A Whiff of Waffle Cone

Today’s review explores a familiar narrative through a significantly different lens as I return to the house of Imaginary Authors and dive into the original 2020 formulation of A Whiff of Waffle Cone. Having previously reviewed the updated 2024 version, a fragrance I absolutely loved for its gourmand yet wearable take on the concept, I approached this original release with a specific curiosity. While the newer iteration is polished and streamlined for a modern audience, the 2020 original has long carried a reputation for its raw intensity and uncompromising realism. Many enthusiasts within the community point to the smoky and burnt accords of this version as its defining characteristics, elements that were famously dialed back in the remake. Born from a collaboration with Salt and Straw, this fragrance aims to recreate the literal essence of an artisanal ice cream parlor. It represents a place where the scent of bubbling sugar meets the singed warmth of a hot waffle iron. The question is how this earlier and more rugged architecture compares to its successor, and whether its bolder syrupy weight elevates the experience or leans too far into the literal. Let’s see if this blind bought original recipe serves up a masterpiece or if it is simply a bit too much to swallow. Opening: The opening is sweet, smoky, and spicy. The primary notes I get are caramel, amyris, ice cream, and cinnamon, with the caramel and amyris leading the way. The caramel is the first note to hit my nose, setting the gourmand stage with a sugary, sticky sweet accord that carries a distinct hint of butter behind it. It feels remarkably realistic, capturing the exact aroma of fresh caramel candy as it begins to melt. The amyris joins it almost immediately, acting as a sharp counterpoint with an intensely smoky and balsamic woodiness. This provides that signature burnt accord the original is known for, often likened to burnt torchwood, but it serves a very specific purpose here by mimicking the aroma of a freshly toasted waffle cone on a hot iron. Beneath the caramel and amyris, the ice cream note works to provide a helping of smooth and creamy vanillic sweetness. In contrast to the heat of the smoky amyris, it actually comes across as cold and icy, perfectly representing a dedicated ice cream note rather than a standard vanilla. Lastly, the cinnamon sits in the background as a metaphorical garnish. Just as it would serve as a literal topping on artisan ice cream, it gives the opening a powdery and fiery yet balanced spiciness. I also get hints of a sweet, maple, pancake-type syrup underneath, as well as a light, airy creaminess I'm assuming is coming from the whipped cream. The result is an opening that establishes the unapologetically gourmand DNA found in the 2024 successor, but here it remains raw and unrefined, trading a modern, streamlined wearability for an evocative and uncompromisingly niche story-telling experience. Dry Down: The dry down remains sweet, smoky, and spicy, with the primary notes of caramel and amyris still firmly in the lead, followed by vanilla and cinnamon. In many ways, the composition follows a fairly linear path similar to the 2024 version, but as the wear progresses, several key shifts add a layer of complexity that wasn't present in the opening. Firstly, the ice cream note from the initial spray gracefully swaps out for a more traditional vanilla. While they share a similar scent profile, the transition is felt primarily in the temperature of the fragrance; where the ice cream provided a distinct, chilled nuance, the vanilla introduces a palpable warmth that begins to anchor the scent to the skin. Secondly, the amyris steps forward with a newfound woody prominence. While it continues to function primarily as that signature smoky and burnt accord, it develops a much drier, woody texture that provides a necessary skeletal structure to the gourmand elements. As the lighter, more volatile accords of whipped cream and syrup begin to fade, this woodiness acts as the scaffolding for the remaining sweetness. The result is a dry down that functions as a natural extension of the opening, but one that has been stripped of its initial airy sweetness in favor of a profile that is significantly warmer, woodier, and more grounded. Performance: The initial projection within the first hour is exceptionally powerful, possessing an expansive quality that can easily fill a room. The sillage matches that intensity, leaving a dense, heavy scent trail that hangs in the air. After about three to four hours, the projection begins to draw inward to approximately six feet; and while the trail becomes slightly lighter, it remains substantial enough to be easily noticeable by those around you. By the seven-hour mark, the fragrance recedes further to about three or four feet, transitioning from a room-filling presence to a more personal but still very present aura. The composition ultimately provides a significant journey on the skin, lasting about 10 hours in total before finally settling into a soft, lingering skin scent. It is a formidable performer that demands to be noticed, mirroring the "raw intensity" of the fragrance itself. When to Wear: A Whiff of Waffle Cone is a definitive fall and winter fragrance that performs exceptionally well in the crisp, biting air of the colder months. It is an unapologetically warm and indulgent scent, making it an ideal companion for the daytime when you want a sense of coziness, or for the evening when its smoky depth can truly shine. Because of its evocative, dessert-like nature, it is a brilliant choice for special occasions like date nights, anniversaries, or autumn festivals where a literal gourmand profile feels appropriate. However, its utility has distinct boundaries. The sheer weight of the sweetness and the intensity of the burnt amyris make it much too niche and literal for formal wear, where more traditional or understated profiles are required. Similarly, its room-filling projection and dense sillage make it far too heavy for a professional office environment, as it could easily overwhelm a shared space. It is a fragrance that thrives in open air or intimate, relaxed settings—perfect for a quiet night in by the fire or a stroll through a winter market. Blind Buy: A Whiff of Waffle Cone is not a safe blind buy by any traditional metric. Much like its 2024 successor, this is a supremely gourmand fragrance that will primarily appeal to true connoisseurs of the genre who enjoy wearing literal, dessert-leaning profiles. However, this original 2020 version carries an even higher degree of risk because it prioritizes atmospheric storytelling over simple sweetness. The persistent smoky and burnt accords can be jarring for those expecting a standard, sugary vanilla, as the amyris introduces an industrial, singed edge that defines the entire experience. If you have a deep appreciation for high-concept gourmands and aren't afraid of a scent that pushes into polarizing territory, this is certainly a piece of olfactory history worth experiencing. That being said, because the line between "toasted masterpiece" and "burnt sugar" is so subjective, sampling remains strongly recommended before committing to a full bottle. Final Verdict: Having now experienced both the original 2020 formula and the 2024 revision, the intent behind the remake is clear. The newer version is undoubtedly more mass appealing and safe, placing its focus on a smooth and balanced blend of caramel and vanilla. However, the original 2020 release aligns more closely with the true soul of Imaginary Authors as it utilizes notes to construct a specific and atmospheric narrative. Between the sugary caramel, the icy satisfaction of the ice cream, and the spicy cinnamon, the smoky and burnt amyris truly defines this composition. While that specific note will not be for everyone, its purpose is not to please the masses but to inhabit a captured moment in time. I personally appreciate the bold and uncompromising direction taken with the original. Although I will concede that the 2024 formula is a more wearable fragrance, this original recipe stands as a far more interesting and evocative piece of niche perfumery while still retaining its status as a wearable gourmand. Not every blind buy is a success, but this is one that I am very proud to have added to my collection. Scent: 10/10 Longevity: 8/10 Sillage: 8/10 Versatility: Average Compliment Factor: High Gender: Unisex, leaning masculine Value: Good

