Teakwood

What Does It Smell Like?

Teakwood smells like stepping into a prestigious gentleman's club or opening an antique chest in a colonial mansion. Imagine warm, honeyed wood with a subtle spice underneath—not peppery, but gently creamy with hints of leather and dry hay. There's a smoothness that feels almost velvety against your skin, neither sharp nor thick, with a whisper of sweetness reminiscent of aged timber and beeswax polish. It's comforting and deeply grounded, like holding a piece of burnished furniture.

Origin & History

Teakwood comes from the heartwood of *Tectona grandis*, native to South and Southeast Asia, particularly Myanmar, India, and Thailand. The tree's wood has been prized for centuries for shipbuilding and furniture due to its natural oils and durability. True teakwood fragrance often blends natural distillates from the wood with synthetic molecules like iso E super and various woody aldehydes. Most commercial teakwood fragrances use synthetics, as genuine wood distillation is cost-prohibitive and yields subtle scents; perfumers instead compose a woody character that captures teak's character rather than literal extraction.

In Perfumery

Teakwood anchors fragrances with sophisticated warmth. Perfumers deploy it as a base note or heart note, providing longevity and depth. It bridges fresh and warm compositions, elevating citrus or herbs with elegance, whilst complementing spices and leathers. Its versatility makes it invaluable for building timeless, masculine-leaning, or unisex scents with understated luxury.

Pairs Beautifully With

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