What does Olive Tree smell like?
Olive wood smells pale and slightly sweet, with a hint of milk and hazelnut. It has neither the smoke of guaiac nor the cream of sandalwood. Its leaves smell bitter and green instead. In perfume the olive tree note stays discreet. It rounds out a woody base and gives it a Mediterranean tint. On skin it holds reasonably well and merges with musks.
Origin and production
The olive tree (Olea europaea) has been grown around the Mediterranean since antiquity. Its hard, veined wood is used for furniture and kitchen tools. It gives no common essence for perfumery. The note is therefore built from woody and milky molecules. Olive oil plays no part in fine fragrance.
How perfumers use it
Olive tree pairs with sandalwood, cedar, vanilla and soft spices. Gucci Pour Homme II (2007) places it in the base under tobacco and myrrh. Boss Orange Woman (2009) pairs it with vanilla and cinnamon. Boss Bottled Infinite (2019) matches it with sandalwood under a lavender heart. Boss Alive (2020) slips it next to cedar.
How to wear it
Olive tree works all year, in daytime. Boss Bottled Infinite suits the office with two sprays. Gucci Pour Homme II is spicier and best in autumn.