Botanical name: Narcissus jonquilla

Country of origin: France

Method of extraction: Volatile solvent extraction

Jonquil absolute is a precious and rare perfumery ingredient, less common and much more costly than other widely used absolutes such as rose or jasmine. It’s a dark brown viscous liquid and we only recommend it for use in perfumery. 

If you’ve never smelled this absolute and you’re expecting a bright and light airy floral scent, you might be in for a surprise. Its odour is not that of a pretty floral fragrance, and it’s much more similar to its source, the jonquil flower: green and heavy, with hints of honey and sweet floral notes, and an earthy dryout with undertones of hay and tobacco.

Perhaps one for advanced perfumery students, and to venture outside of the traditional Floral category. Skilful blending with other ingredients will tease out the multiple odour facets hidden in this absolute, be it the sweet, floral and honey-like notes, or the green and earthy side of this flower.

We love it in Green Florals, Fougères and Green Chypres.