Liquorice root smells like sweet anise meets dark chocolate with a whisper of tobacco smoke. Imagine biting into a piece of black liquorice candy—that's the immediate sweetness, almost syrupy—but deeper underneath lies an earthy, slightly bitter undertone reminiscent of tree bark or aged leather. It's warm and enveloping, with a subtle peppery spice that tingles on the back of your nose. There's also something faintly medicinal, like herbal throat lozenges your grandmother might have offered you.
Liquorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra) grows throughout the Mediterranean, Middle East, and Central Asia, thriving in arid climates. The root has been harvested for millennia—ancient Egyptians valued it medicinally. Perfumers primarily use liquorice absolute, a dark, viscous extract created by soaking dried root in alcohol, then concentrating it through evaporation. The result is an intensely aromatic, sticky substance. Synthetic anethole compounds are also used to mimic its anise-like character, offering perfumers more control and consistency.
Liquorice root acts as a gourmand anchor, adding sweetness and depth without cloying. It bridges aromatic and amber families, grounding compositions with earthy warmth. Often used in small doses as a supporting player, it adds complexity and a slightly spiced sweetness that prevents fragrances from feeling too sugary or one-dimensional.
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