The Story
Why it exists.
The beginning
Santalum Aurum was created by Russell Weiss and released in 2024 by Deep Field Perfumes, a Chicago fragrance house. Its name points directly to sandalwood, the material at the center of the composition. The reference lists Australian, New Caledonian, and Indian sandalwood, joined by vanilla absolute, ambrette, poplar, and myrrh. Rather than treating sandalwood as a simple base note, Weiss builds around its creamy woodiness with sweet resin, powdery facets, and a mineral-botanical edge. The result is a woody-sweet perfume oil with a different texture from the usual polished sandalwood formula. As the fragrance opens, the different sandalwoods settle into one another, forming a broad, soft wood accord. Vanilla lends a rounded sweetness, while ambrette adds a subtle skin-like softness.
The composition's interest lies in contrast. Multiple sandalwoods create a broad, velvety foundation, while vanilla absolute and ambrette bring sweetness and a soft musky haze. Poplar bud absolute adds a pale, aromatic-green flicker, and myrrh introduces resinous depth. Poplar contributes a light vegetal accent that keeps the heart from becoming too plush or uniform. Together, the woods, vanilla, ambrette, poplar, and myrrh form an intimate center: creamy and sweet, but balanced by a restrained aromatic quality.
The evolution
On skin, Santalum Aurum begins with a soft aromatic impression before the sandalwoods and ambrette gather into a creamy, musky center. Vanilla absolute gives that middle a rounded sweetness, while myrrh keeps it from reading like dessert. Poplar contributes a fleeting leafy lift and a faint powdery texture, almost like light through curtains. As the hours pass, the composition moves toward its woody amber register. The sandalwood remains the steady anchor, while vanilla and resinous materials settle closer to the skin. The initial brightness softens gradually, revealing a warm blend of smooth wood, gentle sweetness, and subtle resin. On dry skin, the opening feels airy and close, then gains body as the sandalwoods and vanilla become more apparent. The finish is rounded and polished, with ambrette leaving a soft musky trace and poplar receding into the background.
Cultural impact
Santalum Aurum fits Deep Field's quiet naturalist register: an intimate, botanical perfume designed for slow attention rather than loud performance. Its natural-material focus and unisex presentation give it a contemplative character, centered on the tactile qualities of sandalwood, vanilla, ambrette, poplar, and myrrh. The fragrance rewards repeated wear, revealing how creamy wood, rounded sweetness, pale greenery, and resinous depth shift across the skin over time.
The House
Deep Field PerfumesDeep Field Aromatics creates small‑batch, botanical perfumes that aim to translate natural landscapes into scent. Based in Chicago, the house works with indie perfumer Russell Weiss to blend raw extracts, wild‑harvested botanicals and traditional techniques. Each fragrance arrives in a minimalist bottle that invites quiet exploration, positioning the brand as a quiet alternative to mass‑market offerings.
The Creator
Russell WeissRussell favors natural extracts, often beginning with a single botanical anchor such as sage, cedar, or wild thyme. He builds around that core with supporting herbs, resins, and modest touches of citrus or spice.
