What does Davana smell like?
Davana smells like dried apricot soaked in brandy. Candied fruit, honey, and a herbal edge that gives away its artemisia family. The base is slightly woody, almost tobacco-like. It changes from skin to skin. On some people it reads fruitier, on others boozier. In perfume it gives depth to peach and plum notes without adding sugar.
Origin and production
Davana (Artemisia pallens) is an annual plant grown mainly in the Indian states of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. It is also used as a temple offering in garlands and bouquets. The flowering tops are steam-distilled. The oil is brown and thick. It goes into fine fragrance and some food flavors.
How perfumers use it
Perfumers use davana to ripen fruit. Tom Ford Bitter Peach pairs it with peach and rum for an almost boozy fruit. Parfums de Marly Carlisle mixes it with green apple and nutmeg. At Giorgio Armani, Sì Intense and Stronger With You Absolutely use it for a liqueur roundness in the heart. Chloé Nomade Absolu de Parfum folds it into a fruity chypre.
How to wear it
Davana suits autumn and winter, ideally in the evening. Its boozy side can tire in high summer. One or two sprays will do, since the perfumes that use it tend to be dense.