Vetiver is a herbaceous plant of the grass family that grows in the tropics and is produced in Java, Reunion, Haiti, and other places. The roots are used to extract the fragrance, and the dried roots are steam distilled. The scent is classified as a woody note, and is basically the smell of earthy roots with a slight viscous sweetness. Vetiver is also characterized by the fact that its scent varies depending on the place of origin, and high-grade vetiver has a smoky, deep sweetness that is reminiscent of high-quality whiskey or bourbon. It is generally used in large amounts as a base tone in oriental, chypre, and tobacco types, and in small amounts as a modifier in floral types.