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.

Woody

Vetiveryl acetate smells like vetiver's sophisticated cousin—earthier and smoother than raw vetiver root, with less of that dry, dusty character. Imagine the warm, slightly sweet scent of freshly turned garden soil after rain, blended with subtle hints of hay and dried grass. There's a creamy, almost buttery undertone that feels refined rather than rustic. It's grounding without being heavy, woody without the sharp resinous bite you'd get from cedarwood. Think of walking through a botanical garden at dusk.