What does the word tobacco mean?
The word "tobacco" has an interesting etymological origin. It has its roots in the word "tabaco", borrowed from Spanish, which was introduced to Europe in the 16th century following the discoveries made by explorers when they brought tobacco back from the Americas. Originally, the word "tabaco" is of indigenous Amerindian origin, derived from the term "tabaco" in the Taino language, spoken by the natives of the Caribbean, notably Cuba, the Dominican Republic and Haiti. Today, the word "tobacco" designates both the plant itself, cultivated for its dried leaves, and the tobacco product used in the manufacture of cigarettes, cigars, pipes and other tobacco products.
In the beginning...
Tobacco, also known as Nicotiana Tabacum, has a long and fascinating history stretching back thousands of years. Its origins can be traced back to the indigenous cultures of America, where it was widely cultivated and used long before the arrival of Europeans. The first traces of tobacco use date back to around 5000 BC in the region that today corresponds to Ecuador and Peru, where indigenous peoples were already cultivating and consuming the plant.
When Christopher Columbus and the first European explorers discovered the New World in the 15th century, they were fascinated by this mysterious plant. Tobacco was quickly introduced to Europe, where its use spread rapidly. It became popular among the European elite and was used in a variety of forms, including as smoke in pipes and as a blend in cigars.
Tobacco cultivation
Tobacco growing is an ancient agricultural practice dating back several millennia. Mainly native to Central and South America, tobacco is a member of the Solanaceae family, which also includes tomatoes and potatoes. Its development requires specific conditions to ensure good plant growth. Tobacco prefers a warm, humid climate and well-drained, nutrient-rich soil. Tobacco is often grown in tropical or subtropical climates, although some varieties can also be grown in more temperate climates.
Growing tobacco is a complex process involving several stages, from preparing the soil to harvesting and drying the leaves. Tobacco plants are generally sown in nurseries before being transplanted to fields once they have reached a certain size. Tobacco leaves are harvested at different stages of maturity, depending on the final use of the tobacco.
What do you know about tobacco in perfumery?
The processing and transformation of tobacco in perfumery includes drying the leaves to preserve their natural flavors, fermentation to develop characteristic olfactory nuances, extraction to obtain the desired fragrance substances, and finally, blending with other precious ingredients to create enchanting and unique fragrances. These delicate processes capture the warm, woody, smoky notes of tobacco, adding a sophisticated, captivating touch to fragrance compositions.
In perfumery, tobacco has a distinctive and charismatic olfactory profile. Its olfactory family is often associated with leather, giving it an elegant, bewitching dimension. Tobacco olfactory notes often evoke a warm, complex blend of woody, spicy and smoky accords. There are deep scents of sun-cured tobacco, cigar leaf aromas and subtle accords of tobacco smoke. Some fragrances also use fermented tobacco leaf extracts to bring out richer, more nuanced nuances. By leaning on the olfactory family of leather, tobacco becomes an essential component in the creation of intense, captivating fragrances, adding an aura of sophistication and seduction to any perfumed composition.
Interesting fact !
Some tobacco varieties are naturally luminescent. For example, Virginia tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) contains genes that produce a fluorescent protein, meaning that tobacco leaves can glow in the dark under ultraviolet light. This astonishing phenomenon was discovered thanks to biotechnology, and has piqued researchers' interest in its potential applications in genetic and medical research.
Popular tobacco perfumes
Let yourself be seduced by the elegance and power of tobacco scents in these fragrances that tell unique and fascinating stories on the skin! Discover with us our selection of the best tobacco fragrances:
• Gucci by Gucci Pour Homme by Gucci
Gucci by Gucci Pour Homme by Gucci is a captivating eau de toilette that embodies masculine elegance and charisma. From the very first notes, the fragrance reveals a bewitching blend of fresh cypress, sweet violet and sparkling bergamot note. The heart of the fragrance is rich and intense, featuring bewitching tobacco accords and delicate jasmine, creating a seductive, sophisticated contrast. Finally, the base notes exude an aura of seduction with earthy patchouli, velvety leather, warm amber accord, and elemi and olibanum resins adding a mysterious, refined touch. Gucci by Gucci Pour Homme eau de toilette is an olfactory symphony that reveals the irresistible charm of the modern man, asserting his presence with class and confidence that is perfect for you to wear everyday.
