Sweetly Known Kerosene 2020

I think I could adore this scent if it wasn't so burnt - so completely destroyed by being forgotten on the stove, a painful mistake that ruins your baking session.

I'm a fan of the cardamom and of all the spice but it just unfortunately smells like burnt. And I'm kind of fascinated by the idea maybe just about a quarter of people perceive it as burnt... What is that all about? Or do others perceive it as burnt but have a more positive association with the concept (haven't burnt caramel as often)??

It's also an extremelyyyy long-lasting scent. The test strip I had lying on my desk kept me wondering what was burning in the distance for over 3 days. Crazy!

I am physically unable to be normal about this scent. It is everything I want in a gourmand: it's sweet but not too sweet, warm and spicy, and a little smoky. The cardamom adds a really stunning nuanced spice to the burnt caramel: sweet, aromatic, floral, peppery. Either the sugar note was intended to feel like a powdered/confectioner's sugar or the combination of the sugar and cardamom notes on my skin are making it smell like that, which gives Sweetly Known a little facet of "powdered donut" that I was not expecting, but I'm definitely not mad at it. It is also strong and sticks around; 2-4 sprays on my wrist last about 8+hours, and it will stay on your clothes for a few days as well. I am so glad I tried this, because it's quickly becoming an all-time favorite.

As a hater of Cardamom notes in perfumes, it is absolutely gorgeous in Sweetly Known. This Cardamom is really strong in the opening, but it’s warm, comforting, a little spicy and a little sweet. It might be a bit much for some. I’m unsure if it’s a bit much in the opening for me to wear personally but I do love it. I can smell caramelised sugar, cocoa and vanilla in the dry down, but it’s very subtle at that stage. It does remind me of Lune Féline Eau de Parfum, which I have, so will more than likely pass on this on, but this is a great scent for winter or cold weather.

I am swooning after sampling Sweetly Known from Kerosene. I’m neither a fan of sweet treats or sweet fragrances, but as it happens my current favorite sweet stink is also from the creators at Kerosene, and it’s a coconutty-pina colada- Biscoff masterpiece called Unknown Pleasures. So I’m not surprised that I like this one, too. They seem to be able to handle sweetness with nuance and complexity and make it interesting, rather than cloying or childish. Sweetly Known incorporates notes of Cardamom, Cocoa, and other confectionery notes alongside musk and it smells like a miniature bundt-shaped small French pastry flavored with rum and vanilla, offering a softly milky, tender custardy center and a dark, crackling caramelized crust. There’s also a smoky, dusty note that makes it feel like you’re burning the incense or smudge stick version of this dessert and elevates what might be a sugary experience to something absolutely sublime.

Quick question: do you like cardamom? If yes: *how much* do you like cardamom? I'm not being funny, this cardamom is aggressive. It smells exactly like those colourful little sprinkles they have in a dish by the counter at your local Indian takeaway. There's a spoon in there, but how sanitary is this as a breath-freshener? It probably doesnt matter, because the whole vibe is violently antiseptic. (It's called mukhwas. I googled it. You're welcome. And for the record I think it (they?) are delicious but in no universe do I need this as a whole ass bottle of expensive perfume.)

Rogan josh, but make it wearable. 8/10