Spicy

Red pepper smells nothing like you'd expect if you've only tasted it. Rather than burning heat, it's a warm, slightly dry spice with a fruity undertone—imagine the sharp, peppery bite of freshly cracked black pepper married with the bright, almost citric snap of paprika. There's an aromatic, almost herbaceous quality beneath; it's peppery without aggression, more like the warming tingle you feel in your chest after inhaling the aroma of a spiced curry, or crushing fresh red peppercorns between your fingers and breathing in that pungent, almost sweet vapour.

Spicy

Saffron smells like warm honey touched by smoke, with an underlying earthiness reminiscent of dried autumn leaves. Imagine the aroma of golden turmeric, but more refined and mysteriously bitter—think of expensive spice markets where threads of crimson-gold sit in wooden bowls. There's a subtle animalic quality, almost leathery, paired with a faint metallic sweetness. It's intoxicating rather than fresh, wrapping around you like cashmere warmed by sunlight.