Raw Materials - Neroli · Brotherhood Of Scent

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

Raw Materials - Neroli

The bitter orange tree (Citrus aurantium var. amara) is a true gem in the world of fragrance. From its leaves and twigs, we get petitgrain, and the cold-pressed peel offers bigarade, but it's the delicate white blossoms that really captivate perfumers. Neroli, extracted from these blossoms, exudes an airy, citrusy freshness with green undertones, subtly laced with hints of honey and orange. Hand-picked at the peak of their fragrance in spring, the flowers undergo steam distillation to capture their essence. Given the large quantity of blossoms needed to produce even a small amount of oil, Neroli is a prized ingredient in luxury perfumes, cosmetics, and aromatherapy.

Neroli is a popular ingredient in men’s fragrances, offering a bright, fresh, and slightly sweet citrus note that adds elegance and refinement to compositions. Its light floral aroma balances well with more robust, masculine notes like woods, spices, and leather, creating a sophisticated contrast. Often used in colognes and lighter, summery scents, Neroli brings a refreshing, clean character that evokes a sense of Mediterranean breeziness and understated luxury. In men's fragrances, it can soften heavier accords while maintaining an invigorating freshness, making it a versatile and timeless choice of fragrance raw materials.

When I smell Neroli: Ah, I love Neroli, one of my favorite notes; it’s like this clean, crisp citrus at first, almost like freshly peeled oranges but with a softness that’s floral, not sharp. It reminds me of how the air smells in January near here as the orange plants start processing oranges by the tons. There's something calming about it, almost as if you're standing in a grove of orange trees in the early morning, right after a light rain. The scent feels fresh and light, but not overpowering—it’s refined, with a subtle sweetness that never crosses into being too flowery.

https://www.fragrantica.com/perfume/Creed/Neroli-Sauvage-475.html

https://www.fragrantica.com/perfume/Tom-Ford/Neroli-Portofino-12192.html

https://www.fragrantica.com/perfume/Guerlain/Nerolia-Vetiver-71757.html

What say you Gents? Any experience with Neroli 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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