Note Profile
Bourbon Vanilla Absolute, Vanilla Surabsolute
Vanilla absolute is the dark extract of cured vanilla pods: a rich, dense, sweet vanilla with a deep balsamic body. It is less linear than the pure molecule, with dry woody, faintly leathery and phenolic undertones.
Vanilla absolute is a rich, dense, sweet vanilla, darker and less sugary-simple than the pure molecule. A deep balsamic, amber-like warmth carries it, with dry woody pod notes behind. A faint phenolic, leathery edge gives it depth, and traces of animal warmth, tobacco, soft spice and smoke can show through. A touch of cream and a faint chocolate-like bitterness round it off.
Read off the wheel, not a label applied to the note.
CAS 8024-06-4
Vanilla absolute, CAS 8024-06-4 (IFRA NCS G2.1), is the material this note names. The CO2 extract and the oleoresin carry the same CAS number. The note covers Madagascar and Bourbon Vanilla planifolia. Tahitian vanilla (V. tahitensis) has its own CAS number and is not covered.
Vanilla absolute comes from the cured pods of Vanilla planifolia, grown mainly in Madagascar and the other Bourbon islands. Green pods are cured by sweating and slow drying, which builds the aroma. The pods are then extracted with volatile solvents and the extract is purified in alcohol to give the absolute. The same pods also give a CO2 extract and an oleoresin made by alcohol extraction. The absolute is a dark brown, clear, viscous liquid.
Perfumers use vanilla absolute as a rich natural vanilla in the base of gourmand, oriental and amber accords. It gives a depth and complexity that vanillin and ethyl vanillin alone do not. Perfumers use its phenolic, leathery and animal warmth for a sensual effect next to the sweetness. The CO2 extract and the oleoresin serve the same role when a different texture or a cleaner pod note is wanted.
A selection of reviewed perfumes where Vanilla Absolute appears prominently.
New finds, honest verdicts, and price drops.
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. See our privacy policy.
