Blackcurrant bud in perfumery

Blackcurrant bud in perfumery

In This Article


Blackcurrant Bud Cultivation and its Impact on Perfumery

Historically, blackcurrant was valued more for its taste qualities than its olfactory potential in perfumery. Although blackcurrant bud cultivation has existed in Burgundy for over a century, perfumers only recognized its exceptional olfactory virtues relatively recently. Grasse perfumers were the first to encourage producers to harvest blackcurrant buds on a large scale for use in fragrances.

Today, blackcurrant buds are primarily cultivated and harvested in Burgundy, making it a regional specialty. Around 85% of the annual blackcurrant bud production is dedicated to perfumers, who utilize the buds to create remarkable absolutes in contemporary gourmet and floral fragrances.

Floral and Fruity Scents Embrace Green Notes

The 1990s saw the emergence of new feminine fragrances crafted from natural raw materials, or natural olfactory notes, as certain fruits were too precious to be used directly in perfumery. Blackcurrant bud is one of the few fruity substances that allows perfumers to avoid synthetic molecules while retaining a uniquely French specialty.

With its tangy, green, and fruity character, blackcurrant bud pairs wonderfully with floral and gourmand scents. Its green facet enhances floral and aldehyde notes, creating captivating, refreshing fragrances. Guerlain's Chamade, introduced in 1969, was among the first floral scents to feature blackcurrant buds as top notes alongside floral and warm elements. In 1976, Van Cleef & Arpels' First incorporated blackcurrant bud as a heart note to accentuate its green, invigorating sweetness.

The 1990s brought forth iconic floral fruity scents, such as Dune by Christian Dior, Féérie by Van Cleef & Arpels, and a reinterpretation of Lancôme's classic Trésor as Trésor Edt Inédite.

While the green facet offered by blackcurrant bud is predominantly associated with feminine fragrances, this may be surprising given the current trend of green scents in men's perfumery. Contrary to expectations, Cerruti utilized blackcurrant bud in one of their most popular scents in 1990, Cerruti 1881, proving the versatility and appeal of this unique ingredient across various fragrance categories.

Back to blog
Leave a comment

Please note, comments need to be approved before they are published.

MFK Baccarat Rouge 540 dupe
Caramelle Rosse

If you're searching for a Baccarat Rouge 540 dupe, you've likely come across Caramelle Rosse as a popular alternative. Although the bottle's design and aesthetic differ significantly, the similarity between the two fragrances' floral and woodsy scent profiles is remarkable. Caramelle Rosse has become a widely discussed option among those seeking a more affordable alternative to the renowned Baccarat Rouge 540 without compromising the unique aroma.