CASCARILLA

Cascarilla is a warm spicy-woody note in perfumery derived from the bark of Croton eluteria, a shrub native to the Caribbean, particularly the Bahamas. Its scent is dry, peppery, and softly balsamic, blending nuances of sweet cinnamon, black pepper, cedarwood, tobacco, resin, and subtle citrus undertones. Unlike cinnamon bark, Cascarilla combines warm spice with aromatic woods and gentle smokiness, creating an aroma that feels both elegant and old-world. Used primarily as a heart to base note, it adds spicy warmth, woody texture, and balsamic depth to oriental, woody, fougère, and tobacco fragrances.

History & Production: Cascarilla bark has long been valued in traditional medicine, incense, and liqueurs. In perfumery, cascarilla essential oil is obtained through steam distillation of the dried bark, producing a warm aromatic oil prized for its spicy, woody character. It blends beautifully with patchouli, cedarwood, tobacco, vanilla, clove, labdanum, sandalwood, and amber, creating a warm spicy signature—the scent of aromatic Caribbean bark, dry, resinous, and quietly sophisticated.