In short: vanilla smells sweet, creamy and warm. Real vanilla is richer than the flat sweetness of cheap air fresheners, with smoky, woody and even boozy shades in it.
What vanilla smells like
Everyone knows vanilla from baking, and that comforting association is a big part of why it is the most popular candle note in the world. Good vanilla in a fragrance is creamy and rounded, with hints of caramel, dried fruit, wood or a little smoke. Tahitian vanilla is lighter and more floral; Madagascar vanilla is the classic rich, sweet one.
Where it comes from
Vanilla comes from the seed pods of a climbing orchid, Vanilla planifolia, native to Mexico. Madagascar now grows most of the world's supply. The green pods have almost no smell when picked. They are cured for months, alternately sweated and dried in the sun, until they turn dark brown and develop their aroma. Because the flowers are pollinated by hand and the curing takes so long, natural vanilla is one of the most expensive spices in the world.
The main aroma molecule in vanilla is vanillin, which can be made far more cheaply. Most vanilla notes in perfume and candles, including ours, are built from fragrance oils around vanillin.
How it is used
Vanilla is a base note. It sweetens and softens, and it is a key ingredient in the amber accord. A little vanilla can make a woody or spicy blend feel more inviting.
What it pairs with
- Cinnamon, clove and nutmeg, for baked goods
- Sandalwood and amber, for warmth
- Tonka bean, which deepens it with almond and hay
- Dark fruit and red wine, for something rich and festive
Our candles with vanilla
- Sweet Roll: vanilla, cinnamon, butter, sugar and almond, like a fresh pastry.
- Dionysus: vanilla with red wine, black cherry and spice.
- Noble Keep: vanilla, amber and oak with dark fruit.
- Aphrodite: a soft vanilla base under peach, grapefruit and cherry blossom.
Common questions
Why do some vanilla candles smell fake? Vanillin on its own is sweet but flat. Better vanilla blends add woods, resins or tonka to give it the depth of real cured pods.
Is vanilla good in a bedroom? Many people find it calming and cozy, which is why it is popular for evenings.
Explore more notes in our Fragrance Notes A to Z, or browse our Food & Drink candles.