Carlos Viñals is a highly respected VP Senior Perfumer at Symrise, with a career spanning almost four decades. Born in Manhattan to Cuban parents and raised in Virginia, his fascination with scent began in an unusual environment—his father’s work as a flavor chemist in the tobacco industry. The aromas of maple syrup, vanilla, and caramel that filled his childhood home became his first introduction to the complexity of scent, shaping his early sensory awareness.

He began his professional training in 1985 as an apprentice at International Flavors & Fragrances (IFF), where he was mentored by the renowned perfumer Carlos Benaïm. His talent was quickly recognized, with both Benaïm and Bernard Chant identifying his potential early on. This promising start led to his first fine fragrance creation in 1994 for Pull&Bear.

Over the years, Viñals has worked with leading fragrance houses such as Givaudan, Takasago, and Fragrance Resources, before joining Symrise in 2009. His philosophy centers on creating fragrances that evoke joy and emotional connection. This approach has led to collaborations with major global brands including Calvin Klein, Marc Jacobs, Victoria’s Secret, and Dior, highlighting his versatility across both commercial and niche perfumery.

Viñals’s work is defined by his ability to translate emotions into scent. Among his notable creations is John Varvatos JV x NJ Silver Edition, which earned recognition from The Fragrance Foundation and was awarded Fragrance of the Year in 2020.

His collaboration with A.N. Other on FR/18 reflects his innovative spirit. Given full creative freedom, he crafted a fresh, sparkling composition inspired by a gin and tonic, featuring ethically sourced ginger oil.

In the niche segment, his work for Mind Games—such as Gambit and Mentor—demonstrates his range. Gambit explores spicy and aromatic contrasts, opening with clove, petitgrain, and lavender, before evolving into mimosa and cardamom, creating a balanced interplay of warmth and intensity.

Mentor, on the other hand, highlights his expertise in gourmand perfumery. The fragrance blends salted caramel and dark plum with amber coffee and blackcurrant liqueur, settling into a rich base of oud, sandalwood, and tonka bean. It reflects his signature style of combining contrasts to create deeply emotional and memorable compositions.

Drawing inspiration from his Cuban heritage, personal experiences such as motorcycle riding, and his love for classic rock, Viñals brings a dynamic and expressive approach to perfumery. His work continues to influence the industry, marked by creativity, technical mastery, and a genuine focus on emotional impact.