Tonka bean

Our thematic composition with its unmistakable nutty-herbaceous note, similar to natural absolute, features the strong fixing properties that made this exotic raw material famous in perfumery in past centuries.

Our exclusive 13.5 ml (0.46 fl. oz.) bottle in special transparent neutral glass enhances the chromatic properties of the various oils: each is visible in its natural color, completely unique like the scent it releases. Each bottle is equipped with a special heat-shrinkable transparent polymer seal to guarantee (in accordance with the regulations) its tamper-proofness.

Solvent extraction yields a concrete essence from the bean, which is then distilled to produce a dark amber-colored, semi-solid absolute. Its distinctive, nutty aroma is unmistakable: warm, sweet, and spicy with a herbaceous undertone. Like our concentrated oil fragrance, it blends beautifully with the essential oils of Bergamot, Lemongrass, Helichrysum, Lavender, Clary Sage, and Styrax, as well as Oakmoss absolute.

A well-known narcotic and insecticide, the precious natural Tonka bean absolute (the main ingredient used to make our essence) would be practically unusable for the end user as it is, in addition to being semi-solid, also toxic.

Our Tonka Bean essence is classically used as a fixative and/or component in high-class oriental fragrances and also as a flavouring - an alternative to vanilla - for tobacco.

Native to South America (Guyana, Brazil, and Venezuela), the tonka bean is also known as "Cumarina odorata". Today, it is also cultivated in West Africa, although most of the pods destined for processing in Europe are South American.
It is a large tropical tree that can reach thirty meters in height, with large, elliptical leaves, purple flowers, and fruits containing a single, dark seed: the prized and sought-after "tonka bean", with a pleasant vanilla-almond scent and spicy undertones reminiscent of cinnamon and cloves.
The fatty substance extracted from these "beans" is traditionally sold in the Netherlands as "Tarquin butter", an ancient household remedy against moths.