Bitter Orange

Bitter orange is the sour, thick-skinned orange of Citrus aurantium, and its pressed peel gives a zesty, tart oil that is drier and more bitter than sweet orange. It smells sharp and juicy, with a green, slightly floral edge and a clean marmalade bitterness. The same tree gives neroli from its blossoms and petitgrain from its leaves, so bitter orange is the peel in a three-part family. Perfumers use it to give a fragrance a bright, grown-up start that cuts through sweetness.

In this range it sits mostly in the top, a tart, zesty opening that sharpens woods, amber and florals.