The days are starting to get shorter again, and cooler nights creep in as slowly as the changing of the leaves at altitude. As plants begin to ripen on the vine, a new season settles over the countryside. Subtle, yet undeniably present, the arrival of autumn begins to materialize. 

The ripe fruit of an apple represents the seasons nearly coming full circle. A bounty of hand-picked apples represents the nourishment necessary to see us through the impending winter season. Join Drift in welcoming the autumn months ahead with Apple Picking, September’s exclusive Scent of the Month. 

The Tang of Crisp Apple

As you gaze upon the estate of a large apple farm, where the trees are bountiful with fruit, it’s undeniable: autumn will shortly be upon us, even if the true first day of Autumn isn’t for another few weeks. The sagging boughs hang low with fruit not yet picked over by the birds that can’t resist the tang of a ripened apple. Yellow, green, red, and rounded to fit the palm, these crisp apples represent the year’s bounty, ready for harvesting. 

Underneath lies a carpet of dried-out leaves that signals the turn of the season. As much as they break the silence with a crisp crunching, it’s a unique melody that fills the spaces between the roots and limbs of the apple trees. Laughter and the soft gasps of finding another fruit among the variegated leaves play the harmony. 

The backdrop to this iconic autumn scene incorporates autumn air and harvest spice. The first cold breeze of autumn tinges the air with a certain smell the body associates with colder temperatures and the ever-earlier arrival of nightfall. Complex scents that interweave to create harvest spice embody the busy time of year that lies ahead, the anticipation of what’s to come balanced by the many emotions we cycle through near the end of the year.

Autumn Air’s Hidden Promise

Some people say they can smell rain in the air, but the scent of autumn holds more than just the promise of precipitation. There’s a clarity to the air’s sharpness, a striking note of natural elements that hints at the cold weather only a few short months away. At the beginning of autumn, it’s only evident in the early morning hours of the day, but as time goes on, the air holds onto the fragrance. 

The hidden promise of autumn air unfolds as the world prepares once more to complete the eternal circle of life. What was once blooming and beautiful now pales in comparison to its former vigor, the fruit of its efforts harvested and gone. The season of renewal lies ahead, but only after the chapter closes upon another year. 

Variegated Orchard Leaves

It’s easy to get lost in the many pale green, orange, rust, red, brown, and golden yellow leaves that have fallen. As the leaves crackle underfoot, they crumble to a fine dust that sinks back into the ground, nourishing the roots of the same trees from which they fell. More will fall as the days become shorter. 

Although many consider autumn to be a somewhat busy and somber time, there’s plenty to celebrate, especially in a pile of fall leaves. As you rake up every leaf you can find into a massive pile, it’s almost as if you’re counting the blessings of your life, the many gifts you have to be thankful for receiving throughout the year. The best part is that there are often many still to come. 

However, the smell of these orchard leaves is both sweet and pungent at the same time. The sweetness wraps itself around the scent of ripe apples—breathe in too deeply, and you might start to smell the acrid odor of decay. That earthy fragrance also stems from the wet ground beneath, fresh with the moisture of fall rainstorms. 

Signature Harvest Spice

Apples aren’t the only bounty harvested and consumed during the fall. Many of the harvest spices used year-round and especially during these last few months of the year become more popular as the weather turns colder and the search for warmth extends to what fills our bellies. Star anise, clove, nutmeg, and cinnamon are just a few examples of common harvest spices. 

In keeping with the theme of many of the elements of Apple Picking, our September Scent of the Month, the individual spices that make up the harvest spice element all have a sweet yet pungent aspect to them. For example, star anise and cinnamon—when used in small quantities—can delight the taste buds, but indulging too much can turn that sweetness bitter or spicy. While clove and nutmeg offer the same experience, they’re typically bolder. 

Extend Fall’s Quiet Magic With Drift’s Home Scent of the Month 

The scent experts at Drift know that you crave Apple Picking scent for your car and for your home. That’s why our Home Scent of the Month fragrance incorporates the same elements of crisp apple, autumn air, orchard leaves, and harvest spice. It just wouldn’t be autumn without this refreshing scent wafting through your home and your car’s interior. 

If you’ve been a loyal member of our Scent of the Month Clubs, thank you! We hope you’re enjoying the premium fragrances that arrive at your door every month, whether you place them around the house or in your vehicle. After all, everyone needs a little pick-me-up at the beginning of the month. 

Speaking of which, if you like what you smell, why not refer a friend? They receive half off their first subscription when they join, and you get your next car scent for free. All you have to do is enter your name and email to receive a personalized referral link. 

Don’t Miss Out on the Final Exclusive Scents of 2025

Only members of the Drift Scent of the Month Club receive luxury car fresheners in our select scents every month. Join the club today to secure October’s limited-edition scent, and sign up for our email newsletter to receive updates on new product releases and deals. In the meantime, enjoy Apple Picking, September’s festive Scent of the Month!