psy_cou – Eau de Parfum

nomenclature - PSY_COU - Eau de Parfum

Coumarin was the first molecule to liberate perfumers from traditional fragrances and take them in a new, modern direction. First introduced in the seminal Fougère Royale of 1882, it marked the beginning of a new era of artistic innovation. The name comes from Tupi, an Amazonian language, and means 'tonka bean tree'. Coumarin is not only the source of modern perfumery, it is still a key element in the fragrance industry.

The Scent: Primal Modernity This name refers to a concept that combines traditional, natural scents with modern, artificial notes to create a unique olfactory experience. This fragrance combines classic elements such as wood, moschus or resin with contemporary chemical ingredients to create both a timeless and modern feel. The basic idea is to capture nature in a form that harmonises with today's technological and urban world, making the fragrance both original and contemporary. This type of fragrance could particularly appeal to those who seek a deeper connection with nature, but at the same time appreciate the complexity of modern life. To reinterpret coumarin and capture its authentic modernity in PSY_COU, perfumer Frank Voelkl had to free it from its sweet fixation in order to reveal its true essence. Instead of emphasising the mandel-like aroma, he focused on the scent of freshly cut hay. This is complemented by cool, sparkling juniper berries and kardamom, as well as creamy Palo Santo wood, used in Ecuadorian rituals. Next, vibrant safran ignites a fire that unleashes searing nuances of coffee, incense and oud to reveal PSY_COU's darkest instincts. This interplay of shadow and light reveals the deep complexity of a fragrance composition.

"Kardamom SFE" refers to kardamom processed using a special extraction process called "Supercritical Fluid Extraction" (SFE). This process uses supercritical carbon dioxide (CO2) to extract the flavours and active ingredients from the kardamom. Compared to traditional extraction with water or alcohol, SFE technology allows for a more efficient extraction without the use of high temperatures, thus better preserving the natural flavours and oils. The result is a very pure and intense cardamom flavour.

Frank Voelkl, a German perfumer living in New York, is the epitome of a true cosmopolitan. Raised in Holland and France, he originally toyed with the idea of a career in diplomacy. It was the natural scents of his grandfather's farm in Germany that first awakened his fascination with aromas. During his teenage years in Paris, he deepened his passion for perfume by exploring a perfumery on the Rue de Rivoli. But it was his wife's birthplace in Tahiti, which inspired him to create his first Chantecaille fragrance, Tiara, in 1997. Joining Firmenich in 2005, Voelkl's approach to fragrance composition is artistic and intuitive, interpreting scents as colours, melodies and musical movements. In his creations, he strives for "perfect imperfection", believing that it is imperfection that evokes beauty and emotion. For Nomenclature, he created the fragrances "adr_ett" and "efflo_esce".

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