Sweet notes

What Does It Smell Like?

Sweet notes smell like indulgence wrapped in warmth. Imagine biting into caramelised toffee, the butter-rich creaminess of vanilla custard, or warm honey drizzled over toast. There's a mouth-watering quality—like confectionery shops, bakeries, or the sticky sweetness clinging to your fingers after eating butterscotch. Unlike fruity sweetness, gourmand sweetness is dense and enveloping, evoking desserts and comfort foods rather than fresh produce. It's the olfactory equivalent of a warm hug from grandmother's kitchen.

Origin & History

Gourmand sweet notes are largely synthetic creations born in the 20th century, though inspired by natural ingredients like vanilla, caramel, and tonka bean. Key components include vanillin (vanilla's primary compound), maltol (which smells biscuity), and ethyl vanillin. Some naturals like Tonka bean provide richness, but modern perfumery relies on lab-created molecules for consistency and intensity. This democratisation allows mass-market fragrances to deliver dessert-like experiences that would be prohibitively expensive using only natural sources.

In Perfumery

Gourmand sweet notes are comfort agents—they wrap around other ingredients, adding softness and approachability. Perfumers layer them atop florals, fruits, or woods to create sensual, wearable fragrances. They're the hero note in fragrances designed for evening wear, femininity, and accessibility. Rather than taking centre stage, they often play supporting actor, making fragrances feel intimate and edible.

Pairs Beautifully With

Featured In 10 Fragrances