1970: Tonka, Expansion, Glamour Rosendo Mateu - Olfactive Expressions 2023

After many hard days, I need something comforting and easy, soft and enveloping.

The scent of 1970 is creamy pudding like milk chocolate which is cozy, hazy, opulent and not too sweet, sugary nor generic. As the scent evolves it becomes delicately powdery, a bit like a powder mix of Cocoa and Vanilla. This is very unique gourmand, not so elegant like gourmands rarely are but amazing regardless. For me this a scent to wear at home or at the cottage under the blanket and next to the fireplace. I wouldn’t wear this at work. Even if it reminds me of milk chocolate pudding, it’s rather a thick texture and how I feel, I don’t think that I would like to eat it though. That’s why I think that this is not juvenile at all, it’s a mature gourmand.

I have seen reviews where people are complaining about the aroma which is like a mix of Curry and Cumin but luckily on my skin the spices don’t perform in that kind of way at all. The fruity nuance is almost non-existent and the earthy and woody notes restrain the development of the scent into something clearly edible. Amber is also crucial note to ensure that the scent is not too sweet and syrupy. The base is a collection of notes that blend seamlessly together. Sometimes you get the feeling that it’s even too easy and because of that, the scent may lose interest for some. However, because of that 1970 is so perfect when you feel exhausted or stressed.

This perfume is very long lasting on my skin, aroumd 10-12 hours. Mostly I wear this during the evening at home and I can still smell it on my skin in the morning.

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It smells like the bitten Praline with vanilla and alcohol (vanilla liquor) , that sits on top of unbitten other pralines (chocolate) .
I personally would've preffered the chocolate note to be front row, followed by vanilla.
Sweetness gives it marshmallow vibes.
Someone described it as 'vanilla pudding' - also true. There's a really good liquid handsoap with vanilla and honey- smells exactly like this (Isana Milk and honey liquid soap) .
Bottle (glass) quality, cap is of ok plastic, but the tools used are not the best. Also, bottle cover/ wrapping scratches really easy- Thus I reduced the score.
Yeah, no. Up for sale, and definitely not an above 8 score.

Please read it in Tony Soprano' s voice:
"It' s a perfume for the retired community's residents. Re- tired Co-mmu- ni- ty. Jesus, how many times do I need to spell it out for you?"

This scent is a late afternoon spent in the garden, under the fruit trees, where you are surprised to find an orange chocolate bar buried in the soil. As you brush the dirt from its worn wrapper a musky amber layered with tonka fills the air. It's difficult to describe but the longer it sits on my skin the more I can discern the chocolate and amber in particular. The vanilla is too subtle for me to find it as a singular note but the combination is somewhat powdery. This is similar in feel to a patchouli forward perfume - earthy chocolate with the slightest bit of animalic (very slight). If you are looking for a foody gourmand, this isn't it. But if you enjoy patchouli in this style, you will likely appreciate what's done here. Definitely unisex. This is the type of perfume you might find in those shops that sell crystals and incense. Refined hippy chic - something I imagine an Olsen twin might wear ;)

4/19/26 Update: I applied this to my husband's wrist and it smelled delicious on his skin. I must say he's improving his olfactory skills as he sniffed and called out certain notes then compared it to his Lempicka - I've never been more proud!

Since I love Rosendo Mateu N. 5, I was really curious about how the tonka bean was processed here and whether the musk generally has a similar effect.
N. 5 is definitely a whole lot more oriental and much more vanilla-heavy. It is also more dominant in its sillage than the 1970, which is why I find it more wearable despite also having extreme longevity.
And the scent itself... It opens with an incredibly elegant dark chocolate note that is authentic and artfully intertwined with spices and caramel, creating an impression that is neither too dry nor too sweet.
In the top notes, this blends with a strongly perceivable citrus note that doesn’t bite but adds a pleasant zest to the overall feel. The combination struck me as unexpectedly intriguing, even though I’m not really a fan of citrus notes.
In the heart, as it fades, the spices and earthy notes take over, with the tonka bean becoming more dominant, and the scent simply feels incredibly creamy and well-balanced. The darkness of the chocolate note gives me an elegant and somehow mature impression, which is why the vibe is somewhat similar to that of N. 5. And the musk is clearly attributed to the house, not too cloying but rather like a soft, embracing foundation for the whole.
All in all, it’s a really delicious, unisex gourmand, perfect for cold days. I imagine a person who radiates warmth and kindness, but who also intimidates a little and unknowingly impresses with their character maturity.
I also think it’s great that the scent hasn’t become a simple variation of the bestseller N. 5, but rather takes its own direction in similar realms.
Even the bottle impresses with its weight and the massive gold trim in every respect. In my opinion, it’s a must-try for every gourmand lover and potentially likable for fans of N. 5!

In contrast to many modern, sugary gourmands, 1970: Tonka, Expansion, Glamour is rather a dark, spicy interpretation of sweetness. It is less "cotton candy" and more "noble dark chocolate in a wooden library".

The opening: At first, the fragrance surprises with a bright, almost fizzy citrus note, which is immediately captured by a fruity fullness. This prevents the perfume from starting too heavy.

The heart: This is where the magic happens. The combination of chocolate and earthy notes gives the fragrance an incredible depth. It is not a cheap chocolate scent, but rather like high-quality cocoa mixed with spices and woods.

The base: The tonka bean is at the center, flanked by vanilla and caramel. What makes the fragrance "glamorous" is the base of amber and musk, which gives it a velvety, almost creamy texture.
Performance Rating

Longevity: On the skin, it lasts easily 8-10 hours, often still noticeable on clothing days later.

Sillage: It leaves a distinct but elegant scent cloud, without "overwhelming" the space unpleasantly.

More of an evening scent or for cooler days (autumn/winter). In the height of summer, the chocolate-tonka combination might feel too heavy.

1970 is a statement fragrance. It feels extremely high-quality and "expensive". Those who like the DNA of Rosendo Mateu (especially the famous No. 5) will find an even more complex, darker, and gourmand facet here.

Who is it suitable for?
Lovers of tonka and cocoa.
People looking for an elegant, unisex fragrance that not everyone else wears.
Fans of fragrances with a certain "vintage elegance" that are interpreted in a modern way.