Cloves (Indonesia)

Cloves (Indonesia) are a rich, spicy note in perfumery, renowned for their intense warmth, sweet sharpness, and deep, balsamic depth. Derived from the dried flower buds of the Syzygium aromaticum tree, primarily cultivated in Indonesia’s Maluku Islands (also known as the Spice Islands), this note exudes an unmistakable aroma—spicy, smoky, slightly medicinal, with facets of leather, honeyed wood, and eugenol-rich warmth. Used as a heart or base note, Cloves lend power, opulence, and exotic sensuality to oriental, woody, and spicy compositions.

History & Production: Indonesia has been the historic heart of clove production for centuries, with cloves once considered more valuable than gold in global spice trade. In perfumery, clove essential oil is typically obtained through steam distillation of the dried buds, yielding a dark, aromatic oil dominated by eugenol, the compound responsible for its spicy-sweet intensity. While potent, clove is used in moderation to bring depth and complexity—often paired with rose, cinnamon, tobacco, or amber to create mysterious, comforting, or festive scents. Cloves (Indonesia) embody the soul of warm spice: ancient, exotic, and enduringly powerful.