The history of Chocolate can be traced back to the ancient Olmecs of Southern Mexico.
Chocolate comes from the fruit of the Cacao Tree which is native to Central and South America.
It was said to be used in celebrations, to finalize transactions, in ceremonies, and even as currency.
The Aztecs believed that Chocolate was given to them by their Gods.
Chocolate eventually made its way to Spain, and later Italy and France.
Over time, the craze for Chocolate brought European versions of the Aztec Chocolate drink (what we now think of as Hot Chocolate), Chocolate plantations, and Chocolate Houses.
Today, Chocolate is so commonplace, we don’t think twice about our access to it.
It can even be found in fragrances!
The first fragrance to feature Chocolate as an ingredient was Thierry Mugler’s Angel, released in 1992. It was paired with Caramel, Vanilla, and Patchouli, and spawned the genre of Gourmand fragrances.
In fragrance, the Chocolate essence can range from a candy bar-like aroma to warm and spicy. It can add a warmth, a bitterness, or a sweetness to a scent, depending on what it is paired with.
Golden Dallah from Xerjoff is a Chocolate infused scent that is on the spicy side. Cocoa is paired with Coffee Absolute, spices, Oud, and Incense. Base notes of Tonka Bean and Hazelnut keep the sweetness thriving, and keeps things from going too spicy.
Al Contrario from Tiziana Terenzi begins sweet and warms to the skin over time. Malt, Cacao Pods, Vanilla, Tonka Bean, and Cane Sugar begins this scent with an aroma that is comparable to an actual bar of Chocolate. Over time, Ebony Woods, Stone Powder, Sandalwood, and Hazelnut add a warmth that brings a cozy, sweet, woodiness to life on the skin.
Double Attack from Mind Games is warm and subtly spicy with main notes of Bitter Chocolate and Saffron. A brightness comes from Orange Bitters and Agave Flower, and a blend of Saffron, Cinnamon, Pink Pepper, and Vanilla add a perfectly blended spicy blend that brings warmth and coziness.
Cacao Azteque from Perris Monte Carlo opens with a blast of Peppers, before mellowing into a soft and warm concoction. Black Pepper, Pink Pepper, and Cardamom energize the senses before a floral blend of Orchid and Tuberose calms things down. The base brings a blend of Rhum Absolute, Cacao Absolute, Sandalwood, and Musk for a subtly Chocolate warmth.
Tethys from Giardino Benessere is warm and spicy with a blend of Chocolate and Coffee Beans. Patchouli, Cedar, and Musk keeps the spices thriving as 2 layers of Vanilla add a sweetness that never overpowers the spiciness. Hints of Jasmine and Rose pair with Amber for a scent that intertwines light and dark.
Stop by Parfumerie Nasreen and try them all for yourself, and see how Chocolate can affect more than one sense!
