The Fragrance Wheel

Many times when we are researching a specific perfume we come across something along the lines of a perfume belonging to an “Amber Floral” or a “Fresh Fruity” family. But what do these specific classifications entail and what exactly is a “Family”? This is where a Fragrance Wheel plays its part.

A Fragrance wheel in simpler words is a classification tool that helps us identify the dominating odors in a perfume. This circular diagram also shows the internal relationships among the Olfactory groups. It divides the groups based on their similarities and differences and the categories bordering each other share common Olfactory characteristics.

The first example of such a classification tool was called “The Odor Effects Diagram” created by Australian Perfumer Paul Jellinek in 1949. At present, the fragrance wheel that is used widely by Perfumers and enthusiasts alike is the one created by Perfumery Taxonomist Michael Edwards in 1992. His representation of the modern classifications of families for Perfumes and fragrances is a more detailed version with several subcategories under the major Families. This is due to the fact that modern perfumes tend to be more complex in nature and use combinations that are complementary to each other.

This wheel shows the fragrance attraction between adjacent subgroups and the connection between scent preferences and their diverse families. Where each subgroup is placed is very important in this Fragrance Wheel. The strategically placed groups and subgroups indicate which groups blend perfectly well together and which might create a clash. The complementary aspect of the wheel shows that the groups placed next to each other will have the best-produced fragrance that is bound to make fragrance lovers attracted.

Anyone can easily use the fragrance wheel to determine what kind of perfume is suitable for their professional, casual, and outgoing requirements. Each family on the wheel and their subgroups create a specific blend of aromas so be sure to read descriptions of the scent a specific combination of subgroups creates. You can learn more by at first finding out which families the perfumes in your collection belong to and identifying yourself with a few blends. Slowly you will be able to identify the specific Families based on your Olfactory knowledge.

Now that we understand what a Fragrance Wheel is and what it can help with, let’s look at the Families and their Subgroups!

1. Floral Family

The most popular family features the smell of fresh flowers and their stems. This family is extremely feminine and delicate that includes perfumes that are most well-known around the world!

Subgroups include:

1. a) Floral Fresh – Flowery and fresh notes of smoky, woody, and spicy roses and bright lily.
2. b) Soft Floral – The aroma is mostly Powdery floral.
3. c) Floral Ambery – Notes of Sweet spices and fresh floral orange blossoms are present.

2. Amber / Oriental Family

The most Luxurious Fragrance family, fragrances from this family are highly sensual and exotic in nature. The lushest, rich, spicy, and aromatic notes are heavily featured in fragrances belonging to the Amber Family.

Subgroups include:

1. a) Ambery: This features musky-toned vanilla, cinnamon, and resins.
2. b) Soft Ambery: This has an overall light vibe with hints of floral and anise.
3. c) Woody Ambery: A Sweet and Earthy note is found in this subgroup which is blended with warm patchouli and sandalwood.

3. Woody Family

This family has an inherent quality of sweetness which is often mixed with floral and fresh notes to maintain brightness. However, the main characteristic of this family is its dark, rich and warm aroma.

Subgroups include:

1. a) Woody – Aromas of Intense sandalwood and patchouli notes.
2. b) Mossy Woody – This note carries a light, smooth and Earthy texture.
3. c) Dry Woods – Blends of creamy sandalwood with smoky and leathery tones.
4. d) Aromatic – A rich Woody note combined with fresh notes like Lavender.

4. Fresh Family

The most fragrant and vibrant fragrance family, the Fresh Family is defined by its bright, citrusy, refreshing, green, and oceanic notes that immediately lift and lighten up your mood.

Subgroups include:

1. a) Aromatic – Clean and simple blend of rosemary, basil, lavender, and other warm-woody notes.
2. b) Citrus – Zesty and Bright notes that feature bergamot, lush orange, mandarin, and grapefruit.
3. c) Water – Marine and Fresh vibes are ever-present.
4. d) Green – Herbal, fresh and leafy notes that remind you of a freshly cut lawn.
5. e) Fruity – Mostly sweet aromas carrying notes of peach, pear, apple, and other dense and sugary fruits.

Read Also: What Are The Differences And Which One Should You Pick?

Final Word

So, we hope now you have a clear idea about the Fragrance Wheel and its uses. Remember to learn your own preferred notes before investing in a fragrance. For more interesting Perfume related content keep an eye on Perfume Centers’ Website. Stay fragrant and Beautiful! Thanks for reading!