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.

this is definitely one of, if not my favorite, perfumes of all time. rather than being a perfume that smells like ice cream, it instead smells like the elements of an ice cream cone itself (or maybe even an ice cream parlor). you are hit with a mix of smoky amyris and cinnamon when you first spray it, and it might be a turn off for some but when you wear it more often the smell will become very nice. after that, you smell the syrup scent for a hot minute. but finally, you’re hit with the ice cream. the vanilla, the caramel, the whipped cream, all of it mixes together into something so sweet and beautiful. this is definitely the best gourmand on the market right now.

* * * "This magical tale will sweep you back to simpler times and envelop you in a warm blanket of nostalgia." (from house's synopsis) I get nutmeg throughout (though it's not on the notes list) and maple. The cone note in A Whiff of Waffle Cone (launched 2020) is just part of the mix; amyris (flowering plant with piney, balsamic resin and citrus nuances) and orgeat (syrup made from almonds and rose- or orange-flower water, used in cocktails) contrast what otherwise might have been a simple, sweet gourmand. The result is not as straightforward as the cute ice-cream-parlor name implies.✿ Scent family: Amber Vanilla Longevity on me: long-lasting to eternal

This is a review of the original version. Not a fan of Caramel overall. And that's what this smells like...caramel-maple syrup like scent.To me it doesn't smell like ice cream cone, more like pancakes. On skin it warms and mellows, but on clothes it has a boozy quality. I have a whole wardrobe of Imaginary Authors perfumes..this is not my favorite one but not the worst one either...IA can be challenging, as they are not typical. I find it more suited for fall, although it's a cool summer day and it's just fine. EDIT- the longer I wear it, the more I like it..reminds me of Panettone by Milano Fragranze. My husband likes this..a lot. Gotta get an FB.🤷

I love this perfume. I got it a couple of years ago and liked it but went on to other similar gourmands (I am a gourmand fan) that I favored. This morning I revisted WoWC and wow! It suddenly hit me that this is another that should be in my top rotation, so I bought another bottle. It is certainly syrupy, spicey, and vanillic. I get the caramel and cinnamon, but I am also getting a strong boozy accord, which I always love. For the price, it is a bargain. It is powerful enough to last at least a few hours. I would wear it any time in any season. Who doesn't love the scent of waffles with sugar, spices, and liqueur?

Holy accurate. Definitely got waffle cone but rather than fresh baked it's half eaten with cinnamon ice cream with caramel dripping down it. It genuinely made me hungry for a cone! This seems like a simple fragrance but it's actually quite complex. The cinnamon isn't basic and smells like a real stick. Caramel is smooth and doesn't take over turning it into another Caramel perfume. I'd never even heard of orgeat before but can absolutely smell it in here. Nutty and syrup-y I'm incredibly impressed by this perfume! And yes, I would wear this out and about hoping to get the "it smells like cookies" comments. 10/10

yay! finally added! I love this! -- bought 3 bottles. It really does smell like an ice cream shop - one where the air is an amalgam of waffle cones, vanilla ice cream, caramel, sweetness with a subtle cinnamon note. I think this is a unique scent. I think it is the amyris which gives a almost woody resinous note. **edit to add: holy compliments! December I got told I always smell like something delicious. I wore this today 3/6/21 and kept hearing from people around me: "what smells like vanilla? it smells like cake, but good cake", and I got this comment 4 times ... "I smell WAFFLE CONES!!"

i think i smell more like a 🥞 than a 🍦 but that doesn’t bother me one bit ... reminiscent of local diner breakfast ... laughing with loved ones while everyone shares plates ... all day i’ve been getting those whiffs of waffle cone and it’s made me kinda obsessed w/ myself ... i even received compliments at work ... excellent longevity & sillage ... lots of people are calling this a winter scent but i think it’s perfect for a cooler summer day .. after all, what better time is there to go for ice cream?

Sweet scents usually fall right off my skin. This one doesn’t. Smells like the tastiest salted caramel ice cream that winds down into woody cozy goodness. And no lactose or calories to worry about? What a dream. My first wear of this fragrance was on my partner’s birthday: he kept stopping to sniff it. His normally-oblivious friends complimented it, too. Small sample size of men included here but it appears to be a sneaky crowd-pleasing compliment-getter. Full bottle here I come?

