An excellent link between heart notes and base notes, the woody, balsamic facets of guaiac wood add depth with an air of smoky, leathery intrigue. Less dry than cedarwood and harder than sandalwood, guaiac wood is sweet and stable with rose-like facets.
Growing wild in Argentina and Paraguay, the guaiacum is a wild resinous tree native to South America. Its thick, smooth, grayish bark conceals the heavy wood beneath—so heavy, in fact, that it is used to make bowling balls. To extract the fragrant essence, a lengthy 24-hour steam distillation takes place, using wood shavings and sawdust from the tree’s trunk and branches. In its natural state, the essential oil is a whitish-yellow, semi-crystalized paste that has a woody scent with rose-like, smoky nuances.
Deep in the jungles of South America, guaiac wood has been cherished for centuries as a healing plant. Otherwise known as Palo Santo or Bulnesia sarmientoi, guaiac wood translates to “tree of life”—a name given to reflect the tree’s medicinal qualities.
In this masculine counterpart to the Jungle Elephant for women, Kenzo continues to explore the spicy facets. Here, nutmeg, freshly supported by lime, spices up a deep heart of mate, while guaiac wood and cedar sign a vibrant and colourful trail.
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