Tabac Rose

History and Origins : The rose has captivated humankind for over two millennia. It was in Persia that its precious essence was first distilled, giving birth to rose water. From there, its fragrance travelled to the Ottoman Empire, where the Damascus rose (Rosa damascena) became the undisputed queen of the gardens. In the 19th century, the Damascus rose was clandestinely introduced into Anatolia. In the region of Isparta, nestled in the heart of the Turkish mountains, this flower discovered an exceptional terroir: limestone soil, snowy winters, and mild spring mornings created ideal conditions for a bloom of remarkable intensity. Little by little, Turkey became one of the world’s cradles of perfuming roses. It is here, within this “Rose Triangle,” that the ritual endures each year, a craft shaped by patience, expertise, and passion.

From Flower to Essence : Harvest begins at dawn, between May and June. In the very first light of day, the blossoms are gathered before the sun evaporates the dew, for it is in these cool hours that the rose reveals the finest expression of its perfume. Just a few hours later, the petals reach the distilleries, where they are immersed in large vats of boiling water: a fragrant steam rises, condenses, and separates into two treasures, rose water and rose essence. More recent techniques allow the production of concrete and, subsequently, rose absolute: extracts that are richer, denser, and endowed with velvety, sensual nuances. It takes around four tons of flowers to obtain just one kilo of pure essence. Each drop is a rare gift, born from the meeting of nature and human craftsmanship.

The Art of Perfumery : The Turkish rose is an essential raw material in perfumery. It evokes the freshness of morning dew as much as the warmth of velvet, and can express tender floral tones or subtly spicy ones. Its natural composition is fascinatingly complex: geraniol, citronellol, and phenylethyl alcohol intertwine to create a trail that is luminous, deep, and soft all at once. Within the perfumer’s palette, rose essence offers endless possibilities. Paired with sandalwood, it becomes voluptuous; combined with patchouli, it turns mystical; brightened with citrus, it reveals a modern radiance. It embodies the perfect balance between strength and delicacy, between nature and emotion.

The Rose, Beating Heart of Perfumery : From ancient Persia to the fields of Anatolia, the rose spans centuries as a universal symbol of love and perfection. Every essence, every absolute, every rose note carries within it a millennia-old story and remarkable know-how. It is the soul of great perfumes — timeless, captivating, profoundly human.

Photo credits: IFF / LMR - Photographer: Grégoire Mahler