CHERRY ACCORD

In this class, we will examine the cherry note in perfumery as a reflection of both cultural identity and artistic innovation. Fruit notes—particularly cherry—pose a unique challenge for perfumers: how to translate something familiar, nostalgic, and often sweet into a fragrance that feels modern, refined, and emotionally resonant. In a time when consumers are seeking fragrances that tell stories and evoke memories, the cherry note offers a surprisingly versatile platform for creativity. Its interpretations span continents and generations, from childhood candies to sophisticated liqueurs, raising timeless questions about realism versus abstraction, and indulgence versus restraint in scent creation.

We will explore the wide spectrum of cherry’s olfactory identity, from maraschino syrup to orchard-fresh and boozy interpretations. You'll learn to distinguish French and American cherry profiles, and how cultural references subtly shape the emotion behind a fragrance. The session will cover how to build a cherry accord by balancing sweetness with the bitter, nutty facets of the cherry pit, and how to evoke texture—skin, flesh, juice, and stone. Special attention will be given to the decision between creating a realistic cherry versus a more stylized, sophisticated one. Ultimately, you’ll learn not just to recreate a fruit, but to express mood, memory, and identity through it.