Aromatisuus

Aromatisuus is a term used in perfumery and sensory science to describe the perceived unity and integrated character of an aromatic profile. Rather than focusing on individual notes, aromatisuus denotes the overall impression of harmony, balance, and dynamic evolution of a scent over time.

Origin and usage: The term is a neologism that appeared in English-language perfumery literature in the late 20th century, often in discussions of fragrance design philosophy. It is not a formal chemical class, but a perceptual category.

Characteristics: Aromatisuus encompasses how top, heart, and base notes interact, including masking effects, synergistic interactions, and the influence of volatility and diffusion. It is typically evaluated by sensory panels and consumer studies rather than by standard chemical assays.

Applications: In product development, aromatisuus guides decisions about note selection, concentration, and aging; in flavor and culinary contexts, it informs aroma-enhanced pairings and texture perception through aroma compounds.

Critique: Because it rests on subjective perception, aromatisuus lacks widely accepted metrics and can overlap with related concepts such as fragrance complexity or the ensemble effect. Proponents emphasize its usefulness for communicating perceptual goals to developers and marketers.

See also: Fragrance, Perfume, Olfaction, Aroma compound, Scent profile, Flavor chemistry.