In the modern age of young entrepreneurs building their own empires of wealth, old money stands at the opposite end. A legacy of refinement and prestige spurs the newest generation of these pillars of a premium lifestyle toward continued success, their achievements seemingly more guaranteed than those of their predecessors. The fragrance associated with their accomplishments isn’t one of blood, sweat, and tears, but rather a calculated release of scents that effortlessly establish their power with an undeniable presence. 

Translating this complex aroma into a car scent—and one of the most underrated luxury car accessories—is a hefty undertaking. Yet, it’s a feat Drift signature car fresheners have achieved with each carefully curated scent. If old money were to have a particular scent, it would be that of a premium Drift car freshener.

What Does “Old Money” Smell Like?

Libraries full of first-edition books and sumptuous leather armchairs, ornate dining rooms complete with polished exotic wood, and fine table settings beneath a pressed linen canopy—that’s what old money smells like. It’s in the crisp paper of an Ivy League diploma and the smell of thoroughbred horse sweat after a rousing game of polo. Many encounter it in the hallways of historied colleges, the curated rooms of country clubs, and the grounds of vast estates. 

Timeless in many ways, the smell of old money carries an air of polish, privacy, and discretion. Old money contrasts with new money via a certain understated sense of luxury, a type of wealth that manifests in an individual’s behavior, tastes, and lifestyle. Only the kind of wealth that has accumulated over several generations and is associated with aristocracy, legacy families, and long-standing social status takes on this particular fragrance. 

Why Old Money Only Wears a Particular Fragrance 

Old money doesn’t attempt to smell expensive or cultivated; it’s a fragrance that comes with the titles and honor of family wealth. The aroma of superiority is as much a part of the individual as their heritage and stately surroundings. One might even go so far as to say it’s a signature personal fragrance worn without a conscious decision to flaunt it. 

The scent of old money embodies consistency, tradition, and subtlety in the form of fine perfumes and colognes. You can find this fragrance—or smell it, rather—in their sprawling estates and elegant limousines. The specific scent notes responsible for these sophisticated fragrances are a secret known only to those welcomed into the fold. 

The Scent Notes of a Legacy

Classic scents associated with old money incorporate three basic elements: a base note, a heart note, and a top note. Each scent note builds upon the previous one, not unlike a financial empire that grows over time. Below are common fragrances that appear in these scent notes: 

• Base notes: Sandalwood, vetiver, and oakmoss

• Heart notes: Cedarwood, leather, tobacco

• Top notes: Bergamot, green tea, neroli 

If you want your car to smell like old money owns it, luxury car accessories like a Wood, Stone, or Metal premium car freshener from Drift put you on the path to success. Drift signature car fresheners feature a sustainably sourced and stylish car freshener body infused with essential and fragrance oil blends. The vegan and cruelty-free proprietary scent blend is free from phthalates, parabens, formaldehyde, and other harsh chemicals, making it safe for use around pets and children. 

Base Notes: Amber and Teak

Base notes are the foundation of the legacy, the grounding elements that represent the roots of the family tree. Scents like Teak and Amber evoke warm, whimsical aspects that feel like a leisurely afternoon spent strolling through the gardens of a deluxe estate, or a day spent journeying through the pages of thousands of books in a vast library. 

Heart Notes: Cabana and Grove

The scent notes that express presence and refinement lie at the heart of a complex fragrance, likely the reason they’re called heart notes. Drift’s Cabana and Grove scents fill up a room without pushing anyone or anything out. Too many heart notes in a single space can cause trouble, but pairing them with the proper base and top notes remains key to crafting an intriguing fragrance. 

Top Notes: Open Air and Pine

Despite appearing last on this list of scent notes, top notes are the elements of fragrance you encounter first. In other words, they’re the gracious introduction of old money, complete with the decorum equivalent to their social standing. Like the elements from which they stem, Open Air

Pine fragrances represent a history much greater than that of a single person. 

How Luxury Car Accessories Complement the Scent of Old Money

Old money as a car scent would be reserved only for those vehicles worthy of such luxurious car accessories. Manufacturers that prioritize luxury in the fine details—such as Mercedes-Benz, Aston Martin, Bentley, and Rolls-Royce—come to mind. Any car scents found in these vehicles act as an extension of the primary passenger—because no one of old money drives themselves. 

Yet, you don’t have to be from old money to experience the joy of infusing your car’s interior with luxury fragrances. A Drift premier car freshener replicates the experience, albeit without the paparazzi, fortune, and gossip. If you’re unsure which scent best suits your tastes, take our Scent Quiz for expert recommendations like those old money receive regarding their investments. 

Mirror the Qualities of Old Money With a Luxury Car Freshener

Premium car fresheners, like those available from Drift, can help create a prestigious ambiance in your vehicle, whether you come from old money or simply want to experience a day in the life of the 1%. Try one today to see for yourself how uplifting these signature car fresheners can be. Better yet, join the Scent of the Month Club to establish your own tradition of scented success, one exclusive scent at a time.