The note of Valerian is a profound journey into the primal depths of the earth, often described as intensely earthy, rooty, musky, and distinctly animalic, with facets that can lean towards the medicinal, herbaceous, and even a challenging, slightly "cheesy" or "dirty" aroma. It presents as a dense, tenacious, and incredibly potent presence, clinging to the skin with a remarkable longevity. Its texture feels almost thick, resinous, or oily, a dark ochre stain on the olfactory canvas. As a base note, it unfurls slowly, releasing its complex, grounding facets over hours, rather than projecting wildly. It possesses a peculiar warmth that is not sweet or spicy, but rather the warmth of rich, fertile soil and slumbering creatures. While its initial impression can be formidable, careful dilution reveals a nuanced, almost leathery or hay-like character beneath the dominant earthiness. It is rarely a bright or effervescent note, instead preferring to anchor compositions with its profound weight and unique olfactive signature.