Mastic

What Does It Smell Like?

Mastic smells like walking through a sun-drenched Mediterranean pine forest after rain. It's resinous and woody, with a slightly bitter, piney character reminiscent of freshly crushed evergreen needles—think gin botanicals rather than sweetness. There's an almost minty freshness underlying the warmth, with a subtle woodiness that feels ancient and slightly astringent, like chewing on a piece of aromatic bark. It's dry rather than creamy, with an almost incense-like quality that lingers on the skin.

Origin & History

Mastic comes from the resin of the Pistacia lentiscus tree, which thrives on the Greek island of Chios in the Aegean Sea. The trees are tapped during late summer, yielding small, tear-shaped resin globules that are harvested and dried. This practice dates back millennia—ancient Greeks and Romans prized mastic for medicinal and culinary uses. Today, it remains a protected geographical indication product. The resin is also traditionally used in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine, chewed as a gum for oral health and flavouring applications.

In Perfumery

Perfumers employ mastic as a grounding woody-resinous accord that adds depth and character without dominating. It works brilliantly in niche fragrances seeking authenticity and complexity, functioning as a bridge between fresh top notes and heavier base materials. Its slight bitterness cuts through sweetness, whilst its dry woodiness imparts sophistication and a whisper of ancient, ritualistic warmth.

Pairs Beautifully With

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