Castoreum absolute

Say itkas-TOR-ee-um absolute

Smoky-leathery and animal, with birch-tar, sweet dried-fruit and raspberry facets.

What it is: Natural absolute from castor-sac secretion of beavers (Castor canadensis, C. fiber).
Where it comes from: Canada, Russia
When you smell it: Dry-down: hours later.
What perfumers do with it: Cornerstone of leather and chypre accords; adds smoky animal warmth and deep fixation.
Worth knowing: US regulators list castoreum as a safe food flavoring; it was historically used in vanilla and raspberry flavors.
Also called: Castoreum resinoid or tincture; beaver castor

Not on the label of any of the 232 perfumes read so far.

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