Fragrance Note Glossary
Deepen your understanding of scent with our fragrance note glossary. Discover the origins, nuances, and profiles of the notes that describe fragrances. Get ready to elevate your candle scent game and impress your friends (maybe?) with your newfound knowledge!
A B C D E F G H I J K L M
N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
G
galbanum
Description:
green, bitter, woody, balsamic
Olfactive Profile:
Galbanum is a gum resin that has an intensely green aroma and bitter, woody, balsamic undertones.
Facts:
Galbanum is derived from the Ferula galbaniflua plant, which is a member of the Apiaceae family alongside carrots, celery, and parsley.
gardenia
Description:
floral, white flower, fruity, green, animalic, spicy
Olfactive Profile:
An opulent and creamy white floral signature with a fruity green character and sensual woody undertones.
Facts:
The common name Cape jasmine comes from the mistaken idea that the Cape of Good Hope in South Africa was the gardenia's homeland. Along with the magnolia, gardenia is a traditional symbol of the American Deep South.
geranium
Description:
floral, sweet, citrus, fruity, rose, lemon, herbaceous, warm, green
Olfactive Profile:
Floral, fresh, sweet, with a characteristic fruity and rose note.
Facts:
Geranium is a native of South Africa, where more than 250 wild species of the plant still grow. The first geraniums did not come to Europe until the 17th century.
gin
Description:
liquor, gin, juniper, citrus
Olfactive Profile:
Intensely fresh and aromatic, Gin offers a very rich profile with many citrus (lemon, mandarin) and aromatic (pine, angelica, coriander) facets.
Facts:
Gin is one of the broadest categories of spirits, all of various origins, styles, and flavour profiles that revolve around juniper as a common ingredient. From its earliest origins in the Middle Ages, the drink has evolved from a herbal medicine to an object of commerce in the spirits industry.
ginger
Description:
spicy, peppery, sharp, pungent, aromatic, warm
Olfactive Profile:
Spicy, citrus, earthy and woody. Herbaceous, zesty citrus and fruity notes can be found in ginger.
Facts:
Ginger thrives in the tropics and is grown in India, China, West Africa
graham cracker
Description:
gourmand, sweet, cinnamon, brown sugar, warm
Olfactive Profile:
The classic childhood sweet, baked with brown sugar and a touch of honeyed spice.
Facts:
Graham flour is a coarse-ground whole wheat flour that's commonly used to make graham crackers as well as some breads and cereals. It is named after Sylvester Graham, a forerunner of the American health food movement.
grape
Description:
sweet, fruity, berry, juicy
Olfactive Profile:
Grapes have a sweet and fruity aroma with a juicy quality similar to berries.
Facts:
Grapes have been enjoyed and cultivated by humans for thousands of years, making them one of the oldest fruits to have been grown. Grape cultivation can be traced back to ancient civilizations such as the Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans.
grapefruit
Description:
citrus, fresh, juicy, bitter
Olfactive Profile:
A fresh pink grapefruit note sparked with zesty and juicy tones. Grapefruit surprises by its dual character: both sweet and acidulous with a bitter green effect.
Facts:
Grapefruit is a hybrid native to Jamaica and Pacific Isles and is an accidental cross between two introduced species, sweet orange and pomelo or shaddock, both of which were introduced from Asia in the 17th century.
grass
Description:
green, fresh, fruity
Olfactive Profile:
Grass reveals a refreshing green scent punctuated by sappy and fruity undertones.
Facts:
The Poaceae family, with approximately 10,000 species and 660 genus, is the most ecologically and economically important of all plant families, including lawn and forage grasses. It is estimated that grasslands comprise 20% of Earth's vegetation. In modern residential areas, a well-maintained grassy lawn is a sign of responsibility in the overall appearance of the neighborhood.
green floral
Description:
green, floral, grass, fresh, tart
Olfactive Profile:
Green notes of grass and leaves introduce freshness and tartness in a floral composition, and leave an impression of freshly picked flowers.
Facts:
Chanel N°19 is one of the most well-known green floral perfumes. The powdery, bright, green floral perfume, created by Henri Robert, commemorates Coco Chanel’s birthday, August 19.
green leaves
Description:
green, fresh, aromatic, crisp, sharp
Olfactive Profile:
Fresh lively and crisp notes that evoke snapped leaves, foliage and green vegetal scents.
Facts:
The minty, oily or sharp smells produced when you crush a leaf or stem also play a defensive role against some predators. The strong bitter scent works to deter pests like aphids, slugs or even bigger animals.
green tea
Description:
aromatic, green, spicy, smoky
Olfactive Profile:
Green Tea offers a wrapping and invigorating aromatic breath with some smoky undertones.
Facts:
Tea first reached Europe in the 16th century, when green tea was brought from Japan to the Netherlands. Green tea is a "true" tea that has undergone minimal oxidation during processing. Sencha ("roasted tea") is the most common type of green tea in Japan.
guava
Description:
fruity, sweet, tropical, ripe, juicy
Olfactive Profile:
A sweet juicy tropical fruit with citrus and grapefruit facets
Facts:
The guava fruit likely originates from Central and South America. While humans have played a large role in its travels, birds and animals have also carried guava seeds. Today, guavas are grown in Florida, Hawaii, and southern California.