What Does Licorice Smell Like in Perfume?

Liquorice root has a deep herbal sweetness rather than the bright scent of ordinary sugar. A perfume accord may add aniseed or fennel-like materials to make the familiar black-liquorice character clearer. The result can include sweet root, herbs, balsam, earth and a slightly medicinal edge.

True liquorice comes from the roots and rhizomes of Glycyrrhiza glabra, a plant native from the central Mediterranean through parts of Asia. Its sweetness is linked to glycyrrhizin. In perfumery, a liquorice accord may combine root extracts with anise-like, balsamic, vanilla and herbal materials.

Liquorice is used in gourmand, aromatic, amber, floral and woody fragrances. It blends well with anise, fennel, lavender, violet, vanilla, almond, tobacco, patchouli and resins. It can add dark sweetness or create a bitter contrast against soft flowers and vanilla.