fragrance note

Yemen olibanum

1 perfumes

Yemen olibanum, or frankincense, is a resinous treasure that defines the olfactory landscape of the Arabian Peninsula. It opens with a sharp, lemony brightness that quickly transitions into a balsamic, pine-like depth, carrying subtle nuances of crushed green herbs and a faint, metallic sweetness. Belonging to the resinous-balsamic family, it provides a sophisticated, dry backbone to complex compositions. It pairs naturally with warm spices like cardamom or saffron, grounding their intensity with its ethereal, smoky trail. In the Gulf, this note is essential for evening wear during the cooler months, where its slow, steady evaporation cuts through the heavy air of traditional majlis gatherings. Arab perfumers often utilize it to bridge the gap between bright citrus top notes and the dense, animalic weight of aged oud, ensuring a seamless transition that lingers on the skin for hours.