Described is a process for preparing .beta.-damascone starting with 2,6,6-trimethyl cyclohex-2-enone according to the reaction sequence: ##STR1## wherein Z is hydrogen, MgX', Li, Na or K; Y is MgX', Li, Na or K; X' is Cl, Br or I; R is C.sub.1 -C.sub.3 lower alkyl such as methyl, ethyl, n-propyl or i-propyl; X is Cl, Br or I. Also described are the organoleptic uses of the compound having the structure: ##STR2## in augmenting or enhancing the taste or aroma of a consumable material, e.g., foodstuff, chewing gum, medicinal product, chewing tobacco, smoking tobacco, perfume, perfumed article (e.g., drier-added fabric softener articles and solid or liquid anionic, cationic or nonionic detergents) and cologne.