Spicy

Fenugreek smells like warm maple syrup mixed with fresh hay and a whisper of burnt sugar—imagine walking past a bakery on a cool morning where someone's just caramelised something sweet. There's an earthy, almost celery-like greenness underneath, but it's wrapped in spicy warmth that feels slightly gourmand and comforting. It's less aggressive than other spices; instead, it's honeyed and slightly nutty, like toasted cumin has been mellowed with cream. If nutmeg had a softer cousin, fenugreek would be it.

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.