Nutmeg is a warmy, dry, soft spice note that is often associated with custard tarts, mulled drinks and curries. In perfumery, it’s a unique option for orientals, ambers and masculine fougères, where it lends a rounded warmth without the sweetness of cinnamon or the fiery heat of ginger or clove. Nutmeg is found in nature and the spice is a complex mixture of many constituents, which is why the natural extract is the most faithful route to recreating the note; there is no real reason to look elsewhere. Our preference over the more common nutmeg essential oil is nutmeg absolute, which is softer and more true to nature - the oil carries a sharper, camphoraceous edge, so for realism the absolute is the better starting point. It works as a mid-to-base note and naturally combined with other woody and spicy notes. The absolute naturally contains safrole and methyl eugenol and carries an IFRA restriction, which should be noted as a consideration for compliance and when balancing.
