Scent Story: What Does Bergamot Smell Like?

Scent Story: What Does Bergamot Smell Like?

Hello, fellow candle connoisseur ! Let's face it - a lot of the fragrance industry takes itself pretty darn serious. Like they’re the cliquey Mean Girls with their own made up language (cough -Fetch).Well, we cherish inclusivity, so we’re here to break down those barriers. There’s no need to feel clueless; understanding fragrance is within your reach, and empowering you to know what you like, why you like it, and be able to explain your unique taste to others. So welcome to fragrance 101.

Today, we’re focusing  on Invigorating Bergamot. This citrus gem is a cornerstone in many fragrances, celebrated for its ability to uplift, refresh, and revitalize. Wondering what does bergamot smell like in candles, or if its zestful charm is a good fit to  brighten your space?. Let's peel back (sorry) the layers of this citrus marvel, explore its juicy history, and decode its unique aroma. Plus, we'll share how we at Candier infuse Bergamot's sparkling  fragrance into our candle creations.

What is the Bergamot scent?

At first glance, Bergamot might seem like a simple citrus fruit –kinda like a cross between a lime and an orange – but its fragrance holds a world of complexity. Bergamot is not your garden-variety lemon or grapefruit; it's a fragrant citrus fruit that (probably unsurprisingly) grows on  the Bergamot orange tree, primarily grown along the Mediterranean and in the gorgeous coastal regions of Southern Italy. 

Historically, Bergamot was a secret treasured by the Italian nobility, used to perfume themselves and their homes with its captivating scent. Today, its appeal is universal, crossing borders and cultures, enchanting all who encounter its refreshing aroma.

illustration of the bergamot orange tree against the backdrop of Southern Italy's coastal landscape

History of Bergamot

Bergamot's journey through history is as multifaceted as its scent. From its roots in Southeast Asia to becoming a staple in Italian folklore, Bergamot has always been more than just a fruit. It found its way into the heart of masculine colognes and became a symbol of refined European sophistication in the 17th century.

In aromatherapy, Bergamot has been a beacon of joy and wellness, believed to elevate mood and alleviate stress. Its presence in trade routes turned it into a sought-after luxury, a green gold among spices and silks.

An illustration of the history of bergamot and it's journey from Asia to the West

So, What Does Bergamot Smell Like?

Bergamot is a fragrance chameleon, a capricious paradox in the world of scents.Here’s our bergamot scent description breakdown:

  • Citrusy: First and foremost, it boasts a bright, sunny citrus profile that energizes and refreshes.
  • Spicy: There's a subtle spice that tickles the senses, adding a layer of intrigue.
  • Sweet: Beneath its zesty surface lies a sweet, fruity charm, reminiscent of a Mediterranean summer.
  • Floral: Bergamot has a soft floral note, lending it a refined, sophisticated edge.
  • Earthy: It finishes with a slightly earthy, green undertone, grounding the scent and connecting it to nature.

This multifaceted scent profile makes Bergamot a beloved ingredient in perfumery, capable of adding a burst of energy or a touch of elegance to any fragrance blend.

The essence of bergamot's scent profile in a contemporary setting

How does bergamot compare to other scents?

The aroma of bergamot stands out in the citrus family for its unique blend of sweet, spicy, and floral notes, making it a perfume industry favorite for adding depth to fragrances. Unlike the straightforward zest of lemon or the sweet warmth of orange, bergamot introduces subtle spiciness and floral undertones, enhancing its citrus base. This complexity allows it to pair exceptionally well with a variety of other scents, from spicy to woody, enriching the overall fragrance experience.

When compared to other citrus scents, bergamot's nuanced profile is evident. It offers a gentler bitterness than the sharp tartness of grapefruit and less acidity than lime, wrapped in aromatic floral and spicy notes. Bergamot's sophisticated balance of sweet, bitter, and floral qualities makes it a prized component in crafting layered, intricate perfumes, distinguishing it as a versatile and essential oil in fragrance design.

What scents pair well with bergamot?

Bergamot oil, a prized component in many perfumes and colognes, offers a distinctive citrusy and subtly floral aroma that can be wonderfully versatile in fragrance pairing. Its fresh and invigorating scent makes it an excellent base for various combinations, enhancing its appeal in scent-based products. For a vibrant and fresh touch, blend bergamot with other citrus notes such as lemon, orange, and grapefruit, which amplify its zesty quality and brighten the overall scent profile. Floral notes like lavender, jasmine, and rose also mix beautifully with bergamot, lending a soft, romantic flourish that gives bergamot the perfect balance. 

For those looking to add a bit of warmth and spice to their bergamot-based scents, incorporating spices like ginger, cardamom, and black pepper can create a richly layered aroma. These spicy notes introduce a warmth that complements the coolness of bergamot, ideal for creating a scent that transitions well between seasons. Additionally, woody undertones provided by cedarwood, sandalwood, or vetiver ground the high notes of bergamot, offering depth and staying power to the fragrance. Whether you're crafting homemade perfumes or enhancing home aromas, pairing bergamot with these complementary scents can elevate your olfactory palette to new, sophisticated heights.


How Does Candier Use Bergamot?


At Candier, we’re known for our premium fragrances, innovative  aesthetic and for lighting up good vibes. We 
love to play with ingredients and use them in totally totally different and unexpected ways. 
Incorporating bergamot into our scents adds a sense of timeless luxury to our candle 
line in a super diverse way. Here are a few examples:

An elegant luxurious ivory white candle with a gold emblem that reads La Fleur Parfumée An Expression of Adoration, and is topped with a light blush pink sculpted wax rose. It sits on a white marble tray with a gold wick trimmer and candle snuffer

La Fleur Magnolia, Peach & Orchid ($49) Buy Now

La Fleur Parfumée - An Expression of Adoration™ is a gesture of admiration and appreciation, for yourself and the people  you love. The collection features premium, floral-forward scents crafted into a beautifully sculpted, hand poured wax rose candle. This beautiful luxe candle has top notes of pear, melon, magnolia, peach, mandarin, and bergamot, blended with floral middle notes of jasmine, lily-of-the-valley, tuberose, freesia, rose, orchid, violet and a hint of plum.Base notes of musk, vanilla, blackberry, and cedar provide a rich luxurious foundation for this elegant, timeless fragrance.

A warm gray candle with a white label that reads Be Kind To Your Mind

Be Kind To Your Mind ($36) Buy Now

Mental health is  hugely important to us, so we created this candle to be a friendly reminder to stop and take some me-time. We incorporated bergamot as in aromatherapy it is considered to hold qualities that uplift, energize and even improve mood. Top notes of bright bergamot and delicate geranium, mix with middle notes of fruity-floral  rose, violet and raspberry, that rest on a base of exotic saffron, leather, and vetiver.

Candier Yo I Can't Adult Today fragranced soy wax fruit loop candle

Yo I Can’t Adult Today ($36) Buy Now

When we said we use “ingredients in totally different ways”, we weren’t kidding. Our playful, irreverent and best selling candle Yo I Can’t Adult Today uses bergamot in a totally unexpected way –by creating an elevated interpretation of yummy fruit loops cereal. 

Try It For Yourself!

Visit our store now to discover why Business Insider called us one of the "best candle brands of 2024".Explore Candier's range of candles to find the perfect way to incorporate bergamot into your
 home fragrancing. Whether you're looking for a self love mood lift, a revitalizing staycation, or a gift for that special person in your life, we've got the perfect scent for every
 chapter of your life. Stop by our online store and discover your signature scent and symbol of self-expression today!

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