Spicy

Cassia smells like cinnamon's spicier, more assertive cousin—imagine biting into a stick of cinnamon and getting an immediate jolt of warmth mixed with subtle sweetness and a faintly woody undertone. It's less refined than true cinnamon, with a sharper, almost peppery bite that catches at the back of your throat pleasantly. There's a honeyed quality lurking beneath the spice, reminiscent of warm mulled wine or Christmas biscuits fresh from the oven. Rather than delicate and sophisticated, cassia announces itself boldly and unapologetically.

Floral

Rose smells like romance bottled. Imagine walking through a garden after rain—that's the green, slightly damp quality. Then there's the sweetness: honeyed, sometimes with a whisper of spice and subtle fruit notes. Depending on the variety, you might detect hints of honey, jam, or even a peppery warmth. It's never cloying if it's genuine; there's an elegant complexity, a velvety depth that makes you want to inhale again.