Teak smells like stepping into a fine woodworking workshop—warm, dry, and subtly sweet with an almost powdery quality. Imagine freshly planed timber mingling with a hint of spice and leather. There's a gentle bitterness underneath, like dark chocolate or aged wood polish. It's neither sharp nor aggressive, but quietly noble—the olfactory equivalent of running your hand across oiled wood that's been weathered by time. Not smoky, but rich with depth.
Teak originates from the heartwood of *Tectona grandis*, native to South and Southeast Asia, particularly Indonesia and India. The timber is prized for shipbuilding and furniture for centuries. True teak absolute is rare; most "teak" in perfumery is synthetic, created through molecular reconstruction in laboratories. Perfumers formulate it by combining woody aldehydes, iso E super, and subtle animalic notes to mirror the warm, slightly leathered character of aged teak timber—a triumph of modern chemistry capturing a natural essence.
Teak is a refined base and heart note, providing woody warmth and structure without dominating. Perfumers layer it beneath florals and citruses to add sophistication and longevity. It's exceptionally versatile—equally at home in masculine compositions and modern unisex fragrances. Its quiet, understated elegance works as a stabiliser, grounding volatile top notes and anchoring the fragrance for hours.
Surprising harmonies