by Maison Tahité – Officine Creative Profumi
Cacao2 is a deeply resonant, dark chocolate gourmand with a dry, woody, and amber-rich character that evolves from its initial cocoa-powder opening into a more complex, smoky drydown. It opens with a strong cacao note accented by cinnamon, giving it a sharp, realistic chocolate presence that some liken to a high-quality dark chocolate bar or even a cold winter day at a Belgian chocolate shop. Over time, the fragrance unfolds into a rich amber and benzoin base with subtle hints of vetiver, cedar, and labdanum, creating a warm, slightly animalic, and incense-like drydown that evokes burnished wood and resinous incense. The scent is both bold and sophisticated, with a serious, unisex profile that stands apart from typical sweet gourmands. Its performance is moderate to strong, with moderate projection and a surprisingly long longevity suitable for cooler seasons. While some find the initial cacao note overwhelming or unpleasant—particularly those sensitive to bitter or mold-like undertones—many appreciate its depth and the way the sweetness gently dissolves over time, leaving behind a dry, smoky, and contemplative base.