The epitome of spring, hyacinth is an intensely green note of wet, vegetal dimensions. It blends smoothly in fragrances and is a beloved fixative in the perfumer’s arsenal— known for adding an aquatic, green note to white floral accords. Its sweet yet spicy facets resemble the sharp scent of freshly crushed leaves.
The hyacinth note is too dear when produced from natural, raw ingredients and thus is reproduced synthetically by clever perfumers. Today, is it near impossible to get your hands on the non-synthetic version—but you won’t need to, because the synthetic version is just as good.
In a rather intense tale of friendship and betrayal, Greek mythology recounts the story of Apollo and Hyacinthus—two divinities united in friendship—who were playing a game of discus. Enraged with jealousy, Zephyr, the god of the winds, struck Hyacinthus in the head, killing him instantly. Naturally, Apollo was grief-stricken and thus decided to honor Hyacinthus by growing hyacinths from his dead friend’s blood. Thereafter, the scent of hyacinth became synonymous with eternal youth.
