Synthetics
Benzyl isovalerate smells like a sweet, fruity, and floral modifier that is often used in food flavorings.
Mosciano, Gerard P&F 20, No. 1, 31, (1995): Sweet, fruity and slightly powdery with a musty background
Luebke, William tgsc, (1987): Sweet fruity apple pineapple herbal
Fraterworks: Benzyl isovalerate is a heavy floral and fruity material which lacks the penetrating sweetness of its more famous cousin benzyl acetate. it is well suited to oriental fragrances and is a wonderful addition to rich florals, in particular jasmine.
Nuances of sour milk with a vague hint of emesis belies its true nature as an ester of butyric acid. however, despite the unpleasant associations of that acid, benzyl isovalerate has the positive effect of adding naturalness to fruit and gourmand accords and fragrances (especially apple and pineapple).
Benzyl isovalerate excels in doses below 1% and blends exceedingly well with ylang ylang, dimethyl benzyl carbinyl butyrate, cis 3 hexenol and its esters, benzyl acetate and most fruit materials. try it with a touch of benzoin resinoid in an oriental scent.
SRS Aromatics: Sweet, fruity, apple, pineapple, herbal