You may have heard the term Barnyard Scent, or Animalic Scent, and been curious as to what that even means. 

There are some fragrances that either use the purest of the pure oils, or blend certain notes to create a scent that literally smells like a farm. 

Oftentimes this will be an Oud based fragrance, but can also use notes of Civet, Castoreum, Musk, Amber, Patchouli, Tobacco, Leather, etc.

These Barnyard type scents are usually described as earthy, dank, skunky/skanky, wet earth or wet hay/straw, like rotting wood, burning wood, or like a barnyard full of animals.

If you’ve ever been to a petting zoo, or to an actual farm, you’ll know what that smells like.

Sometimes they are more medicinal, giving the aroma of a hospital, bandages, alcohol or medicine.

These types of fragrances can be created for a number of reasons. Sometimes it is those pure oils left on their own, like Attars, which are common and popular in the Middle East and Asia. Sometimes they are created to replicate the real smells. Mostly they are created to challenge the ‘normal’ fragrance trends. 

With less of the more ‘pleasing’ notes that usually help to break up any harsh or sharp elements, you’re left with the more potent ingredients.

A lot of these Barnyard style scents are not usually for the faint of heart.

When smelling these types of fragrances, you can often feel drunk, as if you’ve literally just had a few cocktails. Sometimes it feels like maybe the fumes have burned away your nose hair. 

Sometimes it can be intense and jarring, but there is a certain appreciation for it, especially after you reach certain depths of your niche fragrance journey.

Opus XIII Silver Oud from Amouage leans more medicinal than barnyard in style. It uses both Oud and Guaiacwood with Patchouli, Amber and Castoreum to create insane depth. After being on the skin for a while, a hint of Vanilla sneaks up and mellows things slightly.

Opus XV King Blue from Amouage borders between medicinal and barnyard, with a sweet twist. This is Amouage’s take on a ‘Blue’ style scent, blended with their classic Middle Eastern depth. Blackcurrant and Mandarin to add a touch of lightness, but Oud, Frankincense, Patchouli, and Leather. Over time it does develop some aquatic qualities, but maintains its intensity.

Deva Des Fleurs from Sama blends the lightness of Ylang Ylang and Vanilla with the depth of Frankincense and Sandalwood. It makes you think of dried flowers in a bonfire, or a potent flower bush next to freshly cut wood. 

Ambre Rose from Sama is dank and dirty with specks of lightness. Rose and Vanilla add a gentle touch to the depth of Sandalwood, smoky Benzoin, and Leathery Labdanum. There is almost a syrupy sweetness hidden beneath the polarizing depth and sharpness.

Jardin d’Iris from Sama is a doozy. The Sandalwood is deep and intense. Iris and Orange Blossom bring subtle hints of floral notes, and the Vanilla almost feels burnt in a way. There is a lightness within the depth, but barely.

Oudh Jasmin from Sama is palatable, but still very intense. Jasmine and Magnolia thread their way through the rich and earthy elements of Oud and Hemp, keeping things from becoming too sharp and allowing the floral nuances to blossom. It almost feels like the flowers have bloomed within a cask that used to house a rich booze.

*All of the Sama fragrances are organic and alcohol free*

Depending on what type of depth you’re looking for, you can find an array of the ‘Dirty’ scents at Parfumerie Nasreen in Seattle.