The note of Ironwood presents a profound, unyielding woody character, often described as bone-dry, dense, and remarkably steadfast. Its initial impression is one of stark, almost austere linearity, reminiscent of ancient, petrified timber or the rugged bark of an impossibly old tree. There's an inherent coolness to it, a mineralic whisper that suggests cold stone or a faint metallic sheen, but without sharpness. It possesses a textural quality that feels akin to aged, polished wood grain under the fingertips – smooth yet deeply textured. The intensity is substantial, commanding attention without being overtly loud; it projects with a quiet authority. Its evolution is slow and deliberate, settling into a deep, unwavering woody foundation. As a base note, it grants extraordinary longevity and acts as an anchor, grounding more volatile components. It lacks the typical sweetness or resinous warmth of other woods, opting instead for a stoic, almost unadorned elegance that can sometimes hint at a leathery, smoky, or even a subtly rooty earthiness, entirely devoid of anything overtly green or fresh.