LIQUOROUS ACCORD

A liquorous accord gives perfume an impression of spirits or liqueur: a fragrant warmth that may sit beside sweetness, spice or wood. A cognac-inspired composition, for example, can combine the drink association with oak, cinnamon and soft dessert-like notes. The accord describes the way these impressions come together, rather than one ingredient or a fixed recipe for every boozy perfume.

Natural materials can play a part. Cognac oil, also called wine lees oil, is obtained through distillation of wine lees and is used to help construct spirit-like effects. Other aromatic materials can shape the finished accord around it. The note name does not identify which method was used, or tell you the perfume’s alcohol concentration. Look to the whole composition to judge whether the result leans dry and woody or richly sweet.