Bon Parfumeur X Nutmeg
Discover nutmeg in our eau de parfum 901! With nutmeg, almond and patchouli as the main notes. A shot of energy and spice! Ginger awakens the first fresh notes of grapefruit. Nutmeg and black pepper add spice, while almond reveals its sweetness, opening the transition to smooth vanilla facets. Patchouli and musk leave a sensual scent on the skin.
In the beginning…
Nutmeg (myristica fragrans) has a rich history dating back to antiquity. It was first discovered by the Arabs, who used it for culinary, medicinal and cosmetic purposes. The Romans, meanwhile, adopted it as a perfume for baths. Nutmeg was considered a luxury product, mainly because of its bewitching aroma and stimulating properties.
In the Middle Ages, nutmeg gained popularity in Europe for its medicinal, culinary and fragrant uses. It was also highly prized for making perfumes and incense. The trade in this precious spice was controlled by Arab and Venetian merchants, who kept its origins secret to preserve their monopoly.
Nutmeg cultivation
Nutmeg originates from the Banda Islands in Indonesia, also known as the Spice Islands. These islands were the only sources of nutmeg until the 19th century. The nutmeg trade led to a series of colonial conflicts between European powers, with the Netherlands eventually gaining a monopoly on trade in this precious spice.
Today, although Indonesia remains a major producer of nutmeg, other countries such as the Grenadine Islands, Sri Lanka and India have also begun to cultivate it.Growing nutmeg requires a tropical climate and nutrient-rich soils. The nutmeg tree is a large evergreen that can grow up to 20 meters tall. It takes around 7-9 years to start producing fruit, but can then produce for over 60 years.
Harvesting is delicate, as the fruit must be picked by hand when ripe. Each nutmeg fruit contains a single nutmeg, wrapped in a layer of mace, a related spice also used in perfumery.
What do you know about nutmeg in perfumery?
The transformation of nutmeg into a perfumery ingredient is a painstaking process. After harvesting, the nuts are sun-dried for several weeks until the hard shell can be broken to reveal the nutmeg inside. In perfumery, nutmeg essential oil is extracted by steam distillation from crushed nuts. This oil contains a multitude of aromatic compounds, the most important of which is sabinene, which gives the oil its spicy, woody smell.
Nutmeg belongs to the spice olfactory family. It is often used as a middle note in perfumes for its distinctive scent, which adds warmth and depth to the composition.
Nutmeg essential oil has a complex olfactory profile. Its scent is warm, spicy, slightly woody and sweet, with a hint of bitterness. Subtle notes of musk and tobacco can also be detected. It's a popular choice for amber, woody and gourmand fragrances.
Because of its olfactory complexity, nutmeg blends well with many other notes. It is often combined with other spices such as cinnamon, clove and black pepper to create a warm spicy accord. It also blends well with woody notes such as sandalwood, cedar and vetiver. In gourmand fragrances, nutmeg can be combined with notes of vanilla, caramel or chocolate for a sweet, enveloping effect. Finally, in amber fragrances, it is often combined with resin and incense notes to reinforce its mystical, exotic character.
Some popular nutmeg perfumes…
• Cacharel Pour Homme - Cacharel:
Cacharel Pour Homme is an oriental fragrance for men launched in 1981. The perfumer behind this fragrance is Gérard Goupy. It is designed to be a distinctive and sophisticated masculine fragrance. The fragrance opens with top notes of bergamot, sage and nutmeg, which melt into a heart of geranium, jasmine and cyclamen. Base notes are cedar, sandalwood and musk. It's a warm, spicy fragrance that's perfect for formal occasions or winter evenings.
• Nutmeg & Ginger - Jo Malone:
Nutmeg & Ginger is one of the first fragrances launched by Jo Malone in 1990. This spicy fragrance is designed to be unisex. It opens with spicy notes of nutmeg and ginger, supported by hints of sandalwood. It's a rich, warming fragrance that's perfect for the cooler months. Like all Jo Malone fragrances, it is designed to be worn alone or layered with other fragrances from the brand to create a unique scent.
