Taif rose is especially prized in perfumery, beloved for its deep fragrance – which is even more intense than the better-known Damask rose to which it’s related. It also gives hints of tea alongside the soft powderiness.
Taif roses have 30 petals and grow around the city of Taif in western Saudi Arabia, not far from Mecca. The city’s 2000 metres above sea level, and the cooler temperature may be partly responsible for how well it flourishes there, under the control of just five local families. As with all roses, it’s important to harvest Taif roses early in the morning, before the heat of the day destroys the precious essential oils. The attar of roses which is produced is powerful and expensive – and no wonder: it takes around 40,000 rose flowers to produce one 10 g bottle of rose attar.
Smell Taif rose in:
Bella Bellissima Arabian Rose
Caron Or et Noir
Givenchy Very Irresistible
Guerlain La Petite Robe Noire
Jimmy Choo Eau de Toilette
Ormonde Jayme Ta’if
Photo with thanks to Perris Monte Carlo
