This disclosure describes biosynthesized compounds including anhydromevalonolactone and β-methyl-δ-valerolactone. This disclosure further describes biosynthetic methods for making these compounds. In some embodiments, the biosynthetic methods can include a combination of biosynthesis and chemical steps to produce β-methyl-δ-valerolactone. Finally, this disclosure described recombinant cells useful for the biosynthesis of these compounds.