30ml
30ml
OLYMPIC ORCHIDS
WOODCUT
Extrait De Parfum
Unisex
Sizes
Starting
$65
Description
Woodcut by Olympic Orchids is a distinctive oriental woody fragrance, launched in 2014, that truly captures the essence of freshly cut timber. It opens with a vivid, almost photorealistic aroma of pine and cedar, reminiscent of a bustling woodworking shop or a forest after a storm. As it develops, the scent deepens with rich oakwood and resinous tolu balsam and olibanum, adding a sophisticated warmth. The dry down introduces a comforting sweetness of caramel, burnt sugar, and vanilla, which beautifully balances the raw woodiness, creating a unique and evolving experience on the skin. This fragrance notably won the 2015 Art and Olfaction Award in the artisan category. Perfumer: Ellen Covey
Scent Profile
Woody
Oriental
Sweet
Smoky
Resinous
Notes
Top Notes
Pine
CedarMiddle Notes
Oakwood Absolute
Tolu BalsamOlibanum
Base Notes
CaramelBurnt Sugar
VanillaAbout OLYMPIC ORCHIDS
Olympic Orchids Perfumes, founded by Dr. Ellen Covey in 2010 as an extension of her 2006 orchid nursery, specializes in handcrafted parfum extraits (20-30% concentration) using pure essential oils, absolutes, tinctures, and high-end synthetics for exceptional longevity and originality. The brand's philosophy emphasizes affordable, evocative fragrances with character—ranging from vintage florals and orchid-inspired scents to experimental concepts—earning multiple awards like the Institute for Art and Olfaction Independent Fragrance of the Year for Woodcut and Zoologist Bat. Its motto, 'extraordinary perfumes for extraordinary people,' reflects a personal, artisan approach targeting discerning consumers seeking unique, high-quality niche perfumes without animal testing or phthalates.
Perfumer
Ellen Covey
Ellen Covey is an American neurobiologist, professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of Washington, and founder of Olympic Orchids Artisan Perfumes, which she launched in 2010 after starting as an orchid nursery in 2006. Born in 1947 in Elmhurst, Illinois, she had a multicultural upbringing moving across Europe and earned advanced degrees in Biology from the University of Texas and Chemical Senses from Duke University, informing her unique scientific approach to perfumery. Her notable fragrances include Woodcut, winner of the 2015 Art & Olfaction Award Artisan prize, and Bat for Zoologist Perfumes, which won the 2016 Independent prize and was re-released by her as Night Flyer.
Reviews
5.0
Excellent5 reviews
Ministry of Scent
5.0/5 • 5 reviews
Community Insights
Reviewers consistently praise Woodcut for its incredibly authentic and photorealistic depiction of freshly cut wood and sawdust, often evoking memories of wood shops or Christmas trees. The initial sharp woodiness mellows into a warm, sweet, and resinous scent, with the caramel and vanilla notes providing a comforting gourmand touch that many find appealing. While some appreciate the sweetness, others find it a bit too prominent.
Pros
Performance excellence: Many reviewers note its impressive longevity, often lasting well into the next day, and good projection that creates a noticeable scent bubble.
Versatile appeal: It's frequently mentioned as an ideal winter signature scent, offering warmth and comfort, and is considered a versatile choice for those who enjoy woody fragrances.
Quality composition: The blend is highly regarded for its realistic wood notes and how well the sweet and resinous elements are integrated, preventing it from smelling like a novelty.
Cons
Specific limitation: Some individuals find the heavy caramel sweetness polarizing or a bit too much, especially if they prefer a drier, less gourmand wood scent.
Situational drawback: The initial intensity can be quite sharp for some, and the dry down might lean too 'sawdusty' for those who prefer smoother woody profiles.
Comparisons
Reminds reviewers of a woodworking shop: The scent is often likened to walking into a dad's wood shop or the smell of fresh lumber being cut.
Similar to Christmas tree memories: Many find it evokes nostalgic feelings of picking out and cutting down a Christmas tree.
Often mentioned alongside: Fragrances like Tauer Perfumes 02 L'Air du Desert Marocain, Serge Lutens Chergui, and Maison Martin Margiela By the Fireplace are sometimes brought up in discussions, suggesting a shared appeal for warm, woody, or smoky profiles.
Vibe & Emotions
Comforting: It's described as a warm, inviting, and comfortable scent, perfect for cozying up.
Nostalgic: The fragrance frequently triggers childhood memories and a sense of lived-in familiarity.
Evocative: Reviewers find it deeply evocative, conjuring vivid images and feelings related to nature and craftsmanship.
Similar Products
Fragrance marketplace for the scent-obsessed.