Fruity

Black Elder

Note Profile

Natural 6 perfumes

About

Black Elder in perfumery typically refers to the scent of elderberries, which have a rich, dark, and tart fruity aroma with subtle earthy undertones. It evokes a sense of wild berries, slightly jammy and wine-like, with a hint of musky depth. This note can add a mysterious, juicy fruitiness to compositions.

Scent Profile

Black Elder presents a deep, tart fruity aroma reminiscent of ripe elderberries, with nuances of dark forest fruits, subtle earthiness, and a faint musky undertone. The scent can evoke impressions of wild berry preserves and has a wine-like, slightly fermented quality. As it evolves, it maintains its juicy richness while revealing a gentle, shadowy depth.

ScentWheel

Breadthfocused

EnvelopeHeart · ~4h lasting

Origin

The note is derived from the berries of the Sambucus nigra shrub, native to Europe and parts of North America. In perfumery, the scent is typically recreated using natural isolates and synthetic molecules, as direct extraction from the berries yields little usable aromatic material. Some compositions may also reference the elderflower, but 'Black Elder' usually denotes the berry's profile.

Usage in Perfumery

Perfumers employ Black Elder primarily as a heart or accent note to introduce a sophisticated, dark fruitiness and a touch of intrigue. It blends well with other berry notes, woods, musks, and spicy accords, and can enrich both gourmand and chypre compositions. Its unique character is used to add depth and complexity to fruity or wine-inspired fragrances.

A variety of