This goat is coated with labdanum resin because he grazes on hillsides covered in the fragrant plant. Photo by Dimitris Nykarsis

Basenotes, one of the most popular and longest-lasting perfume forums on the Internet, is hosting a five-part series on Animal Essences in Perfumery. I invited four other perfumers to write about their take on this controversial subject. I think you’ll be surprised, as I was, at the different topics they chose. The series launched on Wednesday, Nov. 12, with my contribution, and I’ll post the links to all of them as they are published. Enjoy!

http://www.basenotes.net/content/1718-The-Essence-of-Animals-How-Perfume-Got-Its-Stank-On

http://www.basenotes.net/content/1855-Tri-dimensional-and-Spiritual-Perfumes

http://www.basenotes.net/content/1856-The-Lure-and-Licensing-of-Using-Natural-Animal-Extracts