Smell - Think - Write
Scent Blotter Strips
Using scent blotter strips is a fundamental practice for professional perfumers to record and learn about fragrance materials. The process involves several key steps:
Preparation: The perfumer gathers fragrance materials, essential oils, absolutes, or aroma chemicals. These materials represent various scents, from floral and fruity to woody and spicy.
Labelling: Each fragrance material is labelled to identify its name and origin. This ensures accurate record-keeping and prevents mix-ups during the smelling process.
Cleanse the Nose: Before starting, the perfumer may cleanse their olfactory system by inhaling a neutral scent, such as coffee beans or unscented paper. This helps reset their sense of smell and prevents residual odours from interfering with the evaluation.
Application of Fragrance Materials: Using a dropper or pipette, the perfumer applies a small amount of each fragrance material to separate sections of the blotter strip. The blotter is porous, allowing the scent to diffuse and develop over time.
Observation and Smelling: As the scent diffuses on the blotter, the perfumer smells it at various intervals. They take note of the initial impression, the development of different scent notes over time (top, heart, and base notes), and any nuances or changes in the fragrance.
Time Recording: The perfumer records the time intervals when smelling the blotter. This information helps us understand the fragrance's longevity and how it evolves over time.
Comparative Analysis: The perfumer compares different fragrance materials side by side on separate blotter strips. This allows them to distinguish the unique characteristics of each material and identify potential combinations for creating new fragrances.
Creative Exploration: During the smelling process, the perfumer mentally explores different combinations of fragrance materials. They imagine how certain scents could complement or enhance each other to create a harmonious and desirable fragrance profile.
Recording Observations: The perfumer maintains a fragrance journal or database to record their observations, impressions, and creative ideas. These notes become valuable references for future formulations and fragrance development.
Ongoing Learning: Perfumers continuously expand their knowledge of fragrance materials by smelling and studying new ingredients. This continuous learning process lets them stay updated with the latest trends and explore innovative combinations.
Using scent blotter strips is essential for perfumers to develop their olfactory abilities, understand fragrance materials, and create unique and appealing scents. It is a meticulous and artistic process.