Spicy

Chili in fragrance is that sharp, almost stinging sensation you experience biting into a fresh red chilli pepper—but experienced through scent rather than taste. It's peppery and slightly smoky, with an underlying warmth that feels almost prickling on your nose. There's a subtle fruitiness beneath the heat, reminiscent of red bell peppers, combined with a dry, slightly woody undertone. Unlike culinary chilli's immediate burn, fragrant chilli is more refined: spicy without aggression, creating a tingling sensation that's intriguing rather than uncomfortable.

Woody

Imagine walking through damp earth after rain, then crushing dried autumn leaves in your hands. That's patchouli's essence: earthy, almost animalic, with a subtle sweetness lurking underneath. It smells vaguely like rich soil mixed with dried tobacco and a whisper of chocolate. There's a dark, slightly musty quality—think opening an antique wooden chest. It's grounding and intensely aromatic, never delicate. Fresh patchouli has peppery brightness; aged patchouli becomes deeper, warmer, almost leather-like.