Sumac

About

Sumac smells of sun‑dried red berries — tart, lemony‑acidic and cranberry‑like — with an underlying green, slightly astringent tannin and a faint smoky‑resinous, mildly peppery edge. It evokes Mediterranean markets, dried spice sacks and a bright, savory sourness rather than a jammy fruitiness. Perfumers use sumac as a bright top‑to‑middle note to introduce sharp, savory-acidic sparkle and dry green bite, cutting through sweetness and enlivening citrus, fruity, herbal or leather accords while adding a rustic, tangy counterpoint to woods and ambers.

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