A classification system the perfume industry has used for years, every scent belongs to its own ‘olfactory family’ based on its most dominant characteristics. Difficult to define, it is generally accepted that there are seven distinct families - from floral to chypre to orientals we all have our favourites and, whether we know it or not, tend to fall for these same fragrances time and time again. Helping you understand the language of scent and hopefully provide a little insight on your own personal style, read below as we explore these olfactory families and the key ingredients that determine them.
Chypre
Named after the French for Cyprus- the birthplace of the Greek goddess of love, Aphrodite- Chypre fragrances are traditionally dry, warm perfumes with complex olfactory notes. Featuring elements of bergamot, oakmoss, patchouli and labdanum most of the aromatic scents of Chypre fragrances can be found growing on the island of Cyprus- hence the category’s namesake.
Pronounced ‘sheep-ra’, the category was first popularised by the perfumer François Coty in the early 20th century. Woody, mossy and intriguing, Chypre accords can be used in both masculine and feminine fragrances for a sophisticated yet enigmatic finish.
Favourite Chypres here at Acca Kappa include the warming and aromatically floral My Scent.
The MyScent Tea Eau de Parfum by Acca Kappa
Floral
One of the oldest and most popular of all fragrance families, florals can be found at the heart of almost any perfume. Themed around notes of sweet-smelling flowers, these perfumes use the scents of jasmine, peony, gardenia, lily of the valley, and perhaps most importantly, rose to construct their signature smell.
Easily recognisable, the perfumes tend to inspire thoughts of cut flower bouquets and bountiful spring blossoms and are surprisingly adaptable. Warmed with spice or sweetened with berries, just like any family there are plenty of members to the floral olfactory category- all with their own unique personalities.
Favourite florals here at Acca Kappa include sweet Calycanthus and powdery Sakura Tokyo.
Rose, a cornerstone of the floral olfactory family.
Fresh and Citrus
Bright and uplifting, fresh fragrances are characteristically identified by their sunny and airy tone. Comprised of many lighter, smaller molecules the fresh and citrus olfactory family tend to have an instant whoosh of scent, provided by zesty top notes of lemon, bergamot, orange, grapefruit and mandarin.
Cooling and clean, fresh and citrus fragrances are extremely easy to love and are perfect for breezy summer days by the sea.
Favourite fresh and citrus fragrances here at Acca Kappa include sparkling Green Mandarin, aquatic Fior d’Aqua and tangy Mandarin and Green Tea.
The Mandarin and Green Tea Eau de Parfum by Acca Kappa
Fougere
Green and leafy, the Fougere family takes its name from the French for ‘fern’ or ‘fern-like.’ Traditionally featuring notes of lavender, geranium, vetiver, bergamot, coumarin and oakmoss fougere’s tend to be simultaneously both woody and fresh.
Pronounced ‘foo-jair,’ the accord was originally created by Paul Parquet in 1882. Initially intended to be worn as a feminine fragrance, the perfume very quickly became popular with the dandies of the day and was eventually adopted by more traditionally masculine fragrances.
Whilst predominantly citrus, the Acca Kappa Mandarin and Green Tea Eau de Parfum uses classic elements such as fresh bergamot and more bitter green tea to add a fougere twist to the bright perfume.
Woody
Intensely aromatic, woody fragrances can be somewhat more earthy, resinous and even smoky at times. Concentrated around the aromatic notes of sandalwood, cedarwood as well as patchouli and vetiver, woody fragrances tend to have a much heavier, deeper scent.
Closely related to the Chypre olfactory family, many woody fragrances fall into the realm of masculine perfumery. Gently spiced, sweetened or mellowed with more herbaceous notes the family is full of sub-divisions from woody aromatic, to woody florals or even woody fresh fragrances.
Favourite woody perfumes here at Acca Kappa include sandalwood heavy Idillio, spicy Black pepper & Sandalwood and fresh cedar based Giallo Elicriso.
The Black Pepper & Sandalwood Eau de Parfum by Acca Kappa
Oriental and Amber
Warm and heavy, the oriental olfactory family relies on traditional perfume notes like amber, sandalwood, vanilla and resins.
A real contrast to the light and breezy florals or fresh citruses, Oriental fragrances tend to feel more ‘grown-up’ than other olfactory families. Usually defined by their lingering richness, oriental fragrances contain more traditional base notes meaning they can last much longer on the skin to create heavier, warmer scents ideal for sophisticated evening wear and winter go-to warmers. Our Favourite oriental fragrances here at Acca Kappa is the golden amber 1869.
The 1869 Eau de Parfum by Acca Kappa
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