Good Perfumer X Nutmeg
Discover nutmeg in our 901 Eau de Parfum ! With key notes of nutmeg, almond, and patchouli. 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 and opens the transition to suave, vanilla facets. Patchouli and musk leave sensual scents on the skin.
In the beginning…
Nutmeg ( Myristica fragrans ) has a rich history dating back to ancient times. It was first discovered by the Arabs, who used it for culinary, medicinal, and cosmetic purposes. The Romans, meanwhile, adopted it as a bath perfume. Nutmeg was considered a luxury product, primarily due to its captivating aroma and stimulating properties.
During the Middle Ages, nutmeg gained popularity in Europe for its medicinal and culinary uses, as well as its fragrant qualities. It was also highly prized for making perfumes and incense. 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 source 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 the trade of this precious spice.
Today, although Indonesia remains a major producer of nutmeg, other countries such as the Grenadines, Sri Lanka, and India have also begun cultivating it.
Nutmeg cultivation requires a tropical climate and nutrient-rich soils. The nutmeg tree, which produces nutmeg, is a large evergreen tree that can grow up to 20 meters tall. It takes approximately 7 to 9 years to begin producing fruit, but can then produce for over 60 years.
Harvesting is tricky because the fruits 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?
Transforming nutmeg into a perfume ingredient is a painstaking process. After harvesting, the nuts are sun-dried for several weeks until the hard shell can be cracked to reveal the nutmeg inside. In perfumery, nutmeg essential oil is extracted by steam distillation of the crushed nuts. This oil contains a multitude of aromatic compounds, the most important of which is sabinene, which gives the oil its spicy and woody character.
Nutmeg belongs to the olfactory family of spices . It is often used as a middle note in perfumes for its distinctive scent that adds warmth and depth to the composition.
Nutmeg essential oil has a complex scent profile . It has a warm, spicy, slightly woody, and sweet aroma with a hint of bitterness. It also has subtle notes of musk and tobacco. It is a popular choice for amber, woody, and gourmand fragrances.
Due to its olfactory complexity, nutmeg blends well with many other notes. It is often combined with other spices like cinnamon, cloves, and black pepper to create a warm, spicy accord . It also blends well with woody notes like sandalwood, cedar, and vetiver. In gourmand fragrances, nutmeg can be combined with notes of vanilla, caramel, or chocolate for a sweet and enveloping effect. Finally, in amber fragrances, it is often combined with notes of resins and incense to enhance its mystical and exotic character.
Some legendary nutmeg flavors...
• Cacharel For Men - Cacharel:
Cacharel Pour Homme is an oriental fragrance for men that was launched in 1981. The perfumer behind this fragrance is Gérard Goupy. It is designed to be a distinctive and sophisticated masculine scent. The fragrance opens with top notes of bergamot, sage, and nutmeg, which blend into a heart of geranium, jasmine, and cyclamen. The base notes are cedar, sandalwood, and musk. It is a warm and spicy fragrance that is 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 notes of sandalwood. It is a rich and warming scent that is 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 fragrance.
