Iris (Florentine/Tuscany)
Iris (Florentine/Tuscany) is a luxurious and highly sought-after fragrance note with a soft, powdery, and slightly woody scent profile that carries subtle floral and earthy undertones. Its aroma is refined, smooth, and elegant, adding a sense of opulence and timeless beauty to perfumes. Florentine iris imparts a velvety, sophisticated quality and is often used as a heart or base note to create depth and richness in fragrance compositions. It pairs beautifully with florals, woods, and amber, contributing to perfumes that are sophisticated, warm, and captivating.
History & Production: Iris from the Florentine region, specifically Iris pallida, is one of the most prized sources of orris in perfumery. The production process is lengthy and intricate; the rhizomes of the iris plant are harvested, dried, and aged for up to three to five years to develop their characteristic scent. After aging, the rhizomes are processed to produce orris butter or orris root extract through steam distillation or solvent extraction. This labor-intensive process yields a rich, powdery essence that is highly valued in perfumery for its ability to add an air of luxury and sophistication to fragrances, making them feel opulent and enduring.