Spicy

Madagascar pepper smells like biting into a fresh peppercorn—sharp and prickling, with an almost electric tingle on the back of your nose. But it's warmer and fruitier than black pepper, with subtle floral honeyed notes underneath. Imagine cracked black pepper mixed with subtle citrus zest and a whisper of cinnamon warmth. It's peppery without being aggressive, carrying an almost fruity sweetness that makes it feel less harsh and more inviting than standard pepper.

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.