Citrus

Orange zest is the bright, almost peppery bite you get when you peel a fresh orange—that moment when oils spray from the skin. It's sharper and more intensely aromatic than the juice itself, with a slightly bitter, resinous quality beneath the sweetness. Imagine the smell of a Seville orange peel, almost herbal, with a crisp zing that makes your nose tingle. It's citrus without the juicy softness; instead, it's energetic and slightly scratchy, like lemon peel's more sophisticated, warmly spiced cousin.

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.