Cassis Perfumes & Fragrances

The raw material comes from the buds and berries of Ribes nigrum, a European shrub grown mainly in Burgundy, the UK, Poland and New Zealand. Cassis bud absolute, solvent-extracted from the sticky spring buds, is the most prized form: intensely green, peppery and catty. Berry reconstructions built from fruity esters and sulfur molecules provide the juicier, more syrupy facet. Natural bud absolute is used in trace amounts because a little goes a long way.

Cassis is a top note with vivid lift. Perfumers use it to add modern bite to fruity-floral compositions (J'adore, Chance Eau Tendre, Paco Rabanne Lady Million), to cut the sweetness of rose and vanilla, and to support pineapple in Aventus-style openings. It pairs beautifully with rose, patchouli, bergamot and musk.

Cassis performs best in spring and autumn, and suits modern unisex signatures.