Tobacco comes from the leaves of Nicotiana Tabacum, a plant in the Nightshade family that is indigenous to North and South America.

Studies suggest that Tobacco was first used in the 1st century BC by the Native Americans for smoking and during religious ceremonies. It eventually made its way to Europe with Christopher Columbus.

Tobacco in fragrances was said to have begun in 1919 with Ernest Daltroff and Caron’s Tabac Blond. 

In fragrances, Tobacco produces a very different aroma than when smoking it. The extracted raw material does not contain Nicotine, or other alkaloids, and can actually be very pleasing to the senses.

It can have an earthy, almost hay-like essence, or can be slightly boozy or caramelly, and creates a gentle smoky element to the fragrances it is in.

Opus XIV Royal Tobacco from Amouage is the ultimate Tobacco scent. Tobacco Absolute is blended with Oud, Resins, Vanilla and Leather, and smells like what you would imagine being inside a cigar factory might smell like.

Herod from Parfums de Marly blends Tobacco Leave with Vanilla, Cinnamon, Incense, Leather and Patchouli to create a scent that is sweet and spicy.

Naxos from Xerjoff is velvety and sophisticated. Tobacco Leaf is blended with Honey, Citruses, Lavender, and Vanilla. 

Fan Your Flames from Nishane is dark and sultry and inviting. Tobacco blends with Rum, Coconut, Tonka Bean, Cedarwood, and Oakmoss, creating a scent that conjures images of a bonfire on a beach, Rum and Coconut beveridges, Tobacco in the air, and good company.

Side Effect from Initio Parfums Prives is warm and boozy and addictive with a blend of Tobacco, Rum, Cinnamon Bark, Saffron, Vanilla, Leather, Sandalwood, and a hint of flowery Hedione.

Montabaco from Ormonde Jayne takes you down a different path that is more refreshing. Tobacco Leaf is blended with Suede, Moss, and Amber, and giving an aromatic twist with Citruses, an Air Note, Tea Notes, and Sage.

You can find all these, and many more, at Parfumerie Nasreen in Seattle!

We’d love to hear what your favorite Tobacco based fragrances are:)