Woody fragrances
Written on 1 March 2024
Woody notes in perfumery occupy a special place in the list of olfactory families and are among the most sought after perfumes. Timeless, they transcend decades and seasons without losing appeal as they are appreciated by every demographic.
Often, when a customer talks about a woody perfume, they are referring to sandalwood. It is indeed one of the most used essences in this perfume family. We invite you to (re)discover it, as well as other lesser-known but equally fascinating woody essences.
Sandalwood originates from Asia, particularly from India, where it has always held a prominent place in rituals and ceremonies. It is a tree that measures about ten meters. There are many varieties, the most coveted being that of Mysore, cultivated in the state of Karnataka in southern India. Sandalwood essential oil is obtained by distillation of all parts (even the roots) of the tree, which must be at least thirty years old. Sandalwood has a warm, enveloping scent and is found as a base note on the perfumer’s organ because it is an excellent fixative.
At Galimard, we love sandalwood for its multiple facets, which allow for very different compositions: gentlemen will appreciate the elegant touch it brings to our recent “Quai des Brumes” or the masculine trail it gives to “Aventure.” Ladies will also find it sublimated by ylang-ylang and iris in “Bois de lune” warmed by vanilla in “Canaïca,” or married to tuberose for an enchanting trail in “A demi-mot.” This great classic of perfumery is a sure success, but many other woody notes also occupy a prominent place in fine perfumery.
This is the case with cedarwood, another “darling” of perfumers. There are different types of cedarwood, but mainly those from Virginia (or red cedar) and Texas are used in perfumery. Cedarwood is a majestic tree from which the essence is obtained by distillation of wood shavings and roots. Its dry and resinous scent is found in many compositions. At Galimard, our perfumer likes to give cedarwood a less common interpretation, that of freshness: for example, in “Si tu savais” for ladies or “Aigues-vives Intense” for gentlemen.
Sandalwood and cedarwood are essentials of woody perfumes, known for decades, but there are also other precious woods which, despite their high cost, have found their place on the perfumer’s organ, offering an endless source of inspiration. This is the case, among others, with the luxurious Guaiac wood.
This wood, from a small tree cultivated in South America, was prized for a long time for its hardness and resistance to water: it was used for making furniture, boat parts, and even bowling balls. In the late 19th century, the medicinal properties of guaiac resin were discovered: anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and even aphrodisiac!
It was not until the 1960s that perfumers discovered the full olfactory richness of the essence of this wood: its scent, slightly smoky, reminiscent of vetiver, suave and warm with a touch of honey, makes it the perfect ingredient for luxurious and refined creations.
At Galimard, we have dedicated an entire composition to guaiac wood in our Private Collection: in “Gaïac Précieux“, it is accompanied by sandalwood, cedarwood, vanilla, patchouli, and amber, revealing all its elegance and nobility.
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