From a Christmas dinner with all the trimmings to gingerbread and sprouts, whisky experts at Tri Carragh surveyed 2,000 Brits to discover the UK’s favourite winter scent¹.
Tri Carragh’s new study highlights the winter aromas that resonate with the nation the most, and the top ten include:
- Mince pies (57%)
- Christmas dinner with all the tr immings (54%)
- Gingerbread (51%)
- Cinnamon sticks and fir/pine trees (48% each)
- Log fires (47%)
- Freshly fallen snow (crisp, clean air) and roast turkey/beef (41% each)
- Roasted chestnuts (34%)
- Sprouts and box of quality street chocolate (31% each)
- Hot chocolate with marshmallows (30%)
- Clove-studded oranges (21%)
Mince pies, a festive favourite, claim the top spot with 57% of the vote. Filled with raisins, currants, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, these aromas remind Brits of winter the most. Mince pie enthusiast hotspots include Preston (85%), Wolverhampton (75%), Carlisle (73%), and Lincoln (71%). Closely following mince pies is the scent of Christmas dinner with all the trimmings (54%).
Gingerbread secures the third spot in Tri Carragh’s new ranking (51%), a preferred pick for 18-24-year-olds at 62%, with Canterbury residents particularly fond of the smell (83%). Cinnamon sticks and Fir/pine trees come in fourth at 48% each, highlighting the appeal of comforting and fresh scents.
Nearly half of Brits (47%) enjoy the warmth of log fires, indicating that cosy winter evenings are a favourite. Also, 41% like the smell of freshly fallen snow, suggesting a shared love for bundling up and going outside in the fresh, crisp air. In the North East, especially, 54% enjoy heading out in the cold for a walk.
Other winter scents that made it in the top ten include roast turkey/beef (41%), roasted chestnuts (34%), sprouts and a box of quality street chocolate (31% each), hot chocolate with marshmallows (30%), and clove-studded oranges (21%).
Interestingly, whisky is a hit among the 25-34 age group. In Inverness (49%) and Aberdeen (43%), Scots particularly enjoy nosing whisky during winter.
The latest survey by the whisky brand also unveiled the least favoured winter smells among Brits, with Vix/Olbas oil, bread and butter pudding, doughnuts, rain, and jacket potatoes ranking as the least preferred aromas.
Whisky expert Ryan McCafferty says: “Our new survey provides a glimpse into the aromatic preferences of the UK, revealing an interesting list of nostalgic and comforting scents. As whisky specialists, we value the significant role our senses play in crafting unforgettable moments. Just as nosing a Scotch whisky can transport us to specific moments in time, these winter fragrances really embody the spirit of the festive season.”
To learn more about the UK’s favourite winter scents, please visit: https://www.tricarragh.com/favourite-winter-scents/