Natural Hickory Smoke Flavor (CAS 74113-74-9) — Woody Base Note Fragrance Ingredient
Natural Hickory Smoke Flavor
CAS 74113-74-9
What Is Natural Hickory Smoke Flavor?
Natural Hickory Smoke Flavor is a concentrated essence derived from hickory wood smoke, commonly used in barbecue sauces, smoked meats, and savory snacks. It captures the deep, woody aroma of traditional smoking methods. This ingredient matters because it provides authentic smoky notes without actual smoking processes, making it valuable for consistent flavoring in food products while reducing carcinogenic compounds associated with traditional smoking.
Safety Profile
USE WITH AWARENESSWhat Does Natural Hickory Smoke Flavor Smell Like?
Natural Hickory Smoke Flavor delivers an intense, campfire-like smokiness with a sweet woody backbone. The initial burst is sharp and charred, reminiscent of burning hickory logs, which mellows into a rounded, bacon-like savoriness. Dry-down reveals subtle nuances of caramelized sugars and a lingering barbecue pit character. The overall profile is robust, with a slightly medicinal edge that distinguishes it from milder smoke flavors.
In Famous Fragrances
Fragrance associations may not reflect actual formulations.
Used to recreate the nostalgic scent of burning wood, blending with vanilla and chestnut for a cozy winter ambiance.
Provides a smoky, peaty whiskey-barrel effect alongside vetiver and oakmoss in this bold masculine fragrance.
Hickory smoke adds dark, resinous depth to the oud and cannabis accord, creating a mysterious incense-like effect.
Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide
The Chemistry
Natural Hickory Smoke Flavor is a complex mixture of volatile compounds produced by pyrolysis of hickory wood, including guaiacol, syringol, and various phenolic derivatives. These compounds form when lignin and cellulose break down under controlled combustion. The flavor is typically captured by condensing smoke in water or adsorbing it onto carrier oils. Unlike synthetic smoke flavors, it retains hundreds of trace constituents that contribute to its authenticity.
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Appearance | Dark brown liquid |
|---|---|
| Solubility | Soluble in alcohol and oils |
Perfumer Guide
| Application | Typical % | Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fine Fragrance | 0.1-0.5% | Up to 1% | Used sparingly for smoky accents |
| Home Fragrance | 0.5-2% | Up to 3% | Creates fireplace/campfire effects |
| Food Flavoring | 0.01-0.1% | Up to 0.5% | Provides authentic smoke notes |
Classic Accords
Tip: Balance with sweet or balsamic materials to prevent harshness – try 1:3 ratio with benzoin or vanilla.
Alternatives & Comparisons
More medicinal and less sweet than hickory smoke, preferred for leather accords.
Offers smoother smokiness without the charred notes, suitable for finer perfumery.
Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability
⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer
General reference only. Consult current IFRA Standards Library before formulating.
IFRA Status
No specific IFRA restrictions, but smoke flavors should comply with general guidelines for phenolic compounds.
RIFM Assessment
RIFM has evaluated smoke-derived flavorings but recommends limiting PAH content below 1 ppb.
Sustainability
Hickory smoke flavor is typically produced as a byproduct of sustainable forestry operations. Modern condensation methods significantly reduce environmental impact compared to traditional smoking processes. Some producers use carbon capture technology to minimize atmospheric emissions during production.
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References
- Guillén et al. (2004). Formation of volatile compounds during the pyrolysis of wood. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. DOI: 10.1021/jf0493095
- EFSA Panel on Food Additives (2012). Safety assessment of smoke flavorings. EFSA Journal. DOI: 10.2903/j.efsa.2012.2537
Data: PubChem (NIH), PubMed, RIFM, IFRA. Last reviewed: Apr 2026.
Report a data errorIngredient Data Sheet
CAS 74113-74-9Odor & Flavor
| See above, Hickory.📖 Fenaroli |
Physical data: PubChem (NIH/NLM), U.S. EPA CompTox Dashboard, EPA OPERA models, RDKit. Odor & flavor: Arctander (Perfume & Flavor Chemicals), Fenaroli's Handbook of Flavor Ingredients, Leffingwell. Thresholds: van Gemert (Compilations of Odour Threshold Values). Regulatory: IFRA Standards 51st, FEMA GRAS. Trade names: Surburg (Common Fragrance & Flavor Materials). All data compiled and cross-referenced for perfumertools.com.
