Intense Cafe Montale 2013

As you know, this fragrance is nothing new. But since I keep stumbling across it and many people have been wearing it for a while, I had to give it a sniff on principle. I didn't for so long because of its name, which I didn't find at all appealing.

And now I can say that I have no regrets! I was expecting double and triple the amount of coffee (which I was a little scared of) - instead I was met with a pleasant and incredibly pleasing rose scent. This surprised me because, admittedly, I have always consistently avoided rose-dominant fragrances.

But because it's a sweet Turkish rose and has the consistency of a locum or jam, I love it. I'm really horrified by overpowering rose/floral fragrances. Intense Cafe immediately reminds me of Rose Jam from Lush. This cult fragrance has basically been a part of my shower routine for years.

In any case, on the one hand I notice this particular type of rose - throughout and as the main component. And this fresh and light musk-vanilla base hovers in the background. In my perception, the coffee is only more present as an accord towards the end. In the earlier stages, it sits beautifully warm and deep on the vanilla bed.

It has something of a love confession - and it is one. So it's worth testing even for rose and coffee skeptics. Typical H/S Montale.