So, this fragrance is an exclusive in the USA and only available in Canada if you order through the Imaginary Authors website. I've wanted to smell it for the longest time but I have a rule now that I never blind buy anything. Josh Meyer recently visited my local niche shop in Montreal, Canada called Etiket and I was invited to the event. I got to meet Josh and his wife Wendy in person and they're lovely people. It was an amazing experience. The day before the event, the owners of Etiket took Josh and Wendy out for dinner and they told him that I was going to be there and was going to be hounding him about smelling A Whiff Of Waffle Cone. I've literally been bugging the owners and staff for two years about it. So, when I got my opportunity to speak with Josh at the event, I used my powers of persuasion to convince him to send me some samples of the fragrance and he totally agreed and asked me to e-mail him to remind him. We also spoke about the possibility of him perhaps being able to alter his agreement of exclusivity with the USA ice cream parlor Salt & Straw to be able to allow Etiket to sell it as an exclusive in Canada because that particular ice cream chain doesn't have any Canadian locations. I don't know if there has been any progress there but I did receive a package from Josh, just in time for Christmas. In this package, he didn't just send me samples as I requested but a 14ml mini of the the fragrance along with a sample of In Love With Everything, his latest release AND a full sized candle of A Whiff of Waffle cone with a book of Imaginary Authors matches to light it with. I am over the moon and so very grateful to have the candle and the fragrance to add to my collection. It was extremely generous of him to send me way more than I asked or even hoped for. I really just wanted the sample so I could confirm that I love it and buy the bottle online. I haven't sprayed the 14ml fragrance yet because I feel obligated to bring it up to Etiket to spray it with the staff so we can all smell it together but I can smell the candle through its packaging and if that's any indication of what the fragrance smells like, then I'm sure I'm going to absolutely love it. More than just about any other indie perfume house I've come across, Josh Meyer with Imaginary Authors really shows how perfumery is an artform and I am so beyond blessed to have had the opportunity to meet him.

