Cypress and hinoki represent two of the most distinctive expressions of wood in perfumery. While cypress offers a dry, aromatic, resinous, and slightly smoky character evocative of Mediterranean landscapes, hinoki—Japan’s sacred cypress—brings a unique sense of tranquility with its smooth, luminous, and subtly citrusy wood profile. Together, they create accords that are elegant, meditative, and deeply connected to nature.
In this module, led by French perfumer Pierre Bénard, participants will explore the olfactory worlds of cypress and hinoki and discover how perfumers use these materials to create fragrances that feel both grounding and refined. Through guided smelling sessions and practical formulation exercises, participants will learn how aromatic, resinous, and woody facets can be balanced to evoke forests, temples, mountain air, and moments of quiet contemplation.
Through guided smelling and practical formulation exercises, participants will:
- Develop a deeper understanding of the olfactive profiles of cypress and hinoki and their place within woody perfumery.
- Explore the dry, resinous, aromatic, smoky, citrus, and balsamic facets that define these materials.
- Learn how perfumers interpret and reconstruct the distinctive character of hinoki and cypress in fragrance compositions.
- Understand the relationships between woody, coniferous, and aromatic materials in accord construction.
- Create and refine their own cypress and hinoki accord under the guidance of Pierre Bénard.
Ideal for fragrance enthusiasts, students, and aspiring perfumers, this workshop offers a unique opportunity to study two remarkable woods that bridge Eastern and Western fragrance traditions. Participants will gain practical experience in accord creation while developing a deeper appreciation for the artistry and emotional resonance of woody perfumery.
