Blackcurrant absolute, also referred to as bourgeons de cassis by perfumers, is the essence of the blackcurrant fragrance we know and love. This rich, concentrated oil with a mysteriously dark green hue is the pure distilled absolute of blackcurrant buds obtained from the blackcurrant tree, a tall plant that can grow up to two meters in height. But what does blackcurrant absolute actually smell like?
For starters, its fragrance goes beyond just ‘fruity’. Because while the blackcurrant perfume note does have the expected fruity characteristics, it also has a fresh, sweet, woody, and animalic edge. It imparts a tart greenness to scents and, when combined with other notes, adds a bitter note to balance their sweetness. Blackcurrant is typically the top note in most scents – not only does it elevate your typical white floral and citrus fruit blends, but it can also evoke a far more sensual, indulgent mood when combined with blends containing woods or amber.