Benzoin - Reconstitution

Benzoin Sumatra, also known as Sumatra Benzoin, is a natural balsamic resin exuded from the small tree Styrax benzoin, commonly found in Sumatra and Malaya.

The resin is produced through deliberate incisions made in the trunk of the tree, either through the bark or after peeling off spots of bark. This viscous balsamic substance is a pathologic material that flows out and solidifies upon contact with air. The gum-resin is collected from these incisions and from the base of the trunk where significant quantities accumulate.

There are several grades of Sumatra Benzoin:

1. Almond Grade:

  • Considered the most suitable for perfumery purposes.
  • Comprised mainly of white or cream-colored brittle pieces, resembling almonds.
  • Yields a very pale-colored resinoid or tincture.
  • Contains about 90% or more alcohol-soluble matter.

2. Other Grades:

  • Consist of solid masses or dark blocks of gray or brown-gray, uneven lumps.
  • Contain varying amounts of dirt, sand, wood splinters, etc.
  • Lower grades like "Palembang" and "Penang" have harsher odor profiles and are darker, reddish-brown in color.

Sumatra Benzoin consists mainly of cinnamates (esters) of coniferyl alcohol, cinnamyl alcohol, benzoresinol, phenylpropyl alcohol, among other compounds. This differs from Siam Benzoin, which primarily consists of benzoates.

- Lower Grades: Have odor characteristics similar to Styrax, featuring a more harsh fragrance compared to the "Almond" grade.

- Volatile Constituents: The amount of essential oil or volatile components in Sumatra Benzoin is negligible, and an essential oil form is not commercially available.

- Cost: Sumatra Benzoin is a low-cost and readily available raw material, often used as a replacement for the more expensive Siam Benzoin.

From a perfumer’s perspective, Sumatra and Siam Benzoin are distinct and should not be considered interchangeable. Sumatra Benzoin, due to its harsher and darker notes, is used in different applications compared to the more delicate fragrances where Siam Benzoin is preferred.

Benzoin Sumatra is ideal for perfumes that benefit from a stronger, more robust balsamic base. Such as hyacinth and new-mown hay, where a strong counterbalance to the floral notes is desirable.