Coffee: Fragrance Profile

1. Overview

• Derived from roasted coffee beans (Coffea arabica or Coffea robusta).

• Used as coffee CO₂ extract or coffee absolute in perfumery.

• Rich, complex, and highly evocative of roasted warmth and dark bitterness.

2. Aroma Character

• Dark, roasted, bitter, nutty, smoky, slightly caramelic, with earthy undertones.

• Can lean:

  • Bitter & smoky → espresso, roasted beans.

  • Sweet & gourmand → latte, mocha, creamy coffee.

  • Woody & earthy → raw bean, dry husk.

👉 Overall impression: comforting and energizing, from bitter espresso to creamy indulgence.

3. Chemical Composition

• Caffeine (alkaloid) → not aromatic, contributes bitterness.

• Caffeol (roasting distillates) → smoky-roasted aroma.

• 2-furfurylthiol → key coffee note, roasted, burnt, nutty.

• Guaiacol & phenols → smoky, spicy, tarry nuances.

• Vanillin & maltol traces → sweet, caramelic warmth.

4. Perfume Applications

• Coffee is a statement note in perfumery — rich and grounding.

• Common in:

  • Orientals & gourmands → with vanilla, caramel, cocoa.

  • Woody-ambery fragrances → adding depth and darkness.

  • Modern niche scents → for sophistication and uniqueness.

• Pairs well with:

  • Vanilla, tonka, cocoa → gourmand lattes & desserts.

  • Patchouli, vetiver, cedar → earthy-dark blends.

  • Spices (cardamom, cinnamon, clove) → spiced coffee warmth.

  • Amber, benzoin, incense → smoky mysticism.

• Iconic perfumes:

  • YSL Black Opium → sweet coffee-vanilla-gourmand.

  • Mancera Intense Black Aoud → dark oud-coffee depth.

  • Kilian Intoxicated → spiced Turkish coffee accord.

  • Tom Ford Café Rose → rose wrapped in coffee darkness.

5. Mood & Symbolism

• Coffee symbolizes energy, warmth, passion, sophistication.

• In perfume:

  • Invigorating & bold → black espresso.

  • Comforting & sensual → sweet milky coffee.

  • Mysterious & addictive → smoky roasted blends.

Quick Summary Table

In essence: Coffee in perfumery is a dark gourmand note, ranging from bitter espresso to creamy latte, used to add warmth, depth, and addictive richness.