AWOWW is the goat of gourmands. Speaking as someone who enjoys smelling like baked goods I do not want florals mixed in with my caramels or vanillas (except of course, orchid). I’d had disappointment after disappointment in the world of edible scents until I met Waffle Cone. Chocolatey, waffly, syrupy, smoky and sweet, this fragrance has garnered so many compliments I think I need shares in the company (I never gatekeep). I have found The One.

I LOOOVE this one I bought the full sized one ! As a person that loves gourmet smells this is such a good one. I can definitely see how people might think it comes across as strong, it really does in the beginning! It smells strongly of syrup and caramel,doesn't make me feel sticky just makes me feel warm and cozy! Stings my nose for a bit at the start but it’s worth it it’s so good <3! Maple syrup,caramel and vanilla are most prominent here.

heavily reminiscent of hungover sundays in the summer yet this is soooooo autumn coded. very sticky and sweet and edible. when i was a wee lad my favorite bath and body works scent was "pumpkin pecan waffles" so this brings me back to something so familiar but it feels more elevated. i personally love this but i have had multiple people comment on the fact i smell like their child's breakfast when i wear it so proceed with caution

This scent is great not amazing but great, I personally would overpay with this fragrance the longevity and projection is kinda poor. The opening is really nice and same with the dry down although it does kinda have a smoky almost smell but that’s not a bad thing, like someone said prior a 1950’s diner type fragrance I don’t really see the burnt rubber smell like other ppl say unless I really try to smell it 8/10 fragrance

I honestly don’t see where people smell anything burnt or different from the notes displayed. Yes I smell some artificial / synthetic smell to syrupy sweetness but I assure you it smells as displayed, a nice Waffle cone drizzled with syrup and some vanilla ice cream. Don’t get any ideas if it’s a cold ice cream type of smell it’s not. Either way I like this a good bit I don’t really understand the hate it’s getting.

It's really soft and sweet, truly like the description, but I got a bit of incense-ish scent from it up until 2 hours in. Afterwards it was fine, it really smells like waffles and I find that super fun. It is absolutely eternal, it's still going strong on my hand after a whole day of wearing it and taking a shower+ washing my hands a bunch. It's lovely, if you're prepared to wear it for days lol

This scent is amazing and I get compliments on it all the time, however most people say it smells like maple syrup rather than waffle cone/ice cream. The strongest notes are definitely syrup and cinnamon. I love this scent, I do think it can be a tad bit strong so I wouldn't recommend it if you only want a light scent. Overall it's very nice but could be more accurate to the name.

Super sweet, sugary fragrance. I agree with many of the reviews posted already: It's not complex. It's all sugar/maple syrup. I don't get my waffle/cone/etc. But it is delicious. I got a few compliments at the office from people standing in my doorway so the projection/sillage is a solid 6-8 ft. in the first few hours. Overall a delicious gourmand.

love this one as a gourmand enjoyer, but i will say it doesn't quite capture that 'waffle cone in the air' smell of an ice cream shop. i get a strong maple syrup note, along with the vanilla ice cream and slight cinnamon spice. there may be a hint of the baked pastry aspect of a waffle cone but to me this comes off more 'waffle with ice cream'.

I love love LOVEEEE this scent. It smells a lot like maple syrup. Every time I wear this I have someone ask me if I ate pancakes for breakfast and/or what I'm wearing. I wouldn't say that this is an everyday wear, but something that you wear to evoke a certain vibe or mood. I love wearing it in the fall when I want to feel cozy or smell edible.

When others smell it on it they have told me they smell heavy caramel ice cream. It almost wasn’t waffle cone smell for me more of the actual ice cream if that makes sense, still very delicious. I also get a nice spicyness from the cinnamon. I put a few sprays all over me around 4pm and still smelled some of it the next morning.

This scent reminds me of waffles with a lot of syrup drizzled on top. It is very sweet and cozy. My husband came into the room after I sprayed it and he wondered what smelled like butterscotch. It is completely different from the other Imaginary Authors scents that I have. It would be interesting to layer it with other scents.

I'm six and sitting between my grandparents in a booth at some obscure local chain diner, like a Shoney's. I'm being served waffles a la mode by a nice waitress and I can smell the sunlight coming through the window, my hands already sticky with syrup.

One of my go-tos Delicious without making me queasy. I’m sensitive to fragrance so I spray once MAYBE twice and often on my legs but it’s actually mouthwatering. Smells like walking past an ice cream parlor as they make waffle cones.

