It was Catherine de’ Medici who, after marrying Henry II of France in 1553, persuaded the King to introduce the art of perfumery to Grasse in Southern France – a hitherto unknown village. She pursuaded Italian perfumers to assist – Italy being the world centre of perfumery at the time. It was then that Orris Butter was first used.

Orris Butter is the steam distillation of the rhizome of Iris Pallida (Violet). It is strange to use the rhizome as it has no odour when first picked, but when stored in a warm oven for three years, it slowly develops an aroma.

It is one of the most highly prized materials on a perfumer’s palette as it can not only fix a perfume, but adds a luxurious smoothness that is truly a heavenly gift.

Unfortunately it’s beauty is matched by its price and Orris Butter is now the most expensive fragrance raw material in the world. Its eye-watering price has meant that its use in modern perfumery today virtually all but vanished, being replaced with synthetics - which of course lack the magic.

We are proud to be able to say that 100% natural Orris Butter has been used to create our “Extrait de Parfum - Orris Route”. We know that for some people, it will become one of their most cherished perfumes.

• Top Notes:Lemon and Eucalyptus
• Middle Notes:Cypriol and Elemi Resinoid
• Base Notes:Orris, Indian Sandalwood and Ambergris

What are notes? each fragrance is broken down into 3 parts, the Top, Middle and Base notes. Combined they create the overall scent, each note plays it's individual role in how the Fragrance evolves when applied much like the ingredients added to a recipe. Notes explained further