Whether indulging in the art of barista or not, it is much like cigarettes and their scent: there are probably more lovers of coffee aroma than of coffee itself, even though this hot beverage is extremely popular in all its variations. I myself was recently on the verge of turning back on the highway after reading that the coffee machine at the office had broken down. Nowadays, it apparently takes a technician to repair it, and by the time he arrives… But I digress: a coffee scent that is not driven by sugary or milky elements, that does not come across as sweet, well, I have rarely encountered that. And when I did, there were issues elsewhere. Somehow, I insinuated with Mocha Valentino that the process would likely be similar. I did the fragrance a disservice.
Mocha Valentino is perhaps the olfactory coffee creation I have been waiting for a long time. From the very first moment, there is this typical aura of the drink, yet it does not only smell of the beans. No, the entourage is richly populated, yet neither milk nor sugar nor caramel can be found. Of course, vanilla is present. This completes the overall work. Nothing more. It is no coincidence that part of the name is Mocha. According to coffee nomenclature, this is a coffee refined with chocolate, thus achieving a bittersweet aroma. That is what it smells like here as well. However, not only that. A balsamic, calming facet combined with a sublime, hesperidic freshness gives Mocha Valentino depth and diversity. It becomes pleasingly unpleasing, if I may describe the work that way.
But the development does not end there. Full-bodied woody tones, almost reminiscent of smooth oud, evoke warmth. The resinous blend feels thick, yet creamy, overall delicious. A harmonious structure emerges in combination with the mocha aroma. Soft green earthy impressions underline Mocha Valentino. I will keep it brief: Mocha Valentino is wonderfully composed, catchy yet created in such a way that one must appreciate resins and woods to love this coffee. Sfumato contradicts its own name here. There is nothing blurred about it; Mocha Valentino is clearly arranged.
I really like the appealing yet unappealing aspect. Otherwise, I'm against it: I prefer to drink coffee rather than smell it, and I could totally understand if you felt the opposite. The scent, however, is due to the standard orientation you described-sweet, milky, not necessary... This one sounds quite different, though.
What does "just about to turn back" mean here? I WOULD have turned back! You can't get coffee like you do at Sfumato anywhere else, that's been known since Arcanum ;-)
In the Workers' Welfare Association, a simple espresso now costs 3 (!) euros even in the countryside. Which senior can afford to take their family to a café? By the way... thanks for the interesting description of the atmosphere; my reward center is also triggered by the scent of coffee. In Dubrovnik, there's a small balcony for two people high above the sea in the fortress wall. You sit there, high above the roaring sea, with just a railing under your feet, and they serve you a mocha... Heaven, abyss, and the scent of coffee... nothing else! That's enough to evoke a sense of boundlessness.
Does the scent sound amazing? Definitely!!!
By the way... thanks for the interesting description of the atmosphere; my reward center is also triggered by the scent of coffee. In Dubrovnik, there's a small balcony for two people high above the sea in the fortress wall. You sit there, high above the roaring sea, with just a railing under your feet, and they serve you a mocha... Heaven, abyss, and the scent of coffee... nothing else! That's enough to evoke a sense of boundlessness.