• London for Men by Burberry
Tobacco plays a central role in London for Men eau de toilette by Burberry, a spicy amber eau de toilette for men. Tobacco leaf notes offer a distinctive and powerful olfactory signature to this composition. Combined with cinnamon, lavender and bergamot in the top notes, they bring an enveloping warmth and intensity from the very first moments. In the heart notes, tobacco harmonizes with leather and mimosa, creating an intriguing combination of rich, complex aromatic facets. In the base notes, opoponax and oakmoss merge with tobacco, imparting a captivating depth and sensuality that lasts throughout the fragrance's evolution. The tobacco in London for Men embodies a refined, bold masculinity, reinforcing the bewitching character of this iconic Burberry creation.
• Le Male Elixir by Jean Paul Gaultier
In Le Male Elixir eau de parfum by Jean Paul Gaultier, tobacco fragrance plays a captivating and bewitching role in this ambery, fougère fragrance for men. Nose Quentin Bisch has skilfully incorporated tobacco into the fragrance's base notes to give it a deep, sensual dimension. Together with honey and tonka bean, tobacco brings a suave, enveloping warmth to the composition, creating a seductive, intoxicating aura. Top notes of lavender and mint bring a dynamic, herbaceous freshness that harmoniously balances the sweet, gourmand nuances of tobacco, vanilla and benzoin in the heart. Tobacco notes are subtly used here to give Le Male Elixir eau de parfum an intoxicating, seductive touch, making this fragrance a true olfactory signature for bold, charismatic men.
Other perfumes that feature an exhilarating tobacco scent are: Tom Ford Tobacco Oud and Tom Ford Tobacco Vanille, Mancera Red Tobacco, Tabac 28 Miami by Le Labo, Viktor & Rolf Spicebomb Extreme, Diptyque Volutes Eau de Parfum, Calvin Klein CK One Shock For Him, Dolce & Gabbana The One for Men, Parfums de Marly Herod, Molton Brown Tobacco Absolute and Back to Black by Kilian.
Tobacco X Bon Parfumeur
Tobacco fragrances from Bon Parfumeur brand are a great option for those looking for an eco-friendly and ethical alternative when it comes to perfumery products.
• Eau de Parfum 902 Armagnac, Blond Tobacco, Cinnamon is a bewitching creation launched in 2017, with Karine Dubreuil-Sereni as the nose behind this composition. From the top notes, we're transported to a refined universe where cognac, orange, ginger and basil mingle to create an intoxicating, stimulating opening. The heart of the fragrance reveals a warm marriage of cinnamon, plum, clove and geranium, evoking spicy, fruity notes of great elegance. Finally, the base notes deliver a captivating aura with accords of tobacco, vanilla, patchouli and cistus, bringing a sensual, woody touch to the whole.
• Eau de Parfum 2019 Vodka, Tobacco, Juniper by Bon Parfumeur is a bold creation that subtly blends intoxicating, fresh accords, launched in 2019 with Karine Dubreuil-Sereni as the nose behind this composition. Right from the top notes, we're intrigued by a stimulating blend of vodka, mint, bigarade and basil, creating a refreshing, invigorating opening. The heart of the fragrance reveals a spicy, intoxicating blend of juniper berries, cinnamon, pink pepper and frosted melon, bringing a captivating, energizing dimension to the whole. Finally, the base notes add warm depth with accords of vetiver, tobacco and patchouli, giving the fragrance a sensual, woody touch.
