Raw Materials - Civet · Brotherhood Of Scent

Aug '24 (edited) • New Releases & Reviews 📝

Raw Materials - Civet

Civet is an aromatic substance used in perfumery, known for its musky and animalic scent. Originally, it was derived from the glands of the civet cat, a small mammal found in Africa and Asia. The natural form of civet has a potent, almost pungent odor that can be off-putting on its own but transforms into something rich and masculine when diluted and blended with other notes.

In men's fragrances, civet is typically used as a base note, where it adds depth, warmth, and a touch of animalistic intensity. It can enhance the richness of a scent, making it more complex and alluring. Civet's musky character often contributes to the sensuality of a fragrance, giving it a distinctive, bold edge that’s particularly favored in oriental and chypre compositions. Today, due to ethical concerns, natural civet is rarely used, and most civet notes in modern perfumery are created synthetically. These synthetic versions aim to capture the essence of civet's musky, slightly sweet, and warm aroma while avoiding the ethical issues associated with animal-derived ingredients.

When I smell Civet: Oh dear lord why??? Concentrated civet smells like…...like sweaty balls!! For those that cannot imagine that, think of water soaked used dirty tennis balls that have been stored in an old high school gym locker for years…that’s about as close as I can think of it! Oh god, this is potent and I need to air out the room!! ....Civet hits me like a deep, primal force—raw and unmistakably bold. It has an animalistic musk that’s both powerful and complex. Untamed masculinity, primal, guttural, a wildness that commands attention and lingers on, it’s a scent that’s intense and unapologetic! Comparisons can be made to castoreum, too much or too long of exposure can give instant headaches!!

https://www.fragrantica.com/perfume/Yves-Saint-Laurent/Kouros-735.html

https://www.fragrantica.com/perfume/Givenchy/Gentleman-1974-2965.html

What say you Gents? Any experience with Civet forward fragrances? What ones do you like or dislike? What ones out there would you like to try? And for you seasoned fragheads, what fragrances would you recommend to beginners? Love to hear from 'ya!

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