I-Ristretto

I would say this fragrance is perfect for an iris/violet/powder lover, who wants some interesting complexity from a strong coffee note. The coffee note is initially strong and a bit dirty, almost a Turkish coffee dirt note, and then the iciness of the iris and the powder come through. All together, on initial impression, it mixes into an impression of a bitter, floral and powdery drink. I like it much better on the way to the drydown though, because it starts to meld and be a calmer iris, and the coffee mixes with the powder to be a little milky. The patchouli and cashmeran help soften it a little bit, but not quite enough for my liking until an hour or two into wearing it. I do think this is suitable for quite chilly but overcast days, and is more of a fall/autumn scent, or a very chilly summer evening, it would be too intimate and stern to wear during hotter times. I would also not spray it right before going out to an event, because it doesn't smell that sophisticated until the fragrance starts evolving on your skin.

Tested a sample from a set. The coffee (with cream n sugar) note settles and sits far in the background. It blends very well with the powdery note. I was complimented when I wore it. I was already planning on purchasing a full bottle before the compliment.

Sampling Maison Tahite I Ristretto, from their recent coffee quarter released in 2022, a blend of coffee, iris, pink pepper, violet, and cashmeran, with even a bit of a rosy vibe, a very pleasant mix that, while including coffee, is not coffee-intensive but feels like maybe one third coffee, one third iris, and one third violet/cashmeran/other notes. Dark and smooth coffee strikes me as a good foil to iris, to prevent the overall mix from being too sharp/powdery/screechy, while still having a bit of sweetness in the mix as well, coming off like a pinch of vanilla and musk. I quite like it and it adds variety to the other coffee-themed fragrances I’ve tried so far. Overall I like and it performs well, as well. I Ristretto, like the rest of the house, is priced very reasonably at $115 for 100ml, in EDP concentration, and is sold at Luckyscent (where I bought the sample set) among other boutiques. 7 out of 10

This is just shy of being fabulous. I really enjoy the scent. Coffee mixed with iris is fantastic. If they just made it a bit stronger and longer lasting. Glad I had a sample to experience. Don't plan on getting a full bottle.

Smells like a Dior Homme Intense with the slightest "cherry" to my nose. Update: I can distinguish the coffee note more in the opening and throughout the fragrance