The vanilla in this is very smoky, like the vanilla in Memoirs of a Trespasser from the same house. It's wonderful! I adore it. It's like if you put your nose right up to the waffle iron that's making the cones.

This smells like an actual whiff of wafflecone. and I get complimented on it a lot. But my friend from Ohio who weighs 400 pounds said it smells like "coffee" when he smelled it on me.

I don’t know why but everyone that smells my perfume tell me that its smell more like ice caramel coffee than a caramel ice cream

This is the original one, the one I have. I didn’t like the reformulated one . I’m selling decants if anyone wants .

This scent is eternal You become a walking pancake 1 spray is enough to fill a room 8/10

I don’t know why this smells like sweet soy sauce on me but I love it so much

This one smells like brown sugar bubble tea 100%

today's been the shittiest day of your fucking life; there's just no fucking way around it. your boss reamed you out twice and what makes it worse is that both times were a result of your doing so you had no one else to be mad at but your God damn self. you forgot to put the seal on your lunch and you just happen to pack cod fish salad and over hear everybody complaining that now the entire break room smells like fish, and you're not about to go grab that bag so you join in and be like "who's the dirty mother fucker that stunk up the break room?" and you left your wallet at home, so you can't even go and buy something quick from across the street at that burger stand; so you're just going to eat your thoughts for lunch. your hard drive crashed and IT department is telling you that you might not be able to recover the files so the case you been working on for your client for the last 2 months might literally be erased off the face of the Earth, even though your work husband Terry told you to save it on a backup drive " you never know". speaking of Terry, you don't know how to interpret his mixed signals and you're not sure if he wants to fuck you or if he's just stroking his own ego. and in the back of your mind you're justifying it because hey you're both married you're both seemingly unhappy with your spouses you both get along great; what's the harm? the only thing that made this whole fiasco seem worth it was that vacation that you're going to be taking at the end of next week ...well you WERE taking; your boss strolls into your office, I'm sorry, your cubicle and told you that your vacation is going to have to be pushed back and there's no time frame on when that will happen but they will "keep you updated". so you take 10 minutes to go online and cancel your reservation and flight tickets but because you booked this since last October, they charge you a 50% cancellation fee. the fee being so high that now you can't even go anywhere whenever your vacation time actually arrives. the end of the day comes and you feel awashed with a sense of relief that this hellacious day is almost over. go to your car turn on the engine, before you pull off you think of yourself "what the fuck is this horrendous smell?" you look down and it looks like you stepped in shit and tracked it into the car. you think to yourself "know what I'm just going to go home drink a whole bottle of Pinot grigio take a couple of Xanax and go to bed fuck it". that's when you receive a text from your ex-husband saying that some things come up so he cannot take the kids this weekend and it's at that very moment you feel the strong urge to just swerve your car and send it careening off the overpass. so you the roll up on the kids school pick them up awaiting for the Armageddon that's about to ensue and surprisingly they're well-behaved. they tell you "hey Mom it's good to see you" and that they actually apologize for their father not being able to pick them up this weekend. and you're stress starts to temper a bit and you decide to maybe start getting the ball rolling and form some momentum so you ask the kids what they want to eat for dinner, you don't feel like cooking (not because you're stressed or overwhelmed but you will not be able to handle the reality of another day of the kids willingly refusing to eat your dinner because you can't cook worth a shit and that would be the straw that broke the camel's back). so after a surprisingly good Big Mac, the kids ask if you could go take them to the ice cream shoppe and you think to yourself "God damn it it's been years since I've had ice cream". and the wave of nostalgia hits you for when you were a little one so bad, that it almost washed away the crap feeling you've had over yourself for most of the day, keyword: almost. you guys get there with about 20 minutes to spare you ask the staff if it's okay to order since those guys are about to close up in 20 minutes and they cheeringly welcome you to come by and get a couple of scoops. but then you walk up to the counter, you get on your knees and you begin to have a nervous breakdown; you see they only have rum raisin and pistachio left, the horror. you pull out that revolver in your purse that you've been hoping never to use against someone attempting to assault you, put it to your mouth pull the trigger and end it all. a whiff of a waffle cone captures that magical feeling and smell when you walk into an ice cream shoppe that makes its own waffle cones on the premises, where it seems like time stands still and life is all good, before you decided to channel your inner Cobain. Josh Myers and the guys over at imaginary authors always throw in this magical fabricated note that you know is impossible but still manage to conjure up a mixture of molecules that evokes that very feeling. that very note in this fragrance is ice cream shop and that is exactly what you smell, from the sweetness to the cream and even the metallic tincture of the machinery. when people see the art on the box and promo they're going to be have preconceived notions that this ithis is going to smell like ice cream and it doesn't. its definitely a gourmand and to my wonderment, it's not exactly linear. beginning opens up you smell the metal tinctures you smell the cinnamon and the caramel, then the dry down about couple few hours in it turns into this very creamy sugary fragrance that actually kind of smells like French toast. the vanilla is a heavy player in the drydown on my skin. the longevity on this is rather excellent when you wear it on cool days, as I can get around between 8 to 10 hours. sillage is very good, projection isn't heavy nor do you want it to; this is more of an intimate brunch date or gathering with other people who you're going to be in close proximity to. it's $65 for 50 ml so the values extraordinary. and as the box says when you get it, spray it and spray it liberally: as liberally as Josh Meyer votes. one of my favorite gourmands, I am hesitant to wear it because this is really a limited edition that's going to be vaulted some point soon so if you can get your hands on this if you love gourmands; this is excellent.

