Field notes / 01
What does tonka bean smell like?
Tonka bean is sweet but not simply vanilla. Almond-like warmth, dry hay, tobacco and powdery facets give it a textured character. Depending on its partners, it can feel gourmand, aromatic or quietly woody rather than uniformly sugary.
Field notes / 02
The material behind the impression
Tonka beans are seeds of Dipteryx odorata, and coumarin contributes strongly to their aroma. Natural extracts and reconstructed tonka accords differ. Tonka and coumarin are related references but not identical: a seed extract contains more than one aromatic component.
Field notes / 03
Its place in the composition
Tonka softens woods and spices and bridges lavender to a warm base. Vanilla emphasises sweetness, cacao provides bitterness and tobacco brings dryness. It is commonly a base note, though its powdery warmth may be noticeable much earlier in wear.
















