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Grading guide
Castoreum grades 1, 2 and 3: how beaver castoreum is graded
Dried castoreum is sorted into three grades before export. Here is what each grade means, what graders look at, and which grade suits your process.
What graders look at
Every lot of dried beaver castor sacs is sorted by hand. The grade depends on a few physical features that affect both the look of the pods and how much aromatic material they give when extracted:
- Size and weight. Larger, heavier pods hold more of the resinous secretion that perfumers extract.
- Pairing. Castor sacs grow in pairs. Intact matched pairs are rated higher than singles or separated pods.
- Dryness and cure. Pods must be fully dried and cured. Damp pods lose weight in transit and can spoil.
- Condition of the membrane. A clean, unbroken outer membrane is a sign of careful handling.
- Colour and cleanliness. Pods should be free of fat, tissue and debris, with an even, rich colour.
Grade 1: premium pairs
Grade 1 castoreum is large, intact matched pairs that are fully dried and well cured, with a clean membrane and rich colour. It is the grade fine-fragrance houses choose for tinctures and premium extracts, where appearance and consistency matter as much as yield.
Grade 2: commercial pods
Grade 2 is medium-sized pods, sold as singles or pairs. They are sound and fully dried but may have minor cosmetic marks. For most tincture and resinoid work, Grade 2 gives the best balance of quality and price per kg.
Grade 3: extraction grade
Grade 3 is smaller, irregular or broken pods, pieces and trimmings. Because the pods are cut or ground before extraction anyway, Grade 3 is the most economical choice for absolutes, solvent extraction and attar making.
Grades at a glance
| Grade 1 | Grade 2 | Grade 3 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | Large | Medium | Small or broken |
| Form | Intact matched pairs | Singles or pairs | Pieces and trimmings |
| Appearance | Clean membrane, rich colour | Minor cosmetic marks | Irregular |
| Best for | Fine-fragrance tinctures | Tinctures and resinoids | Absolutes, extraction, attars |
| Price per kg | Highest | Middle | Lowest |
Mixed lots and your own specification
You do not have to choose a single grade. Many buyers order a mixed lot, for example Grade 1 pairs for tinctures and Grade 3 pieces for extraction. If your company works to its own specification, send it with your inquiry and we will sort the lot to match.
Before any order ships, we send photos of the actual lot so you can confirm the grade. The minimum order is 50 kg, and there is no maximum. See what sets the price per kg, or read our perfumer's guide to castoreum.
Questions
Which castoreum grade is best for a perfume tincture?
Grade 1 or Grade 2. Grade 1 is chosen when appearance and consistency matter most, and Grade 2 gives the best value for most tincture work.
Is Grade 3 castoreum lower quality?
Grade 3 pods are smaller or broken, but they are still fully dried castoreum. Because pods are cut up before extraction, Grade 3 is the economical choice for absolutes and attars.
Can I see the lot before I order?
Yes. We send photos of the actual lot before shipment so you can confirm the grade.