What is Linalool? Using Linalool in Beverage Formulations

Learn more about Linalool and how you can use this floral terpene isolate in your beverage formulations today!

Love the relaxing aroma of lavender? Interested in adding a uniquely floral and delicately citrus flavor to your beverages? Then you should definitely check out Linalool!

What exactly is Linalool? Even if you think you don’t know much about Linalool, you probably know more than you think. Linalool is a terpene found commonly in nature, and if you’ve enjoyed the aroma of roses, lavender, and even some hops, then you’ve experienced this terpene isolate. 

Read on and learn more about this unique compound and how brewers are incorporating Linalool into their beverage formulations.

What is Linalool?

It might be a tongue twister, but this terpene has one of the most identified aromas of all terpenes. 

Admirers of fine herbs might not even realize that this pleasant odor is already known to them. It’s the signature scent of a number of well-known aromas and cosmetic ranges, and you’ll find it in many products designed to promote “relaxation” or a sense of “calm.”

Linalool is both a monoterpene alcohol and a colorless liquid. It’s a terpene that is found in a wide range of botanicals from lavender and roses to tangerines and ylang-ylang. It’s so widespread, you can find it in upwards of 200 plants, including:  

• Lamiaceae (lavender, mints, scented herbs)
• Lauraceae (laurels, cinnamon, rosewood)
• Rutaceae (citrus fruits)
• Birch trees

At first sniff, Linalool has a floral and slightly sweet scent. It also contains a hint of mint, it’s very reminiscent of lavender, and you may also pick up on slight citrus notes. Considering its sources, this isn’t all that surprising!

What are the Uses of Linalool?

Traditional folk medicine practices have long been using Linalool-dominant plants for their supposed wellness properties, but today you’ll find Linalool and Linalool-dominant botanicals in a vast number of CPG products.

Its pleasant aroma makes it useful as a fragrance or flavor ingredient. From perfumes and cosmetics to the wide range of personal care products like lotions and shampoos, there’s a LOT of Linalool around. According to Introspective Market Research, the soaps and cleaning category was the largest user of Linalool in 2023. ¹

Food and beverage products can also use Linalool! From baked goods to various beverage types, Linalool can help infuse products with its unique aroma and flavor. 

Part of the increased use of Linalool is the consumer interest in more natural ingredients. “The most significant phenomenon in consumer’s choice is the demand for free of toxic chemicals and the use of natural materials, especially in production of personal care and foods.” 

So, while there are synthetic versions of Linalool, manufacturers who want to meet clean label demands are opting for Linalool from natural sources.

Chemical Properties of Linalool

Linalool exists in two different forms: R-linalool and S-linalool. R-linalool is also known as licareol and S-linalool is also known as coriandrol. They are optically active isomers of each other and are known as enantiomers. They have slight differences in their chemical properties and have slightly different aromas.

Other Names of Linalool

B-linalool, linaloyl oxide, linalyl alcohol, p-linalool, 3,7-dimethyl-1,6-octadien-3-ol, allo-ocimenol.

Terpene Blends High in Linalool

Interested in taking advantage of all that Linalool has to offer? Then consider using a terpene profile or blend that’s already infused with Linalool. There are a variety of options available, including:

• Quantum Series: CIT

You might not immediately think Linalool, but it plays an important role! Known for unique tropical citrus flavors and aromas, Citra® is one of the most popular hop varieties in all of craft beer. Our hop derived CIT profile captures all its balanced, spicy woodiness and complex medley of citrus.

• Quantum Series: VIS

Vic Secret™ is a lively balance of herbaceous pine and bright fruits like pineapple and passionfruit, and that’s what you’ll get in this advanced hop product. Taste all the juicy tropical flavors of this Australian variety in Linalool-fueled VIS.

• BrewGas: Sour Tangie

The TTB-approved BrewGas Series lets you brew with all the flavors and aromas of cannabis, without the cannabis. Linalool-dominant Sour Tangie lets brewers infuse ANY beverage with citrus-forward sweet and sour as well as dank, earthy diesel.

• AI Terp Effects: Relaxed

Our AI Terp Effects are optimized for one specific mood effect, and Relaxed is all about… well, relaxing! Dominant in Linalool, this blend gives beverage makers a laser-focused approach to formulate predictable, repeatable, and scalable effects.

Abstrax | Formulate Bevs with Linalool-Fueled Flavors!

At Abstrax, we provide novel solutions for beverage manufacturers looking to streamline, innovate, and gain a competitive edge. With our knowledge, technology, and extensive resources, we craft our collections to make it easier than ever to add the exact flavors and aromas you want to ANY beverage formulation. 

Contact us for a free consultation, and we’ll work with you to develop the right flavor solutions for your beverages.

1. Linalool Market Industry Analysis [Report]. Introspective Market Research. (2024, November). https://introspectivemarketresearch.com/reports/linalool-market/#:~:text=Market%20Size%20in%202023:,USD%201%2C158.81%20Bn