Star Anise ~ Illicium verum The scent of star anise is often described as similar to that of aniseed*, licorice and fennel. All of these ingredients have a high percentage of anethole present in their essential oil, which is responsible for its distinctly ‘anisic’ fragrance. Anethole is such a specific note that most struggle to define it …
Bourbon Vetiver
Bourbon vetiver What a surprise it was smelling real vetiver for the first time. From my experience of synthetic perfumes I had a (mis)formed notion of what this ingredient would smell like. I had imagined a green scent with dry and bitter nuances. I was not prepared for the earthy depths that met my nose. Vetiveria zizanoides is a …