Sweet, dry, and rich with a delicate spiciness, this extract delivers the scent of new-mown hay, Marzipan (Bitter Almond), Vanilla, tobacco and Caramel with tenacity and determination.

Tonka bean and its extracts find extensive use in gourmand food preparation, as flavouring agents in tobacco products and are popular ingredients in both mainstream and artisan perfumery. Tonka has also seen a relatively modern use as an incense ingredient.

Tonka bean and its extracts find extensive use in gourmand food preparation, as flavouring agents in tobacco products and are popular ingredients in both mainstream and artisan perfumery. Tonka has also found a relatively modern use as an incense ingredient.

The Tonka Bean extract can be applied to the skin directly as a personal perfume and lingers through a long delicious dry-down, projecting itself seductively. Like Vanilla, Tonka is often used as an ingredient in Amber accords and as a fixative in perfume compositions. It blends well with and compliments most other aromatic materials and extends the longevity of perfume blends by anchoring more fleeting notes.

I produced this batch at a ratio of 1 part powdered Tonka beans to 2 parts 95% alcohol and macerated it with warmth for four months. It is a gorgeous representation of the magic and allure of Tonka.

Though Tonka beans have been banned as a food additive in the USA for decades due to their Coumarin content, internationally, it is accepted that unless consumed in significant quantities, there is a negligible risk of adverse effects from the Coumarin contained in the beans. Coumarin is the base material from which the blood thinner Coumadin was synthesized initially.

Tonka Beans are used in Western magical traditions when creating spells, charms and philtres to attract love, money, sex and prosperity. It does make sense that anything that smells so good you must go back for a deeper inhalation is a perfect symbolic attractant. And you will indeed return to inhale this Tonka extract’s heavenly aroma. Over and over.

An Absolute can be made from Tonka Bean extract by evaporating the alcohol gently in a shallow dish, covered with a cloth for a few days. This is best done somewhere warmish with good air circulation, like the top of the fridge.

 

Dan