Gourmand heaven. I don’t get any sort of ice cream shop/waffle cone/lactonic vibes from this fragrance, however, this smells like the biggest plate of fluffy, freshly made waffles drenched in warm maple syrup with a caramel drizzle and the *slightest* dash of cinnamon on a Sunday morning. This is one of the most photorealistic gourmands I own — don’t think this is a childish fragrance when you hear that! This scent is simply addictive in the best way possible. I can’t stop smelling myself whenever I wear it! This is not a complex fragrance to my nose at all and is very linear, which I don’t mind! I have a lot of complex and layered gourmands in my collection and sometimes I just want to be able to wear something that is straightforward and makes me feel and smell absolutely delectable; Whiff of Waffle Cone is what I have been reaching for every single time lately! This layers beautifully with other fragrances, but is a standout all by itself. I will say as a notorious over-sprayer, you do not need a lot of this fragrance. Even my small sample had excellent projection and sillage - all of my coworkers ask “who was making waffles the other day?” 45 minutes to an hour after I had left. So, I can see how this might be too cloying or sweet for some, especially if you are not a die hard gourmand stan. With that being said, I think the price of this fragrance is fair considering that I don’t have to use very much. I definitely plan on repurchasing because I am head over heels in love with this fragrance!

OMG, I love this! I bought both versions...since I wasn't sure which version I'd received a sample of...and well, Version 1 (large red '&' on the front) pretty much just smells like By the Fireplace, so I don't find it all that special and it's too chocolatey for me. I could have easily passed on it. But Version 2 (the one with the tiger)...oh wow! It smells EXACTLY like a Caramel Frappe from McDonald's, or of course, like heavy syrup being poured on a hot plate of waffles or pancakes. Absolutely delicious!!! This is most definitely a very nostalgic fragrance for me. There is a "burnt" or singed quality to it that doesn't SMELL like coffee (despite my Caramel Frappe comparison), but certainly brings it to my mind, taking me back to my childhood days when, on the weekends, we would have breakfast at mom's favorite cafe in some Vegas casino (Circus-Circus, iirc). Hot coffee and cigarette smoke wafted through the air. I'd always order apple crepes and orange juice. With the exception of the orange juice, this fragrance NAILS that scentscape! 10 / 10 for me!

Im pretty new to the perfume world, and this is the first time I've run tried a sweet perfume and actually really enjoyed it. I'll echo many others sentiments in that it really is a maple syrup bomb, but there are toastier notes underneath. The first 10 minutes it is a little overbearing, after which it tones down to something still pronounced, but far more digestible. It's definitely not a summer scent though, but wearing this on a cool fall day in the Midwest, it's pretty cozy. Most other sweeter scents I've tried I've disliked for smelling too artificially sweet, like mass produced candy - this one borders on that nature at first, but I find it to be way more true to life after the first half hour. Overall pretty good, pretty tasty.