Angelica adds a vibrant herbaceous top note to accords. It is naturally musky with wood-like nuances, emitting a unique facet in contract to its bright bursts of pepper. This complex ingredient is renowned for its fixative qualities, acting as a ‘synergist’ and anchoring bright, citrusy accords.
The essence of angelica is captured through a process of distillation. From angelica, two types of essences can be produced for the perfume industry: one extracted from the roots and another from the seeds. While both essences are reminiscent of a sweet and herbaceous musky wood, the essence derived from angelica roots is more pungent.
Shrouded in mysticism and conspiracy, angelica was once thought to ward off the necromantic powers of witchery, evil spirits and even plague. The herbaceous plant derives its name from the archangel Raphael, who brought the root to Charlemagne to save his army from the plague. A sachet of angelica hung round a child’s neck protected him from evil influences—both physical and spiritual.
Germany, France
“As I left, I saw a flowerbed of Angelica; I tore a few sheets and crumpled them between my fingers. A smell of musk (synthetic) and iris, associated with the bitter of a monk's liquor emanated from it. The humidity of the air heightened the perception. From this discreet encounter, was to be born the perfume”. Jean-Claude Ellena. 2020. Atlas de Botanique parfumée - Arthaud.
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