What does Caraway smell like?
Caraway is the smell of northern European rye bread. A fresh spice somewhere between anise and dill, with a lightly herbal base. It has none of cumin's sweaty side. On its own it can smell like cooking. Used with a light hand, it adds an intriguing spiced freshness. On skin it stays at the top and is gone within the hour.
Origin and production
Caraway (Carum carvi) belongs to the carrot family and is grown in northern and eastern Europe. Its essential oil is steam-distilled from the seeds. Carvone gives it its smell. Spearmint contains the mirror form of the same molecule. Two versions of one compound, two very different smells. Caraway also flavours liqueurs such as kümmel.
How perfumers use it
Caraway pairs with lavender, angelica and woods, and brings an uncommon spiced freshness. Eau de Guerlain (1974) folds it into an aromatic cologne. Cartier Pasha de Cartier uses it in a dense fougère. Tom Ford Noir puts it at the top of a powdery oriental. Guerlain Angélique Noire sets it beside angelica, its botanical neighbour, in a vanilla base.
How to wear it
Caraway suits spring and autumn. One or two sprays of Tom Ford Noir are enough. Eau de Guerlain can be applied generously.