and a whisper of honeyed florals. It's simultaneously fresh and warm, crisp yet creamy.

Origin & History

Bergamot comes from the bergamot orange, a small, fragrant fruit native to Calabria in southern Italy, where it still grows today. The essential oil is expressed from the fruit's rind through cold pressing—a mechanical process that captures the volatile oils in the peel. The fruit itself is too bitter to eat, existing solely for perfumery and flavouring. Italy produces approximately 80% of the world's bergamot oil, making it an irreplaceable ingredient with deep historical ties to traditional Italian fragrance-making since the 17th century.

In Perfumery

Bergamot is the quintessential top note and opening statement in countless fragrances. Its brightness cuts through heavier base notes whilst its subtle warmth prevents it from being harsh. Perfumers rely on it to establish freshness, elegance, and approachability—it's the note that makes you want to spray on a fragrance and take that first satisfying sniff.

Pairs Beautifully With

Featured In 1,758 Fragrances