Tonight I about to embark on a blend I have already formulated, one of the ingredients in the blend is ambergris tincture. Now ambergris for those of you who have never heard of it, is expelled from the stomach of the sperm whale. At first it has a strong fecal smell and would not be suitable for perfumery. However after years of floating on the sea, and being exposed to the elements it begins to harden and develop an odour which is sweet and animalistic. To my nose ambergris has a haunting smell which is strangely provocative. Ambergris is highly sought after and is very expensive. Now wish me luck as I head in to my studio, my heart is pounding yet again...
First Whiff 1. Himalayan geranium: initial smell is sweet, light and floral. 2. Atlantic bourbon geranium (certified organic): initial smell is dry, floral and slightly bitter. 3, Anatolian bourbon geranium: initial smell, rounder and also dry. More floral than the Atlantic. After 2 minutes 1. Light and sweet but drying out slightly, not at all bitter. A sweet floral note. 2. Much dryer, becoming more leafy now and a green tinge coming through. 3. Also much dryer but becoming more fruity than leafy, more of a soft fruity floral. After 5 minutes 1. Is still light and now fruity floral, still more sweet than dry. 2. A distinct bitterness which is not present in the Himalayan geranium, a dry floral note. 3. No bitterness, the more fruity of the three. After 10 minutes 1. A definite citrus note coming in from nowhere, lifting this one up again, mmmmh I'm really enjoying the Himalayan geranium. 2. A softer herbal tea type note, less bitter and a little cloying compared to the Himalayan ...
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