Category: Gourmand, sweet, woody, powdery Notes: This sprays on smelling like sweet maple syrup and vanilla. Within a few minutes these notes are joined by a deep caramel which becomes more and more powdery the longer it stays on. There’s a dry quality here that I normally associate with synthetic woods, but I believe it may come from the cinnamon note as it is also mildly spicy. Vibe: Bows. Caramel latte. Cinnamon. Princess. Baby pink. Pancakes and maple syrup breakfast. 1950’s-themed diner. Powdered doughnut. Maple tree. Sugar cubes. Ants on a picnic blanket. Drive-in theater. Hand-holding. Ski-trip. Sillage: 2/10. Pretty much a skin scent, barely any projection to speak of. Personally I expect more projection from a perfume at this price point. Longevity: 7/10. Lasted me approximately 7 hours which I think is fairly decent for longevity. I would have liked a little bit better of a performance but overall, I’m satisfied. Wear: Day or night, leaning day. 100% a fall perfume that definitely could work throughout winter as well. Overall rating: 6/10. Warm, sweet and powdery. A Whiff of Wafflecone has a distinctly dry quality which I find most commonly in fragrances with a synthetic woody base. While I generally enjoy the dry quality, the synthetic aspect is not my cup of tea. That being said, here it is absolutely manageable and not something that entirely ruins the fragrance for me. While it is sweet, it is not cloying, although I would probably steer clear of this if you generally don’t like sweet fragrances as it’s definitely leaning more towards the diabetic side of the spectrum. This would have gotten a higher rating if it was a tad less sweet and a lot less powdery - the powdery quality is overwhelming and I don’t think it fitting for the overall composition. While they are by no means the same, or even necessarily similar, I do feel like the overall vibe of this is similar to that of the popular Bianco Latte - the warm, cozy, fuzzy feeling and marshmallows roasting over open fire vibe is definitely something they have in common. I’d even be ready to label A Whiff of Waffle Cone the sweeter cousin Bianco Latte - A Whiff of Waffle cone amps up the sweetness and powderiness, whereas Bianco Latte has that slightly more smokey, burnt sugar-quality to it. Over the two, I personally prefer Bianco Latte as I believe it’s a little more grown-up, but that being said this is still definitely a fragrance you could wear well into your 30’s, maybe even longer, if you have the right (cutesy) aura for it. Who would wear it?: Lottie in The Princess and the Frog (2009). Anna Kendrick.

To quote my friend recently at a dimly-lit dive bar gig: "I didn't see you when you got here, but I knew you were here when I smelled pancakes." I LOVED this when I initially smelled and tested it... but I'm anosmic to it now! I still have a little left and am crushed, because I really enjoyed the "good enough to eat" scent that radiated off me. On my skin the spicy notes felt a lot more forward to me personally. Now all I get is a hint of sugary cinnamon, almost like the scent left in a bag that once held a custard tart. Crushing, but we persist. I can't agree with the poor sillage comments, I'd say that personal perception of sillage is low, but externally? It's broad, it's undeniable, and this perfume CONSTANTLY gets comments. I can't call them compliments, because more often than not it's more of a straight up "I can smell pancakes" or "who smells like maple syrup???". I go to a lot of live music events and bars, and even in these incredibly busy spaces I still regularly overhear people questioning the out-of-place introduction of an indulgent breakfast in their midst. I tried giving this tasty treat a little break to see if my nose would recover, but alas, I have lost the whimsy and joy I once had for this scent. Back to the drawing board for a new gourmand.

