Absinthe Perfumes

Absinthe in perfume smells green, bitter and aniseed-sweet, like the herbal spirit it is named for. The collection holds 58 perfumes that list absinthe or absinthe wormwood; prices start around $13 and reach about $1,104.

What Absinthe Brings

Absinthe is a spirit flavoured with wormwood, green anise and fennel, so the note borrows their herbal, liquorice-like and slightly bitter character. It is composed as an accord rather than extracted, and used in the top and heart of aromatic and fougère-style perfumes.

Among the perfumes people discuss in the communities Scendira tracks, Serge Lutens Douce Amère, John Varvatos XX Artisan and Maison Crivelli Absinthe Boréale each list absinthe. Douce Amère sets absinthe against vanilla and sugar, while John Varvatos XX Artisan lists absinthe wormwood in the heart.

Suits: People who like green, bitter-sweet, herbal scents. Skip if: you want a sweet, smooth opening rather than a bitter green one.

For the wider family, see aromatic perfumes. Neighbouring notes worth a look: anise perfumes and artemisia perfumes.

58 products

FAQ

Questions about this brand.

Green, bitter and aniseed-sweet, with a cool herbal edge.

Wormwood, anise and fennel, which together give the bitter, liquorice-like green character.

Douce Amère pairs it with vanilla, sugar and cinnamon, John Varvatos XX Artisan with bitter orange and geranium, and Maison Crivelli Absinthe Boréale with lavender, mint and juniper.