There are few olfactory experiences as instantly transporting as the scent of a conifer forest. The crisp freshness of pine needles, the sticky richness of resin, the cool air moving through evergreen branches, and the comforting warmth of balsamic woods have inspired perfumers for generations. Pine and fir balsam capture this landscape beautifully, offering a palette that is at once invigorating, rugged, and deeply comforting.
In this immersive workshop, led by French perfumer Pierre Bénard, participants will journey into the heart of coniferous perfumery, exploring how pine and fir balsam have been used to create fragrances that evoke forests, mountain lodges, winter landscapes, and the restorative power of nature.
Through guided smelling sessions and hands-on formulation exercises, participants will examine the remarkable contrasts within these materials: the bright, terpene-rich freshness of pine, the rich resinous warmth of fir balsam, and the interplay between green, woody, balsamic, and slightly smoky facets that make coniferous accords so compelling.
Participants will:
Explore the distinctive olfactive profiles of pine and fir balsam.
Discover the fresh, resinous, green, woody, and balsamic dimensions of coniferous materials.
Learn how perfumers create realistic forest-inspired accords and atmospheric woody compositions.
Understand how conifer notes can bring freshness, texture, and naturalism to a fragrance.
Create and refine their own pine and fir balsam accord under the guidance of Pierre Bénard.
Perfect for fragrance enthusiasts, students, and aspiring perfumers, this workshop offers an opportunity to explore perfumery through the lens of landscape and atmosphere. Participants will leave with a deeper understanding of coniferous materials and the skills to transform the scent of the forest into a compelling fragrance accord.
