Spicy

Marjoram smells like the dried herb you'd sprinkle on roasted vegetables, yet more refined. Imagine crumbling sun-warmed oregano between your fingers—that's the herbaceous warmth—but soften it with whispers of pepper, subtle sweetness, and an almost minty coolness. There's a gentle spiciness that doesn't bite; rather, it wraps around you like a kitchen filled with Mediterranean cooking. It's simultaneously earthy and slightly peppery, with a faint woody undertone that grounds everything into something comforting rather than harsh.

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.