Cypriol Oil or Nagarmotha

Cypriol oil, known in India as nagarmotha, is distilled from the roots of Cyperus scariosus, a grass-like sedge. The smell is deep, earthy and smoky, with a woody dryness, a hint of leather and a faint spiciness that recalls incense. It is dark but not sweet. Perfumers use it as a base material, where it gives woods, resins and oud a rugged, natural depth. A little brings a dry, mossy richness. More makes a fragrance feel smouldering, like a cool forest floor after rain.

This note sits in the base for nearly every fragrance here, adding a dark, earthy smokiness that gives woods and leather their depth.