Creating A Cognac-Infused Cologne At Home

Creating your own cologne is a fun and rewarding process that allows you to develop a signature scent that's uniquely yours. In this guide, we'll be exploring the art of infusing DIY cologne with cognac to add a touch of sophistication and complexity to your fragrance. Whether you're a novice or an experienced perfumer, infusing cologne with cognac can elevate your scent to the next level. So, let's dive into the world of fragrance creation and discover the secrets of infusing cologne with cognac.

Choosing the right cigar

Walking into a cigar lounge for the first time can be a daunting experience, with a wide variety of cigars to choose from. Here are some tips to help you choose the right cigar:

• Ask the experts: Don't be afraid to ask the staff at the cigar lounge for help. They are knowledgeable about different cigars and can guide you based on your preferences.
• Start with a smooth cigar: If you are new to cigar smoking, choose something smooth and not too harsh. Medium- to light-bodied cigars are best for beginners. A darker wrapper usually indicates a fuller body, so opt for a lighter wrapper.
• Consider the size: Bigger cigars don't necessarily mean better flavour. The size of a cigar mainly affects how long it takes to smoke. As a beginner, start with a smaller cigar that takes less time to smoke, and work your way up.
• Check the quality: Inspect the cigar for any lumps, soft spots, or damage. Roll it gently between your fingers to check for an even filling. The wrapper should be tight, smooth, and undamaged, and the tobacco should have minimal colour variation.
• Experiment with flavours: Cigars are crafted with tobacco from different countries, and the location where the tobacco is grown will influence its flavour. Experiment with different brands and flavours to find your preference.
• Don't buy cheap cigars: Cheap cigars often use short filler, which is tobacco leaves shredded into small pieces for easier machine processing. For your first cigar, opt for a hand-rolled cigar to ensure a superior experience.
• Pair it with a drink: Consider pairing your cigar with a drink like wine or whiskey. For instance, a cigar with a ring gauge of 36-45 goes well with whiskey and provides a medium to long smoke.

Infuse or dip your cigar

Infusing or dipping your cigar in alcohol is a timeless tradition. It is rooted in adding moisture to cigars that have dried out, which would otherwise lose their natural oils, burn quicker, and taste stale and bitter.

There are two main methods for infusing cigars with alcohol: dipping and infusing.

Dipping

Dipping cigars in alcohol is a popular way to add a unique flavour to your cigar. It is also convenient for cigar aficionados who enjoy a glass of their favourite spirit with their cigar. The most common spirits used for dipping cigars include wine, sambuca, whiskey, and cognac.

To dip your cigar, simply dip the end of your cigar in a glass of your chosen spirit before lighting it. However, cigar experts advise against dipping cigars, as too much moisture can negatively impact the draw of the cigar, and cause issues with lighting.

Infusing

Infusing cigars with alcohol is a longer process that involves placing cigars in an airtight container with a small amount of alcohol for several weeks. This method avoids the lighting issues that can occur with dipping, while still imparting flavour to the cigar.

• Remove any cellophane wrapping from your cigars.
• Place 4-6 cigars in a plastic Tupperware container.
• Fill a shot glass halfway with your chosen spirit or extract and place it inside the Tupperware container with the cigars. Common choices for infusing include whiskey, cognac, brandy, and rum.
• Seal the container tightly and store it at room temperature, out of direct sunlight.
• Check the liquid level in the shot glass regularly and refill as needed.
• Leave the cigars to infuse for 6-8 weeks.

It is recommended to use a separate container for infusing cigars, as the flavours will be transferred to any non-infused cigars stored in the same container.

Whether you choose to dip or infuse your cigar, always enjoy responsibly!

Selecting your ingredients

Alcohol Base

The alcohol is a crucial component of your cologne as it helps to dilute the essential oils and make them suitable for use on the skin. It also helps to disperse the oils and makes the scent last longer. You can use perfumer's alcohol, vodka, or rum as your alcohol base. Vodka has a less strong scent, making it a good choice for spring and summer fragrances. On the other hand, rum adds a warmer tone, perfect for colder months. If you want to add a unique twist to your cologne, you can try ageing your alcohol in a vintage cognac barrel to give it a captivating edge.

Essential Oils

When selecting essential oils, you can choose from a variety of scents to create your desired fragrance profile. If you prefer woody and grounding scents, you might opt for cedarwood. For romantic and floral fragrances, jasmine, rose, and ylang-ylang are excellent choices. To create a masculine scent, you can combine citrus oils such as lime and bergamot with sweet and woody bay essential oil. For a unique twist, you can also try using fruit or flower extracts in your cologne. Keep in mind that the final scent will likely be more muted than the individual scents of the essential oils.

