John Wright

John Wright has worked as a flavorist for over 30 years, initially with Duckworths and PFW in the UK, then Bush Boake Allen in Canada, the United Kingdom and the United States before joining IFF's US operation. He is currently an independent consultant and the author of the technical book "Flavor Creation" and the monthly "Flavor Bites" column in Perfumer & Flavorist magazine. Wright progressed into technical and general management, but has always been enthusiastic to retain an active creative role in flavors. Wright is a fellow of both the Royal Society of Chemistry and British Society of Flavourists, and a member of the Society of Flavor Chemists, Inc.

Paraguay’s Green Gold – The Aromatic Power of Petitgrain Oil

Paraguay’s Green Gold – The Aromatic Power of Petitgrain Oil

Strong, versatile, and gorgeously aromatic, petitgrain tends to be a standout ingredient in any flavor or fragrance composition. The story behind its production and the vital impact it has on local farming communities within Paraguay is similarly incredible.

Five hundred ppm of gamma-octalactone is very effective in cereal flavors. Lower levels can also be useful in pizza dough and bread flavors.

gamma-Octalactone in Savory, Berry, Tropical, Orchard, Alcoholic and Other Flavors

Should we really limit ourselves to copying nature? The choice boils down to an entertaining, win-win contest between authenticity and creativity.

Ethyl Iso-Valerate in Tropical, Berry, Fruit and Other Flavors

Ethyl iso-valerate makes it a great partner for a number of related esters, especially ethyl butyrate, ethyl 2-methyl butyrate and ethyl hexanoate.

2-Pentyl furan works well in all tomato flavors. The desired level in fresh profiles is 100 ppm.

2-Pentyl furan in Savory, Brown, Fruit and Other Flavors

John Wright discusses the nuances of 2-pentyl furan in the October 2023 issue.

Ethyl hexanoate is much more prominent in plum and prune flavors. One thousand ppm is very effective in plum flavors but 500 ppm works better for prune.

Ethyl Hexanoate in Tropical, Berry, Orchard, Fermented and Other Flavors

Independent flavorist John Wright discusses the possible applications for ethyl hexanoate.

For flavor profiles that are specifically designed to replicate toasted cheese the level of tetramethyl pyrazine needs to be increased to around 100 ppm.

Tetramethyl Pyrazine in Meat, Brown and Nut Flavors

Independent flavorist John Wright offers possible applications for tetramethyl pyrazine.

One thousand ppm is ideal in most flavors but, cost permitting, 2,000 ppm is even more effective in wild strawberry profiles.

gamma-Dodecalactone in Orchard, Tropical, Berry and Dairy flavors

gamma-Dodecalactone adds a very realistic depth of taste when used as a junior partner to gamma-decalactone.

Thirty ppm of isoamyl alcohol fits in with the brighter components of blueberry, 20 ppm is ideal in blackberry, while 500 ppm is best in honey.

Isoamyl Alcohol in Fermented, Orchard, Berry and Other Fruit Flavors

This touchy material can seem harsh and unpleasant at high levels, but at modest levels, it can add brightness without becoming at all unpleasant.

Much higher levels of trans-2-nonenal, even up to 100 ppm, work well in roasted and fried potato flavors.

trans-2-Nonenal in Meat, Savory, Brown and Nut Flavors

A chemical that is very effective but is considered one of the most difficult to dose correctly.

Pomegranate flavors have surged in popularity in recent years and many of them incorporate a few fantasy components. Levels of 30 ppm of 6-methyl-5-hepten-2-one help enhance authenticity.

6-Methyl-5-hepten-2-one in Vegetable, Fruit and Orchard Flavors

This material widens the range of use to include flavors that heptan-2-one, for example, would struggle to adapt to.

The whole area of tea flavors is the most obvious focal point for linalyl acetate.

Linalyl Acetate in Floral, Citrus and Berry Flavors

Discover John Wright's December 2022 column on linalyl acetate's versatility.