Orris Powder Tincture 

Orris powder is derived from the dried rhizomes (roots) of the orris iris (Iris pallida, Iris germanica, and Iris florentina). When these roots are harvested, dried, and ground, the resulting powder has a sweet, violet-like scent which is highly prized in perfumery. The aging process is essential for the development of the scent. Orris powder is used not just for its own aroma, but also as a fixative to help other scents last longer.

To make an orris powder tincture for perfumery, follow these steps:

Making Orris Powder Tincture:

Material Gathering:

Orris powder: Ensure that you're using high-quality, well-aged orris powder.

Perfumers Alcohol 

• Preparation:

  • Place the orris powder in a clean glass jar. The quantity depends on how much tincture you want to make, but a common ratio is 1:10, meaning 10 grams of orris powder for every 100 ml of perfumers alcohol.

  • Pour the perfumers alcohol over the orris powder, ensuring the powder is completely submerged.

  • Seal the jar tightly.

Maceration:

• • Allow the mixture to macerate (soak) for a minimum of 4-6 weeks. The longer you let it sit, the stronger and more developed the scent will become. Some perfumers let the tincture age for several months to even years.

  • Shake the jar gently every few days to help with the extraction process.

Filtering:

• • After the maceration period, strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve or muslin cloth to remove the solid orris powder particles. This will leave you with a clear tincture.

  • For an even clearer tincture, you can filter it a second time using a coffee filter.

Storage:

• • Transfer the tincture to a clean, dark glass bottle and seal it tightly. Store it in a cool, dark place. Like all tinctures, the scent of orris will continue to mature and develop over time.

Using Orris Powder Tincture in Perfumery:

As a Fixative: Orris tincture can be used in perfumes to stabilize more volatile scents and to give longevity to the fragrance.

Blending: Experiment by blending the orris tincture with other essential oils and tinctures to create a harmonious fragrance. Orris pairs well with woody scents, florals, and citrus notes.

Dilution: Often, especially when creating a perfume, the tincture will be diluted. Use the tincture as one ingredient in a larger formula, remembering that a little can go a long way.

Remember that like all perfumery, creating and using orris powder tincture is as much an art as it is a science. Experiment, adjust, and refine until you achieve the desired scent profile.