Perfumer's Notes - Sage

Sage, with its slightly peppery, herbal aroma, is a note that often bridges the gap between fresh and earthy. Known for its purifying and grounding qualities, it has been used for centuries in rituals and remedies. In perfumery, it offers a multifaceted aroma. Its unique scent profile, which combines crisp, green notes with a subtle earthiness, makes it a versatile component in a wide range of perfumes.

Whether used as a top note to introduce a fragrance with a burst of freshness or as a heart note to add depth, sage plays a crucial role in creating scents that are both dynamic and long-lasting. It’s a note that can stand on its own or blend harmoniously with others.

Sage perfumes are often favoured for their ability to evoke a sense of clarity and calm, making them perfect for those who appreciate fragrances that are both revitalising and soothing.
Sage in Mìneir

In Mìneir, a fragrance from our Stories Collection, sage is part of an ensemble of head notes, including eucalyptus, mint, and cardamom.

Inspired by a single page from Virginia Woolf’s To the Lighthouse. This literary influence is reflected in the composition of the perfume, creating an olfactory impression of cold, fresh air and rugged, coastal landscapes.

Capturing the mood of isolation, the stark beauty of nature, and the quiet strength of the lighthouse standing against the elements, the crispness of sage in Mìneir is essential in evoking the sensation of standing on a windswept cliff, with the bracing cold of the sea spray, awakening the feelings of sharpness and clarity.

As this Miller Harris perfume unfolds, the sage note melds seamlessly with the heart of the perfume, where sea salt, cold air, and dark cashmere wood introduce a deeper, more aquatic element. 

This interplay between the herbal sharpness of sage and the dark, cool notes of the rock face creates a scent that is both refreshing and profound—like the chilly, clean air of a remote coastal night.

Sage in Hydra Figue

Sage, with its crisp and aromatic character, is a versatile note in perfumery that can evoke a wide range of atmospheres depending on how it’s used. In Hydra Figue, the sage note takes on a different role.

In Hydra Figue, sage is incorporated in a much more subtle and gentle manner. Sourced through an upcycling process as Hydrolat Sage, a by-product of oil extraction, this note brings a delicate aromatic freshness that pays homage to the natural springs of the Greek island of Hydra.  

Here, sage is not the bold, bracing note it is in Mìneir, but rather a soft, supporting character. Upcycled as Hydrolat Sage, this aromatic note is used to add a gentle, herbaceous freshness that complements the fig, sea salt, and marine accords. 

The sage in Hydra Figue is part of a carefully balanced blend that evokes the slow, tranquil pace of life on the Greek island of Hydra, working in tandem with other notes to create a scent that is both calming and evocative. It contributes to the overall composition by enhancing the scent’s organic and wild beauty, creating an atmosphere that mirrors the island’s serene landscape.

The use of Hydrolat Sage in Hydra Figue also reflects a commitment to sustainability and natural ingredients, as it is derived from a by-product of the oil extraction process. This choice not only adds a layer of depth to the fragrance but also ties into the scent’s narrative of respecting and celebrating the natural world.

While both fragrances harness the power of sage, in Mìneir, sage plays a more dominant role. By contrast, Hydra Figue uses it to underscore a sense of slow living and natural beauty, blending seamlessly with the fig and marine notes to evoke the idyllic, artistic paradise of Hydra. On the other hand, Mìneir employs sage as a bold, invigorating element that defines the fragrance's fresh and rugged character. Each scent tells a different story, with sage adapting its role to perfectly suit the narrative.

Balancing Complexity with Freshness

Aromatic notes like sage are often employed in perfumery to balance the complexity of a fragrance. They can cut through richer, heavier notes, preventing the scent from becoming overwhelming and ensuring that it remains lively and engaging. In Mìneir, sage’s crispness serves to sharpen the fragrance, making it feel alive and dynamic. In Hydra Figue, sage provides a soft, fresh counterpoint to the richer fig and woody notes, contributing to a scent that is as soothing as it is sophisticated.

By incorporating sage, both Mìneir and Hydra Figue demonstrate the versatility of aromatic notes in creating fragrances that are not only memorable but also richly textured. Whether used to invigorate or to harmonise, sage brings a distinctive quality that enhances the character of each fragrance, making it an essential ingredient in the perfumer’s palette.