Sandalwood is an aromatic wood which has a very deep history in South Asia, particularly India. The wood has been used for thousands of years in Hindu rituals. Sandalwood’s creamy, buttery, slight sweet, woodsy aroma seems to have enchanted the world ever since.
However, some people may not be aware of it’s history or they simply may not know what sandalwood smells like.
Table of Contents
What is Sandalwood?
Sandalwood is a slow-growing tree, of the genus Santalum, which at it’s peak quality, results in a heavy, yellow colored wood which can retain it’s unique scent for many years. It is typically thought that older the tree, the better the quality and aroma of the wood is.
Sandalwood is used in the manufacturing of many popular goods, such as incense, soap, cosmetics, and jewelry.
Where Sandalwood Comes From
Due to global demand, the price of quality Indian sandalwood has skyrocketed. This has led to sandalwood being grown commercially in other areas of the world, such as Australia, Bangladesh, Hawaii, Indonesia, Nepal, and Pakistan. The sandalwood from each country has it’s own unique scent and characteristics.
What Sandalwood Smells Like
Although sandalwood is a tree, it doesn’t smell like one might expect wood to smell like. Sandalwood has a very distinct aroma that is creamy, buttery, slightly sweet, woodsy, and slightly warming in nature.
When incorporated into a fragrance profile, it is usually used as a base note.
