Olfactory notes: the "generalities" of perfumes
Le olfactory notes they are very important in the world of perfumery, because they represent the most effective and universal method for composing, describing and recognizing a perfume. The idea of using a scale of "notes" also in the world of perfumery is attributed to the English chemist and perfumer George William Septimus Piesse, who lived in the nineteenth century. In his most famous book, The Art of Perfumery, Piesse has theorized a system similar to that of musical notation to describe the different smells that can be perceived after spraying a perfume. This system has been revived and perfected over time and, in a simplified version, is still widely used today all over the world by perfume houses, experts and perfumery enthusiasts to adequately "tell" perfumes.
Three classes of olfactory notes = olfactory pyramid
Le olfactory notes of each perfume are divided into three classes, which together make up the so-called olfactory pyramid: top notes, heart notes e base notes. Each class is perceptible on an olfactory level in a different time frame.
Top notes
Le top notes they evaporate very quickly (usually after a few minutes) and can be perceived immediately after spraying a perfume. They are made up of particularly volatile molecules and essences, which give life to a sort of "first impression" of the fragrance. Precisely for this reason they are often emphasized on a commercial level, given that, even in perfumery, "the first impression is what counts". The top notes most common consist of citrus, green, aquatic and fresh notes.
Heart notes
Le heart notes they are decidedly more powerful than the top ones and constitute the soul and personality of a perfume, with a trail that can last even a few hours (depending on the ingredients used). Flowery and fruity notes frequently fall into this class.
Base notes
Le base notesfinally, they are by far the most long-lasting and can even be perceived one or more days after nebulization. They represent the base of the fragrance, which resists longer over time and gives volume and persistence to the perfume. The base notes more common are the more intense and masculine ones, such as woody, leathery, spicy, musky, amber, balsamic and oriental ones.
These schemes, logically, are only indicative and are not intended in any way to limit the creativity, talent and passion of master perfumers, especially in the eclectic world of niche perfumery. Are you looking for a particular fragrance, centered on some notes that you love or feel particularly yours? The staff of Ottaviano Parfums et Beauté is at your complete disposal to provide you free personalized advice via email, WhatsApp, phone and video call. Contact us now!
