What do cloves smell like?

Cloves have a warm, sweet, and pungent aroma that is often described as rich, spicy, and slightly medicinal. Their scent is intense and distinct, making them easily recognizable among other spices. The strong aroma of cloves comes from the high concentration of a compound called eugenol, which is responsible for their caratteristic spicy, almost fiery note. Eugenol is also found in other spices such as cinnamon and bay leaves, but it is particularly abundant in cloves. The aroma of cloves can be both comforting and stimulating, and it is often used in cooking, baking, and traditional medicine for its unique flavor and therapeutic properties.