Patchouli is a deeply spiced, thickly herbal and immediately recognizable note - it’s “dirty hippie” reputation doesn’t do it justice. Patchouli’s scent lies somewhere between cumin’s sharp and acrid tang and nutmeg’s smooth, sweet warmth, and it can carry a fragrance or blend easily with other, spicier notes. It is ideal in heated, spicy perfumes that feature leather, smoke, resins, and lighter aromatic notes like lavender and geranium. Patchouli’s exotic strength can be an acquired taste in perfume, but it’s many moods and blends make it an endlessly fascinating note to explore in the spicy end of the scent spectrum.

Definitively spicy, saffron adds an energizing burst to both feminine and masculine fragrances. It’s an endlessly luxurious note of warm, leathery facets. Particularly evocative of smooth suede, saffron evokes an intimate feeling: soft, and yet slightly bitter. As the most expensive spice in the world, saffron is a well-known perfumery ingredient that is also called “red gold”. In ancient times, it was used as a single-ingredient fragrance reserved only for the highest members of society. Although modern perfumers are not reluctant to spotlight its earthy, hay-like, sweet aroma on its own, they are more interested in exploring its partnership with leather, spice, and amber notes. The fragrances that feature saffron are rich, opulent, and enticing, making them perfect special occasion or date night picks.

Labdanum (pron. Lab-DuH-numb) is a sticky, brown resin distilled from the rockrose plant found in the Mediterranean. It’s sweet, thick, smokiness lends a spicy backbone to Oriental style perfumes, and combines well with leather and other heavy spices. Labdanum is also one of the best “fixatives” in perfume, making other notes last longer and smell stronger in a composition. If your favorite scents are smoke, vanilla, caramel, black rubber, or peppery spice - labdanum’s unique scent will appeal to you. Labdanum scents are best for colder weather, and reveal their smoky-sweet mystery the most in evening fragrances.

Pepper’s hot, spicy attack can focus the drama in a perfume instantly. It’s dry, tangy, nose-crinkling personality sharpens other notes in a fragrance and boosts their olfactory signal. Black pepper is best with leather, suede, and tobacco. Black pepper also heightens lighter citrus notes like lemon, lime, orange, green apple, and citron. Pink pepper is best in aromatic or floral blends, where it’s warm, fruity facets can bring an airy white floral perfume into focus, or underline masculine notes such as lavender, basil, musk, etc. Pepper’s insistent heat can be worn either day or night, and it’s fruity/spicy shadow makes it ideal for any season.