Clove

Clove (steam-distilled from Syzygium aromaticum buds) is dominated by eugenol — the same molecule that defines carnation, cinnamon leaf, and many 'dental' aromas. It's hot, sweet, and almost burning in concentration, and it's the structural backbone of every carnation accord (carnation is essentially clove + rose + ionone). Clove is also a fixative: it extends florals and gives them 'clove-carnation' depth. It's the heart of Paco Rabanne Calandre, many classic chypres, and the spicy opening of Opium.