What exactly is labdanum? - one of our base notes

Crafting a natural fragrance is extremely challenging. Natural plant oils are, like nature, fabulously unpredictable, and finding a way of keeping ingredients stable and consistent requires a high level of expertise. Our Somerset perfumer has mastered his craft (as well as being determined to create a carbon neutral perfumery) and we’re delighted with the result.

Jones & Modha no.1 at first scent gives a bright smile of citrus, thanks to bergamot, grapefruit and red mandarin.  This is beautifully balanced with base notes of more warm green wood from guaiac and cedar wood as well as a wonderfully original note of labdanum and its notes of chypre.

Little known labdanum is a sticky resin from the cistus or rock rose plant.  Known for its uber delicate, paper thin flowers and elongated almond shaped sage coloured leaves, the labdanum comes from the leaves and stem and on warm Summer days just walking past the shrub finds you being enveloped in a warm, peppery, exotically spiced aroma.

Its deep, powerful spice is perfectly met with a touch of rose and linden - creating a unique scent that’s getting plenty of attention.

Fascinating fact

In Ancient Egypt, the Pharaohs used to coat their false beards (made from goat hair) with labdanum to exude an air of distinction. We like to think that in our own small way we are replicating this effect by wearing Jones & Modha!