Shaghaf Vanilla Toffee Swiss Arabian 2024

We weren't friends from the start.
And I had also picked up a bottling from the souk in advance (thank you at this point!) - which I would definitely recommend.

My reaction to the first spray was just örks ... what is that supposed to be? I like "weird" fragrances, but this? It smelled like a massively failed attempt at homemade caramel sweets. The pan was too hot and the sugar was left in for far too long. No golden, soft candy - just burnt black gloop.

So off to the shelf, way at the back.
But it didn't leave me in peace. There was something there. Something that I thought might be one of those things that first offend - but then turn into exactly what you love afterwards.

So, after a little wait, the second attempt.

Oh! This time the pan was still way too hot - but at least someone got the sugar out before it was completely black. So I applied a slightly more generous portion ... and waited. And indeed, it turned out to be a really wonderfully soft, warm, sweet caramel. Still a little burnt, though.

I now have a whole bottle, which has also been allowed to mature for a while.
The "burnt" still stands out (in the truest sense of the word!) - but it's not the candy itself, but rather the fire on which the pan stood.

Anyone expecting a gourmand a la Eclaire & co: no. Absolutely not.
If you like a gourmand a la Eclaire: not necessarily, but the vanilla toffee might well appeal.

It's warm, sweet - and still off-putting. I couldn't break him of that habit.
But we have become very good friends after all.