Mate (Absolute, Redistilled)

Mate is a holly, not a tea. Ilex paraguariensis belongs to the holly family, Aquifoliaceae, and shares caffeine with Camellia sinensis but nothing of its botany. The plant is native to the subtropical forests of Paraguay, northern Argentina and southern Brazil.

01 · Origin

An evergreen tree cultivated and wild-harvested across southern South America, where the dried, cured leaves are drunk as an infusion. This material is extracted from the leaves of conventionally grown plants and finished in the USA.

02 · Process

The leaves are first extracted to an absolute, then redistilled. Redistillation separates the volatile aromatic fraction from the heavier, non-volatile residue of the absolute, giving a lighter material that is easier to work. Caffeine appears in the profile. Triethyl citrate, a common perfumery solvent rather than a leaf constituent, is also listed among the main components.

03 · In Practice

Herbaceous and green, with the dry, faintly roasted facet of the cured leaf. A middle note. Natural perfumery, particularly tea, hay and tobacco accords, and olfactory study. Blends with tobacco absolute, tonka, vetiver, bergamot, oakmoss and cedarwood.

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.