Rare Resins: Elemi, Peru & Tolu

We are continuing with fragrant resins (having gone through benzoin and labdanum) now exploring more exotic and rare options: elemi, Peru and tolu balsams.

Elemi comes from a tree native to Philippines and smells somewhere between cedarwood and frankincense with a lot of citrus (going into terpenic) nuance. Tolu and Peru balsams come from South America (same tree Myroxylon). The difference between them is the method of extraction and distillation. Tolu smells mellower and sweeter, reminiscent of old library ambiance. Peru is darker and has a more intense smoky vanillic aroma with a bit of an olive oil nuance.

These resins offer perfumers a choice of intense shades of smoky, sweet, spicy or crisp woody depending on what they are combined with.

We have put together an edit to help you to navigate through perfumes where these wonderful woody notes are used.

In the corresponding sample pack you will have specimens of the 3 resins as well as 6 perfumes to illustrate their application.  Enjoy smelling.