I have a love-hate relationship with this perfume. On the one hand, it’s my gourmand dream. On the other hand, it can be maple syrup overload. Another reviewer described it well when they said “a whiff of waffle.” Upon first sniff, it definitely smells like a massive plate of waffles drenched in sweet, sticky syrup. As the scent melts into your skin overtime, you finally start to smell the walking-into-an-ice-cream-shop goodness. Mind you, this perfume STAYS. I don’t remember the last time I had a scent that stayed on my skin for so long. I have very dry skin, and I feel like that’s why scents tend to not linger on me for very long, but this one stays ON. Good if you like the scent, bad if it’s a little cloying for your taste. I’ve found that taking advantage of its staying-power and mixing it with some of my other gourmand scents (by rosie’s Dulce, Outremer’s Vanille, and Mod Vanilla, to name a few) is the best way to get the full sweet-but-not-cloying experience. Would I buy a full bottle? No. Would I buy a travel size to use whenever I feel like smelling like a bakery? Maybe one day. If you’re a true gourmand lover, I think you’ll enjoy this scent. But if you’re expecting a vanilla ice cream in a waffle cone scent, you might be disappointed.

A Whiff of Waffle Cone........more like a Wham of Waffle Cone! It's not bad, per say, but hoo boy can it smack ya in the face. When I first sprayed this, it was so, SO strong, and the cinnamon note is so potent it almost leans.....minty dental?? Absolutely bizarre. It also lasted for four days on my arm. The sweetness dissipated, but the cinnamon/woody notes were on there like glue. I also tried layering it with a Love Cherry (5$ from Giant Tiger lol) - HUGE mistake. Overwhelmingly sweet, to the point where *I* was nauseous, which does not happen. I did, however, get a whiff of Waffle Cone with my Lush VaVaVoom bath melt (Primarily jasmine - very similar to their Lust perfume) and that tempered it nicely! Need to experiment further. At the moment, I'm wearing it layered with Lush's massage bar version of Turmeric Latte, which is also quite nice. This time around, I'm finding the cinnamon to come across more woody, and getting less of that dental note. Since I applied it over moisturizer, and fresh out the shower, I'll really get to see how long this lasts. Overall, I think this scent is best layered with *something* to keep it from being overly cloying, and use it sparingly!! But it is nice when applied properly c:

Normally when I leave a fragrance review, I'll keep it serious and say something like: "x note gives a y nuance," or "x note brings out the y nuance in z note," etc. What's fun about reviewing gourmand fragrances is that I can say a fragrance smells like a yogurt parfait and call it a day, since it's all synthetic sweet treat wizardry 🪄🍧 Anywayyyys, A Whiff of Waffle Cone straight up smells like an IHOP commercial to me. One sniff and in my mind's eye, I see a close-up rotating shot of maple syrup oozing over steaming pancakes 🥞🥞🥞 This gourmand is one of my favorites I've smelled thus far, but wearing it can make me feel sticky if that makes sense??? Weird/10, would smell again. Also, the bottle art of a tiger perched on an ice cream cone is sending me. What is HAPPENING here 😂😂😂 TL;DR: I get Syrup with a capital S and waffle cone. This fragrance is endearing to me in a bizarre way 🤷 Okay Ms. Stroopwafel!

Contrary to the name, this fragrance leans more syrupy than it does waffle cone (vanilla). The initial blast is straight dark maple syrup: cloyingly sweet, almost overwhelmingly so. however after about 10 minutes, there is a fresher element that comes forward (at least on my skin) and the vanilla/waffle cone aspect is much more detectable. If I had no context of the name and was just blind smell testing this fragrance, I would describe it as walking down a cobblestone street in Amsterdam in late autumn. The smell of stroop waffles in the air. As you walk through the crisp autumnal air, you feel feel the heat from restaurant radiators briefly sweep over you as you walk towards the nearest Christmas market. As you draw closer, you can smell the oliebollen, full of vanilla and powdered sugar notes.

