Woody

Cedar smells like walking into a freshly opened wooden chest or a pencil sharpener's distinctive aroma—dry, slightly spicy, faintly sweet. Imagine the interior of a cedar wardrobe, that clean, almost resinous scent that repels moths. There's a subtle bitterness too, like the bark of the tree itself, combined with a warm, almost smoky undertone. It's earthy without being dirty, woody without smelling like fresh sawdust. The experience is grounding and slightly nostalgic—many recall childhood pencils and hope chests.

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.