Scent AlmanacOld Library
Leather armchairs, pipe tobacco and the dusty spice of old book spines.
Leather fragrance oils vary a lot between suppliers — sample two before buying a pound.
Scale it
| Scent | Note | % | Grams | ≈ Drops |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clary Sage | middle | 25.0 | 7.5 | 167 |
| Bergamot | top | 18.8 | 5.6 | 125 |
| Cardamom | middle | 18.8 | 5.6 | 125 |
| Leather | base | 18.8 | 5.6 | 125 |
| Tobacco Leaf | base | 12.5 | 3.8 | 83 |
| Black Pepper | top | 6.2 | 1.9 | 42 |
Weigh fragrance for anything over a few grams. Drops assume about 20 per ml, and droppers vary a lot.
For candles, the usual rate is 6–10% of wax weight.
Structure
A classic starting balance is about 25% top, 50% middle and 25% base.
Harmony
67%
The share of pairs in this blend that are known to go well together.
Where it works
CandlesWorkable
Limited by Bergamot.
Wax meltsWorkable
Limited by Bergamot.
Reed diffuserGood
Room & linen sprayWorkable
Limited by Leather.
Electric (water) diffuserAvoid
Limited by Leather.
Cold-process soapWorkable
Limited by Bergamot.
Melt-and-pour soapGood
Laundry & cleaningWorkable
Limited by Bergamot.
Cautions for candles
- Oxidizes with age — old oil is more likely to sensitize; store cool and dark (Bergamot, Black Pepper)
- Caution around pets (especially cats and birds) — don't diffuse in their space (Bergamot)
- Fades quickly — weak in cold-process soap or at hot throw (Bergamot)
- Commonly advised against in pregnancy (Clary Sage)