Shockingly realistic maple syrup scent, but it has some real depth and a subtler drydown, so have no fear about smelling like a pancake all day. I definitely pick up on the salted caramel note too. This is a likely hit for gourmand fans and very cozy to me - I finally decided to wear my sample as a little pick-me-up when I was feeling under the weather and it totally fit the brief. The staying power on this is unbelievable, I tend to underspray and traces of this were still wafting out of my laundry basket for days after wearing. It's not the most interesting or complex IA scent, but it's absolutely delicious with total beast performance. I have no idea where I would wear this out, but can see those who like their fragrances sweet and loud being in love with this.

This scent is exactly what it says it is. A warm, creamy avalanche of vanilla, salted caramel, and heavy cream, wrapped in a cinnamon-kissed waffle cone straight out of an ice cream shop. It’s overwhelmingly sweet, but in a way that feels playful and nostalgic rather than cloying. If you’ve ever wanted to smell like dessert—this is the one. That said, I truly can’t imagine a scenario where I’d actually wear this out. It’s like a novelty scent that nails its concept so well, it becomes hard to pull off casually. I love how it smells, but on skin? It feels more like a fun fragrance experience than a daily driver. Respect to Imaginary Authors for making something so bold and unapologetically gourmand. Just know this one is more dessert art than signature scent.

definitely smells like pancake syrup like all the reviews say. it's really all i smell, no ice cream or vanilla. it's sticky and sweet but has a bit of depth to it, lasts a surprisingly long time, too. i sprayed once on the tester paper they sent and i smelled pancakes in my room for days- i still smell it if i bring it up to my nose despite spraying it several weeks ago. decent sillage, too. boyfriend thought i was making breakfast in the other room the first time i wore it. i personally don't like it enough to pay $115 for a full-sized bottle (i feel this way about all of the IA fragrances i've tried, yikes), especially since i don't see any occasion appropriate for smelling like pancakes but worth a sample if you like gourmands.

Smells like a somewhat smoky/salty blend of maple syrup and caramel, and other dessert ingredients to a lesser extent. The potent sweetness mixed with the mild smokiness and saltiness is actually quite pleasant and the fragrance manages to dodge the synthetic sort of vibe that comes with a lot of caramel gourmand scents I've put my nose to. Although it's very well done for what it is, the more intensely dessert-like gourmand scents I experience (New York Nights, Bianco Latte, Amore Caffe), the more I think I'm not so sure I want to smell like I just spilled a dessert all over me (of course, there are exceptions lol). Fairly linear experience, and the performance is pretty good. 7.5/10

There's a bit of a baked good note happening in the background, but this fragrance is "oops, all maple!" It's not giving me what I want (the actual scent of a waffle cone), but I don't mind smelling like maple. It's too one-note for me; no evolution. If it were significantly cheaper, I would consider buying a travel spray for days when I want to smell like good childhood memories of special occasion breakfasts or ordering waffles at a diner. 6+ hours of staying power. Moderate sillage. Definitely a fall/winter scent.

I am very confused on why they decided to call this "A Whiff of Waffle Cone" and form a sort of ice cream theme around the fragrance. It gives pure breakfast vibes. Pancakes with maple syrup. Not necessarily real maple syrup either, more like Aunt Jemima. It is extremely sweet through and through with that prominent supranatural maple note that dominates any other incidental notes that may be there. I find it quite likeable though. Reminds me of a weekend breakfast at Dennys or IHOP. It is comforting.

Absolutely delectable! It's a lot more cinnamon forward than I was expecting (I should note: my sample is the reformulation with sandalwood instead of amyris). It's like freshly baked waffles covered in maple syrup. Very strong projection. I guess the question is: do I want to smell like maple syrup? Maybe not. But as a gourmand lover I greatly appreciate this. It reminds me of the spice you smell in the air from those cinnamon brooms stores sell around Halloween time.

I recieved faulty sample, so im not able to spray it properly. But that doesnt make the fragrance less potent. That thing is strooong. I can even smell it from barely open drawer where i store it. But its magical and something different and artsy. After a while its smells almost burnt, but not in the bad way, like burnt sugar, caramel. And the advertisement and name of this fragrance is perfec. Its sweet, dry and melancholic. But im not sure its everyday wear for me.

This is pure maple syrup in unsticky spray form. There are some woody/creamy notes added in for good measure but WOOFT I felt like I had been dunked into a vat of caramel syrupy sauce. I love a gourmand as much as the next sugar addict but this is something else. I wasn’t expecting longevity but it lasts 12+ hours on clothes. It just won’t leave. A like and not a love for me - you will need to love it to withstand the persistent syrup cloud for your entire day.