Vetiver, Bourbon, Madagascar (organic)

“Bourbon” on a vetiver label names a style of oil, not a spirit, and not always a place. The term comes from Île Bourbon, the former name of Réunion, whose vetiver long set the reference for the trade. The oil here is distilled in Madagascar and carries that style name.

01 · Origin

Vetiveria zizanioides, now classed as Chrysopogon zizanioides, is a tall clumping grass of the Indian subcontinent. Its fragrance is held in a dense, deep root system rather than in the leaves. The roots are lifted from certified organic cultivation, washed, dried and distilled. A second Madagascar grade, Vetiver Extra (No. 2975), is held for comparison.

02 · Chemistry

Vetiver is among the most complex oils in perfumery, built almost entirely from sesquiterpenes and their alcohols, ketones and acids. Khusimol is a principal alcohol. Beta-vetivene, zizanoic acid and isovalencenol follow. Distillation is long, because the heavy molecules leave the root slowly.

03 · In Practice

Dry, earthy and woody, with smoky and faintly nutty facets and long tenacity. A base note and fixative. The oil is viscous and deepens with age. Natural perfumery, massage blends, diffusion in combination and meditation practice. Blends with sandalwood, rose, jasmine, patchouli, bergamot, ylang ylang and lavender.

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.