Woody

Mastic absolute smells like walking through a Mediterranean pine forest after rain—resinous and slightly bitter, with an almost medicinal quality. Imagine the sticky sap on your fingers after touching tree bark, mingled with hints of incense, dry spice, and a whisper of anise. There's a clean, slightly peppery undertone that feels both ancient and oddly modern. It's woody but not in the deep, dark way of oud; rather, it's bright, crystalline, and subtly astringent—like chewing on a piece of aromatic bark.

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.