clove

Spicy Family

General Note

Clove is a warm, spicy note with a sweet, slightly bitter aroma that adds depth and intensity to fragrances.

Intensity

strong

Longevity

moderate

Popularity

7 fragrances

Family

Spicy

About clove

Clove, known for its warm and spicy scent profile, is a distinctive fragrance note derived from the dried flower buds of the clove tree, Syzygium aromaticum. Its aroma is rich and complex, characterized by sweet, spicy, and slightly bitter undertones with a hint of warmth that can evoke a sense of comfort and nostalgia. In perfumery, clove is often used to impart depth and warmth to compositions, making it a popular choice for oriental and spicy fragrances. Its potent and penetrating quality can add a significant impact even in small quantities, offering a unique blend of sweetness and spice that enhances the overall olfactory experience. Clove's versatility allows it to play various roles in perfumes, from acting as a dominant note in a spicy bouquet to serving as a subtle accent in floral or woody compositions.

Natural Sources

•Steam distillation of dried flower buds
•CO2 extraction, offering a more nuanced and complex aroma profile

Synthetic Alternatives

Eugenol, Eugenyl acetate, Caryophyllene

Perfumer's Tips

Due to its potent nature, clove should be used sparingly in fragrance compositions to avoid overwhelming other notes. It works exceptionally well as a middle note, providing warmth and spice that can bridge lighter top notes with deeper base notes. Adjusting the concentration can vary the impact from subtly spicy to boldly aromatic.