Gourmand · Accord · Top notes
Cherry
Cherry is a fruit accord in perfume that recreates the smell of sweet cherries, closer to cherry syrup or candy than to the fresh fruit. It smells sweet and slightly tart, with a distinct almond side from a molecule called benzaldehyde. In perfume, cherry usually sits in the top notes and is often paired with almond, vanilla and rose.
· Written by the FRAG team
What does cherry smell like in perfume?
Cherry in perfume smells like very ripe red cherries, cherry syrup or cherry candy. The opening is sweet and slightly sharp, with an almond side like a cherry pit. After a few minutes, cherry turns softer and more like candied fruit, then leaves a warm almond and vanilla impression.
Many people are surprised that cherry in perfume smells different from fresh cherries. The cherry scent known from perfume and flavourings leans toward processed cherries, like the bright red ones on top of cakes or ice cream.
How is a cherry note made?
Cherry is an accord, because no natural cherry oil is used commercially in perfume. The core of the accord is benzaldehyde, a molecule that smells of bitter almond and cherry. Benzaldehyde for perfume is usually made synthetically, though in nature it also forms in cherry pits and bitter almonds.
Perfumers then add other materials to make cherry feel like fruit. Fruity esters bring juiciness, heliotropin adds a soft vanilla-like side, and a touch of spice such as clove or cinnamon makes cherry feel warmer.
Cherry in a perfume
Cherry usually sits in the top notes, so it is the sweet first impression. Because it is in the top layer, the cherry fruit fades first, and its almond side then blends into a warmer heart and base.
Bitter almond and tonka bean bring out the pastry side of cherry. Vanilla and cocoa push it toward gourmand, rose toward a fruity floral, and red berries toward a fruit blend. Cherry also appears with tobacco and woods in darker compositions.
When to wear a cherry perfume
Cherry with rose or musk feels sweet and light, good for daytime, campus or a day out. Cherry with almond, vanilla or cocoa is denser and fits late afternoons, evenings and air-conditioned rooms.
