Vanilla & Tobacco

To Buy or Not to Buy?

This fragrance truly shines during cold weather months, specifically autumn and winter. Best suited for evening wear or cooler daytime scenarios. Think a cozy fireside chat, not a crowded office space. It exudes a confident, bordering on flamboyant, character. This is for the individual who enjoys making a statement, even if that statement is "I enjoy rich and enveloping scents."

The Scent Profile

Vanilla & Tobacco by Flavia opens with a boisterous, almost aggressive tobacco leaf, closer to fresh pipe tobacco with a hint of sweet, dark molasses. The spices are present, but more like a pre-mixed mulling spice blend than individually discernible notes. The heart deepens into a boozy vanilla accord, but veers slightly into amaretto territory; that almond extract facet is noticeable. The original's smoother, rounded vanilla is replaced by something a tad sharper. The tonka bean is understated, lending a powdery dryness. In the drydown, the promised dried fruits are a touch artificial, like candied fruit peels, and the woody notes settle into a cedar-like accord, with a faint, lingering cherry cough syrup nuance.

Wear time & Sillage

Longevity is impressive, clocking in at around 8 hours on skin. Projection is moderate; it creates a noticeable scent bubble for the first 2 hours, then settles closer to the body. I tested this during a blustery autumn walk and found it cut through the cold air nicely. Later, indoors, it became cloying in a warmer, stuffier room.