In short: pine smells crisp, green and resinous, with a clean, slightly sharp freshness. It is the smell of a mountain trail on a cold morning or a fresh-cut Christmas tree.
What pine smells like
Pine is bright and outdoorsy. Crushed needles smell green and almost citrusy; the sap and bark smell sticky, sweet and resinous. Together they make a scent that feels like clean, cold air. In a candle, pine opens up a room and makes it feel bigger.
Where it comes from
Pine oil is steam distilled from the needles and twigs of pine trees, most often Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris). Its main aroma compounds, pinene and its relatives, are among the most common smells in nature. They are what you breathe on a forest walk, and they are also found in rosemary and in the peel of some citrus.
Interestingly, the classic "Christmas tree" smell often comes from fir and spruce rather than pine. Fir is softer and more balsamic, spruce a bit sharper. Most pine and evergreen candle notes, including ours, blend these together using fragrance oils.
How it is used
Pine works as a fresh top note, with resinous warmth that lingers underneath. It is a mainstay of winter, holiday and "cabin" scents.
What it pairs with
- Cedarwood and moss, for a forest floor
- Cinnamon, clove and orange, for the holidays
- Smoke and embers, for a campfire
- Eucalyptus and mint, for something cool and bracing
Our candles with pine
- California Redwoods: pine and embers with cedar, moss, clove and earth.
- Autumn Leaves: pine and juniper with apple, cranberry, cinnamon and clove.
Common questions
Do pine candles smell like cleaning products? Some do, because pine oil was long used in cleaners. Blends with wood, moss and spice smell like a forest instead.
Is pine only for winter? No. Pine with citrus or sea notes makes a great summer mountain or coastal scent.
Explore more notes in our Fragrance Notes A to Z, or browse our Woody & Earthy candles.