Absolute 4  Cypress -- Galbanum

Cypress Absolute is extracted from the leaves and twigs of the evergreen tree Cupressus sempervirons which grows the Mediterranean and Balkan countries.

The absolute is a dark green very viscous liquid with a rich , sweet, fresh-balsamic, green-resinous, coniferous odor. In perfumery, it is valued for its contributions to ambre perfumes,  chypres, colognes, and all forest fragrances giving them a deep rich sweet green coniferous base. Cypress Absolute could form an important part of a sacred perfume as well, as it has a rich religious symbolism in Western literature. More... 

During the past few months the idea has been germinating in my mind for presenting a simple formula for creating a classic perfume which may prove useful to those of you who receive the newsletter. 

Each family of perfumes (oriental, chypre, fougere, etc) has its own unique core aromatic characteristics which help set it apart from others. Within that central theme there is ample room for creative work.On the tree of the Chypre family one finds a number of main branches, for instance  Chypre-Floral,  Chypre-Fresh, Chypre-Leather etc.  More...

March Update

As we each continue our aromatic explorations in diverse creative arenas one becomes increasingly aware of how dependent we are on the many sublime interactions that take place to bring into being the lovely essential oils, attars, co2 extracts and absolutes that form the botanical palette for the work one is engaged in.

Sudden changes in climatic conditions, cost of growing and harvesting crops, political instability, cost of fuel for running distilling and extracting equipment and for transportation to buyers around the world, all play their part in the world of natural aromatics. Yet with all these obstacles to overcome, the flow of beautiful essences from around the world continues. More...