Distinctive quality perfume (7)
I believe the answer is:
essence
This clue is a double definition.
'distinctive quality' is the first definition.
(something's particular quality or character)
'perfume' is the second definition.
(I know that perfume can be written as essence)
(Other definitions for essence that I've seen before include "Cologne, perhaps?" , "Nice fuel" , "Vital element" , "Plant extract flavouring" , "Scent; core" .)