Iris, Absolute 75% (in organic alcohol)

Orris is often assumed to be a flower extract. It comes from the rhizome. The violet-like scent is barely present in the fresh root. It forms slowly as the rhizomes are dried and stored for several years, when the irones develop.

01 · Origin

Iris germanica, the bearded iris, is a perennial of the Iridaceae grown for centuries for its rhizome. This absolute is produced in Morocco from conventionally grown plants.

02 · Process

The aged, powdered rhizomes are extracted to give a waxy material dominated by myristic acid, with ethyl palmitate and ethyl linolenate. The irones are present in small proportion and carry the character of the material. This product is the absolute diluted in organic alcohol, which makes it fluid and easier to weigh and blend. The ethanol evaporates on the strip and leaves the iris note behind.

03 · In Practice

Powdery, woody and soft, with a cool violet and faintly earthy tone. A base note and a long-recognised perfume fixative. Natural perfumery, solid perfumes and olfactory study. Small additions round and extend a floral accord. Blends with rose, violet leaf, sandalwood, vetiver, mimosa, bergamot and labdanum.

General information: For external use only. Dilute before applying to skin. Keep away from heat and sunlight. Keep out of reach of children. Avoid contact with eyes and mucous membranes.