Piment Brûlant L'Artisan Parfumeur 2002

Piment Brulant is the third fragrance from the trilogy "Les Epices de la Passion" (alongside "Safran Troublant" and "Poivre Piquant"). Bertrand Duchaufour and Olivia Giacobetti aimed to create a reminiscence of the original form of chocolate, the Aztec Xocolatl (unsweetened ground cocoa beans mixed with water, chili, and other spices). Montezuma (the most famous Aztec ruler) is said to have attributed aphrodisiac effects to this drink.
However, this effect and enthusiasm are unfortunately not evoked by PB for me!

It starts with a smoky, bitter green note, but without feeling fresh. After a short time, the pepper or chili increasingly comes through, bringing a distinct spiciness that combines with a barely perceptible, bitter-dry cocoa note. Personally, I can also distinctly smell the poppy flower. The whole thing is rounded off with a slightly creamy base, which seems to stem from the amber and vanilla - but without any sweetness.

For me, PB is a gourmand that I do not like at all. I miss the sweet component to balance the bitterness and spiciness of this composition. Bertrand and Olivia have come quite close to their goal - but I do not want to smell like this and will continue to prefer my cocoa mixed with milk and sugar or honey...