In short: saffron smells warm, leathery and a little honeyed, with a dry, hay-like and slightly metallic edge. It is spicy without being hot, and it makes a blend feel luxurious.
What saffron smells like
Saffron is hard to compare to anything else. Many people describe it as leather and honey, or as warm hay with a coppery, almost iodine-like note. In a candle it reads as rich and golden, the smell of a spice market or a velvet-lined room.
Where it comes from
Saffron is the dried stigma of the saffron crocus (Crocus sativus), a purple flower that blooms for only a few weeks each autumn. Each flower has just three red threads, and they are picked by hand. It takes roughly 150 flowers to make a single gram, which is why saffron is the most expensive spice by weight. Iran grows most of the world's supply, with smaller harvests in Spain, India and elsewhere.
Its main aroma compound is safranal, which forms as the threads dry. Perfumers usually use aroma molecules that recreate the effect, and our candles use fragrance oils built around the saffron note.
How it is used
Saffron is usually a heart note, sitting in the middle of a blend. It has become very popular in modern perfume, especially alongside oud, rose and amber, and it is a hallmark of many Middle Eastern fragrances.
What it pairs with
- Oud and rose, for a rich, Middle Eastern style
- Leather and amber, for warmth and depth
- Frankincense and smoke, for something ceremonial
- Tonka bean, to sweeten it
Our candles with saffron
- Dragonfire Tavern: saffron with leather, oak, whiskey and smoke.
- Guardhouse Armory: saffron, leather, tobacco leaf and sandalwood.
- Thieves Guild: saffron and tonka with blackberry and amber.
- Oathbreaker Paladin: saffron with frankincense, myrrh and oud.
Common questions
Does saffron smell like it tastes? Fairly close. The honeyed, hay-like flavor in saffron rice comes through in the scent too.
Why is saffron so expensive? Every thread is picked by hand from a flower that blooms briefly once a year, and it takes a great many flowers to make a small amount.
Explore more notes in our Fragrance Notes A to Z, or browse our Food & Drink candles.