The Scents of Kashmir: Saffron, Chinar, Kahwa and Snow
Every place has a smell. Kashmir has several, and they change with the seasons. This is a short journey through them, and how each one finds its way into a bottle.
Autumn: saffron at first light
In late October and November, the plateaus around Pampore turn purple with crocus flowers. Saffron is picked flower by flower in the early morning, and the threads are dried by hand. In perfume, saffron becomes a warm, honeyed, slightly leathery note. It opens MADNO Forever.
Autumn: chinar leaves turning copper
The chinar trees of the Mughal gardens turn red and copper in autumn. Their smell is dry, earthy and woody, the scent of leaves underfoot. Perfumers reach for dry woods, patchouli and oakmoss to capture it.
Every day: kahwa
Kashmiri kahwa is green tea brewed with saffron, cardamom, cinnamon and almonds. It is warm, sweet-spiced and comforting. Cardamom, one of its signature spices, sits in the heart of ALPHA Authentic.
Winter: snow and cold air
A winter morning in Gulmarg smells of almost nothing, and that is the point. Clean, cold, mineral air. In fragrance, this becomes crisp citrus, airy sea notes and clean musk: the opening of ALPHA Authentic.
Spring: orchards in bloom
In spring, the valley's apple, pear and almond orchards flower. The air turns soft, fruity and floral. RARE Amore begins there, with pear blossom and red berries, before opening into gardenia and jasmine.
Dawn on Dal Lake
Mist lifting off the water before the first shikaras. Cool, watery and slightly green. It is the feeling behind every clean, quiet fragrance.
Inspired by, not sourced from
AAPLOO is Kashmir-inspired and made in India. We take our character from the valley; we don't claim our ingredients were grown there. Every note on our boxes is in the composition. Read what each note smells like, or try all three in the Discovery Set.
Frequently asked questions
What is Kashmir famous for in fragrance?
Saffron and rose above all, along with a long tradition of attars. The valley's spices, flowers and woods inspire many modern perfumes.
When is saffron harvested in Kashmir?
The crocus flowers bloom and are harvested in late October and November.
