Citrus

Lemon is the zesty, almost sharp brightness you experience when you peel a fresh lemon in morning sunlight. Imagine that precise moment when oils burst from the skin—intensely citrusy yet slightly bitter, with an underlying sweetness that catches you off-guard. It's clean and piercing, like biting into the fruit itself, with a crisp acidity that makes your mouth anticipate tartness. There's a subtle green, almost herbal undertone beneath the fruity top note, reminiscent of the plant's leaves and stems.

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.