Absolutes

Absolutes are highly concentrated aromatic essence from plants perceived to be too fragile for the traditional method of steam distillation. The multi-step extraction process includes first extracting the aromatic essence from the plant material with an organic solvent. After the solvent is removed what is left behind is a waxy substance called a concrete. The aromatic oils are then extracted from the concrete using ethyl alcohol, and after the alcohol is removed via vacuum distillation, the remaining substance is an Absolute - the most concentrated form of fragrance and highly regarded in natural perfumery.