Floral

Orange blossom absolute smells like the heady, almost intoxicating perfume of fresh white flowers on a Seville orange tree—indolic and creamy rather than citrusy. Imagine walking through a Mediterranean orchard at dusk; the sweetness is honeyed and slightly powdery, with an animalic undertone that feels almost sensual. There's a delicate soap-like cleanliness mixed with an almost jasmine-like richness. It's simultaneously ethereal and earthy, with a whisper of bitter almond and white musk underneath.

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.