Top Notes 
Saffron
Pepper
Heart Notes 
Coffee
Base Notes 
Tonka bean
Amber
12/22/2024
DogiCoco
621 Reviews
DogiCoco
1
A simpler Black Opium
The name and the notes sound like a spiced coffee gourmand, but to my nose, this is mostly a Black Opium dupe. It does smell slightly spice, but I can't single out any saffron, pepper or the titular tonka bean, just a general warm spiciness.
I think most people reading this will know Black Opium, but for those who don't, I'd describe it as a coffee and vanilla scent with a very mainstream designer-esque, girly vibe. Even though any perfume snob will look down on it as basic, too sweet and not worthy of the Opium name, I love it.
Black Opium has a cool, crisp pear note in the opening and a blend of sweet white flowers in the heart, which are both absent in Cafe Tonka. The latter therefore comes across a little less girly, but it's still a sweet and feminine-leaning scent that even leans a little syrupy in the drydown. The coffee note is exactly the same as in the original, but slightly amped up. Same goes for the vanilla.
I sampled both fragrances together to compare them, and Black Opium is both more complex and smoother blended. Side by side, the difference in quality becomes noticeable.
Which doesn't mean this is bad, it's still an enjoyable scent! Maybe it's even preferable for those who prefer more realistic, simple gourmands. I personally don't, but I understand.
I think most people reading this will know Black Opium, but for those who don't, I'd describe it as a coffee and vanilla scent with a very mainstream designer-esque, girly vibe. Even though any perfume snob will look down on it as basic, too sweet and not worthy of the Opium name, I love it.
Black Opium has a cool, crisp pear note in the opening and a blend of sweet white flowers in the heart, which are both absent in Cafe Tonka. The latter therefore comes across a little less girly, but it's still a sweet and feminine-leaning scent that even leans a little syrupy in the drydown. The coffee note is exactly the same as in the original, but slightly amped up. Same goes for the vanilla.
I sampled both fragrances together to compare them, and Black Opium is both more complex and smoother blended. Side by side, the difference in quality becomes noticeable.
Which doesn't mean this is bad, it's still an enjoyable scent! Maybe it's even preferable for those who prefer more realistic, simple gourmands. I personally don't, but I understand.
