Woody

Boxwood smells like freshly sharpened pencils mixed with crisp green leaves and a whisper of herbaceous bitterness. Imagine walking through a manicured garden after rain, where clipped hedges release that sharp, slightly astringent vegetal character—a bit peppery, intensely green, with an almost minty coolness. It's dry rather than lush, with an underlying woodiness that's more structural than warm. There's a faint pencil-shaving quality that comes from its woody, slightly resinous nature.

Woody

Imagine walking through damp earth after rain, then crushing dried autumn leaves in your hands. That's patchouli's essence: earthy, almost animalic, with a subtle sweetness lurking underneath. It smells vaguely like rich soil mixed with dried tobacco and a whisper of chocolate. There's a dark, slightly musty quality—think opening an antique wooden chest. It's grounding and intensely aromatic, never delicate. Fresh patchouli has peppery brightness; aged patchouli becomes deeper, warmer, almost leather-like.