Mahogany

The term mahogany refers to several trees belonging to the Meliaceae family. The term mahogany was given to a red exotic wood used in the 18th century. Initially reserved for private uses such as toiletry or dining, mahogany would become the noble wood par excellence under the reign of Louis XVI. Mahogany is a tree that can grow up to 30m in height, and produces fruits rich in seeds. Mahogany is a precious wood, fine-grained, easy to work with and resistant to parasites.

Mahogany woods and their scents

It is said that the name mahogany is a vernacular name, meaning it refers to different species. Depending on the species, mahogany wood is pink, red or brown in color. There is African mahogany, Ivory Coast mahogany, Honduras mahogany, Guadeloupe mahogany, Martinique mahogany… It is worth noting that in France, the “Mahogany Anniversary” is celebrated for 27 years of marriage! Mahogany wood gives off tonalities that are both aromatic and exotic, green and floral, dry and earthy. The scent of the wood is, in any case, a warm and reassuring scent.

Mahogany wood in perfumery

Woods (sandalwood, cedar) have been used in perfumery for a very long time. It offers balsamic, woody, velvety and warm notes. In perfumery, mahogany essence is obtained by steam distillation of mahogany bark chips. Nevertheless, the mahogany note is still little used within compositions. Mahogany notes can be found in aromatic fragrances such as in 1881 Intense pour Homme by Cerruti. Here, mahogany appears as a base note paired with sandalwood, cedar, ambroxan, oakmoss and a leather accord. Mahogany is also found in woody compositions such as Boss Bottled, Eau de Toilette by Hugo Boss, or in floral perfumes such as Bright Crystal by Versace, where mahogany enhances the entirety of the notes in the composition.

Revealed as a noble wood under the reign of Louis XVI, mahogany is the basis of numerous pieces of furniture and sculptures. Because it gives off warm and exotic tonalities, mahogany wood is also used in perfumery. It integrates beautifully into woody, floral or oriental compositions, lending the whole warmth and intensity.