Juniper and cedar form one of perfumery’s most elegant and enduring aromatic-woody pairings. Together, they evoke crisp mountain air, evergreen forests, dry timber, and aromatic freshness. Juniper brings sparkling, gin-like, resinous, and slightly peppery facets, while cedar contributes structure, depth, and a distinctive dry wood character. Their interplay has shaped countless fragrances, from classical colognes and fougères to contemporary woody and niche creations.
In this module, led by French perfumer Pierre Bénard, participants will explore the unique characteristics of juniper and cedar and discover how these materials are used to create freshness, transparency, and sophistication within a fragrance. Through guided smelling and hands-on formulation exercises, participants will gain a deeper understanding of the relationship between aromatic and woody notes and learn how to build accords that feel both natural and refined.
Through guided smelling and practical formulation exercises, participants will:
Develop a deeper understanding of the olfactive profiles of juniper and cedar and their roles in perfumery.
Explore the fresh, resinous, woody, dry, spicy, and coniferous facets that define these materials.
Learn how different cedar qualities and aromatic materials influence the character of an accord.
Understand how perfumers balance freshness and structure within aromatic-woody compositions.
Create and refine their own juniper and cedar accord under the guidance of Pierre Bénard.
Ideal for fragrance enthusiasts, students, and aspiring perfumers, this workshop offers a unique opportunity to study two foundational materials in perfumery while developing practical skills in accord construction, material evaluation, and fragrance composition. Participants will leave with a deeper appreciation for the artistry behind aromatic and woody fragrance creation.
