Space Cake Xyrena 2017

Space Cake is a strangely divisive fragrance. It's not that the DNA and development itself are particularly polarizing. Rather, it's because the scent evokes clear associations and brings forth firmly anchored childhood memories, with most perceiving this fragrance as pleasant and delicious, and practically everyone being familiar with this smell.
However, probably very few have ever smelled it as a perfume, or even thought that such a scent could be found outside the kitchen or bakery and still be pleasant and meaningful.

As has likely become clear and is also suggested by the name, this is about cake batter.

Anyone who isn't attentive and curious about the fragrance pyramid, I truly cannot understand in the slightest. Somehow, the scent notes clearly indicate what to expect, but I still had a hard time imagining what a Space Cake should smell like and whether the notes are actually balanced enough to smell like cake.

However, upon application, Space Cake truly smells like cake batter, perhaps with a cube of yeast that has fallen in a bit too much. A sweetness, created by the icing, vanilla, and benzoin, quickly joins in, but it is never too present and only really stands out in the "after-smell" (my equivalent to aftertaste ;)). I can't specifically pick out the salted butter mentioned above, but it likely supports the overall composition, and its absence would certainly be noticeable.
I was genuinely surprised at how realistic and clearly identifiable the Space Cake smells, and I find the idea of a cake scent simply brilliant. It transports you back to the time as a child when you tried to snag leftovers of fresh, unbaked cake batter in the kitchen. The cannabis hardly disrupts this association, as it really only subtly influences the overall composition. If one is looking for a perfume that smells like cannabis and radiates stoner vibes, Space Cake is definitely not the right choice.

Unfortunately, for me, the cake has a bit too much of that certain something that so many otherwise great fragrances lack (e.g. Voulez-vous coucher avec Moi). I can't clearly identify which note bothers me here and disrupts the otherwise really successful and pleasant cake scent, but I suspect it's the already mentioned yeast. Either there is simply too much yeast present, or - this is my personal impression - it is designed too synthetically intense, so that it does not reflect the fresh yeast in a real dough. The disturbing factor here is a bitter-mushroomy note that disrupts the delicious cake association.

Interestingly, there is an earthiness in the base note that provides a pleasant alternative to the usual woods as a base. Strangely, it does not disturb my association with fragrant cake batter, as it appears warm and sweet, and although it becomes more prominent over time, it does not dominate. However, it is still so prevalent that I would clearly categorize the scent as earthy. In my opinion, the earth note represents the actually very strong balance of the perfume, which I find quite remarkable due to the unconventional scent notes. Even after hours and with the increasing presence of the earth, mixed with a subtle and pleasant cannabis note, the unmistakable smell of cake batter does not fade at all. You can really tell that time and know-how have been invested in this fragrance, and it has been thoughtfully designed with a focus on balancing the notes and harmony within itself - at least that's my impression.

As strange as it may seem for such an outrageous perfume, the whole thing comes across as exceedingly high-quality with a pronounced sense of quality. This ranges from the ingredients and the scent itself (it is an Extrait de Parfum!), to the bottle and the sprayer - which sprays finer and better than some premium sprayers (... umm Creed *cough cough*) - to the truly grand packaging, designed in the style of a plastic cover from VHS tapes from the 80s. The image of the bottle here on Parfumo does not do it justice at all. The cap is heavy and cool, high-quality and visually appealing. Only the print, in my opinion, evokes the association with a cheap fragrance that can be bought for a tenner in a trendy new CBD store.

All in all, I love the idea of the fragrance. The vibe and spirit, which are further enhanced by the packaging, have been implemented here with real thoughtfulness and taste (except for the print, argh).
The longevity of Space Cake is good; it is still somewhat perceptible after a long workday. The sillage, on the other hand, is outstanding - even with just a single spray, you radiate this scent and are well and long perceived by those around you.

Whether one really wants to smell like cake every day is up to each individual. Personally, I wouldn't want to, but I would definitely wear the scent occasionally to radiate attention and openness. It is definitely worth a test for every perfume nerd, and I can imagine that quite a few people would at least like to have a decant for special occasions where it makes sense to smell like cake with a subtle earthy cannabis touch.
A sharing could really be worthwhile!