Glycerin

Glycerin, such as vegetable oil, is an important ingredient as it adds longevity to your cologne and helps it stick to your skin. It acts as an emulsifier, helping the essential oils mix with the alcohol.

Water

Distilled water is necessary to dilute your cologne and reduce the intensity of the scent. This is especially important if you are sensitive to alcohol.

Dried Flowers or Spices

If you want to get creative, you can add dried flowers or spices to your cologne. For example, cinnamon and nutmeg can enhance the smoky intensity of your fragrance. You can also experiment with other spices such as cloves or saffron to add unique aromatic notes to your cologne.

Blending essential oils

There are a few different approaches to blending essential oils. One common method is to use the traditional top, middle, and base note approach. Top notes are the first thing you will smell in a composition, middle notes appear once the top note dries down, and base notes are the fragrance's foundation. Fragrance is all about ratios, and the basic pyramid accord recommends 60% base notes, 30% middle notes, and 10% top notes. However, you can adjust these ratios to create the desired profile you are trying to achieve. For example, one source suggests a ratio of 20% base, 50% middle, and 30% top notes.

Another approach to blending is to use an oil's blending factor or the strength of its scent. To calculate how many drops of each oil to use, add up the blending factors of the oils you want to use, then divide each oil's blending factor by that total and multiply by the total number of drops needed. For example, if you are making a perfume with 10 drops and want to use lime (blending factor 3), jasmine (blending factor 1), and bergamot (blending factor 7), you would add 3/11 (27%) of 10 drops, or 2.7 drops of lime.

When choosing essential oils to blend, it is important to remember that not all notes go together, so there will be some trial and error. However, some essential oils blend well with others. For example, base notes like sandalwood, tonka bean, violet leaf, and vanilla blend well with middle notes like geranium, ylang-ylang, rose, and lotus flower. Top notes like lavender, neroli, magnolia, and mandarin can be added to this formula.

It is also important to consider the type of scent you want to create. For example, if you want a woody, slightly sweet scent, you might choose cedarwood. If you prefer romantic florals, you might opt for jasmine, rose, or ylang-ylang. Remember that whatever scent you select will be diluted and blended, so the final result will likely be more muted than the first whiff of the individual scent.

Once you have selected your essential oils and determined the appropriate ratios, it is time to start blending. Add a few oils one by one and start mixing. It is recommended to use no more than 30 drops total, and if one scent is much stronger than the rest, use less. After you have created your desired formula, add two ounces of alcohol.

After blending, your cologne will need time to compose. Let the fragrance brew and sit for at least 48 hours, and consider refrigerating for two weeks. Then, shake it up so that the molecules can mix.

Finally, your cologne needs to be diluted. In a spray bottle, add two tablespoons of distilled water and five drops of glycerin. Slowly and carefully swirl your cologne mixture into the bottle. And just like that, you've created your own signature scent!

Storing your cologne

Choose the Right Storage Space:

• Keep your cologne in a dark, dry place away from direct sunlight. Sunlight can damage the bottle and its contents, so a closet or drawer is ideal.
• Find a storage area with consistent temperatures, avoiding extreme heat or cold. Stay away from the kitchen or bathroom, as these areas experience temperature fluctuations.
• Humidity can negatively impact your cologne, so avoid humid areas. If possible, store your cologne in a room with a dehumidifier.
• The refrigerator can be an option, but only if it's not too cold. Very cold temperatures can damage the cologne.

Select the Right Storage Container:

• Keep your cologne in its original bottle if it is attractive and airtight. Storing it on a shelf or tray can also showcase the bottle.
• Store your cologne in boxes to provide extra protection from heat and sunlight. Place the bottles in boxes before putting them in a closet or on a shelf.
• Invest in travel containers if you plan to travel with your cologne. Transferring it to smaller bottles can be safer than carrying a large, expensive bottle.

Prevent Damage:

• Always keep the cap on the bottle tightly sealed when not in use. Minimising exposure to air helps preserve the scent.
• Avoid shaking the cologne bottle unless specifically instructed to do so before use. Shaking can introduce excess air and be harmful.
• Limit the use of applicators, as they can introduce bacteria and oils into the bottle. Disposable applicators are a better option.
• Keep fragile bottles off high shelves to prevent them from falling and shattering. Store them in lower, safer places.

Frequently asked questions