winter fragrance notes
Written by GlenN Lauritz Andersson & Denis Vasilije, fragrance experts
It feels natural that when winter darkness and cold set in, we gravitate toward darker, spicier and richer fragrances — scents we might otherwise reserve for evening wear during the rest of the year. Perfumes whose deep character brings warmth and reassurance. Here, we take a closer look at fragrance notes that feel especially relevant this winter.
Summary
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Winter fragrances are defined by warm, deep and rich notes that create an enveloping and long-lasting scent experience.
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Spices such as Cardamom, Cinnamon and Clove, together with touches of Incense and Amber, enhance the seasonal character.
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Gourmand accords and woody base notes add warmth, depth and a comforting feeling suited to colder temperatures.
clove
Few notes evoke winter and the festive season like clove — often associated with mulled wine — working beautifully alongside cardamom, cinnamon and vanilla. The darker, drier facets are further intensified with accents of pink pepper and ginger.
cardamom
Cardamom is one of those exotic spices that feels naturally warming during the dark Nordic winter months. Its dry, peppery character is often linked to festive baking, frequently paired with saffron and cinnamon. Cardamom can also add extra “spice” to a fresh citrus-based fragrance intended for late summer or autumn evenings.
Penhaligon's Blazing Mister Sam from the Portrait Collection blends exoticism with winter-inspired warmth, where juniper meets cumin and black pepper in a masculine, warming composition. The most distinct winter cardamom presence, however, can be found in Demi Rawlins’ sophisticated Minuit et Demi and the festive, softly smooth Starlight from Xerjoff — arguably one of perfumery’s finest tributes to cardamom, cinnamon and almond.
cinnamon
Cinnamon is a sweeter, warmer spice that pairs naturally with gourmand accords as well as darker notes such as cardamom, leather, oud and nutmeg. On its own it can easily dominate, but when balanced, it adds a rounded, spicy sweetness that feels both luxurious and powerful.
gourmand: rum & chocolate
Sweet gourmand notes such as rum and chocolate become increasingly appealing as the season grows darker. Together — or separately — they have the ability to collaborate with deeper notes like oud, woods or musk to create a cosy, comforting sensation we often crave in winter. Much like indulging in a rich dessert — hence the term “gourmand.”
A powerful tone of dark Belgian chocolate appears in the opulent Symphonium from Xerjoff, here paired with orange. Chocolate is also found in the indulgent Sorriso from Profumum Roma, a true tiramisu-in-a-bottle experience. Rum also plays a key role in more “boozy” gourmand fragrances such as Plume Impression Royal Bourbon and Xerjoff’s sTommi Iommi Monkey Special, where it adds a sense of luxury and festive decadence. Both rum and chocolate can also be found in An Affair from QOT.
gourmand: fruity berries
Berries and fruits are often associated with summer, yet many fruity fragrances possess a darker, deeper and almost creamy tone that brings warmth during winter nights. Voyage A Paris from Fragrance du Bois opens with rich orange blossom blended with creamy rum, while a subtle base of spicy oud lingers underneath.
Even fruitier and warmer is the berry-driven Pas Ce Soir Extrait from BDK, where quince chutney creates a syrupy, jam-like depth with a slightly boozy nuance — an intensely rich fragrance that feels like pure comfort in front of the fireplace.
