Cloves

Cloves are the dried flower buds of Syzygium aromaticum, an evergreen tree, and the oil is distilled from the buds. The smell is hot, sweet and spicy, with a dry woody bite and a faint smoky warmth. It is concentrated, so perfumers use it with care. A trace adds a glowing, spicy heart to florals such as rose and carnation, and a larger amount gives tobacco, leather and amber a deep, festive warmth. Cloves also bring contrast to fresh and citrus compositions, where a small touch of spice gives them shape.

Cloves sit mostly in the top and heart in this range, adding a warm, sweet bite of spice that deepens florals, tobacco and woods.