The synthesis and odour properties of the new santalol analogue, methyl-beta-santalol, are described. The additional methyl group adjacent to the hydroxyl function of the standard molecule, beta-santalol, deprives the new compound of the sandalwood note. The synthesis and the odour evaluation of this compound supports the proposed model for sandalwood fragrance as it shows that the methyl group located at the osmophoric center prevents association of the molecule with the hypothetical receptor.