Floral

Imagine walking through an English cottage garden on a dewy morning in late spring—that's May rose absolute. It smells intensely floral, almost intoxicating, with a deep, honeyed richness far more complex than a fresh-cut rose. There's a subtle fruitiness underneath (like dried apricots), a whisper of spice, and an almost creamy, indolic warmth that feels slightly green and slightly animalic. It's opulent and slightly heady—the smell of petals that have been slowly warming in the sun.

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.