JUNIPER

Juniper brings an aromatic evergreen impression: green, coniferous and lightly spicy, with a woody-resinous undertone. A gin-like sparkle is especially associated with juniper berries, whose scent can feel crisp without suggesting a sweet berry fruit. This combination can give a perfume an outdoorsy freshness with a dry woody edge.

Juniper is a broad note name rather than a specification for one extract. Common juniper, Juniperus communis, supplies berry essential oil, and its needles and branches can also yield aromatic oils. A note labelled simply juniper does not establish which plant part or material was used. In a composition, the coniferous side can echo woods and herbs, while a brighter gin-like facet can connect with citrus. The balance of greenery, spice and resin changes with the material and the surrounding perfume.