Dark Vanilla

This is one of those fragrances that you want to hate. I hate the bottle. I dislike the packaging. I dislike the fact that it feels cheap and lightweight in the hand and I dislike the fact that a house of the status of Montale chose this. It looks cheap, girly and a bit tacky. I had it thrust under my nose on a sample card at LHR last night and the chap helping me was more east end drug pusher than west end fragrance advisor. I liked him, he was super friendly but had showed me a couple of fragrances I wasn't a fan of, so when he thrust this under my schnozz last night I was expecting to dislike it. On some level I think I wanted to hate it. And at first, all I got was a slightly cloying, overpowering, custardy vanilla essence. I waved the paper in the air a few times and blew on it to hasten the dry down and went back to it and it was shockingly better. The spices and leather do a lot of heavy lifting here and the sandalwood is delicious. I found myself reaching for the God-awful metal tin to apply some to the back of my hand and went back to it in about ten minutes to find it a genuinely lovely concoction that smells wonderful on my skin. The vanilla is in strong evidence throughout the top, mid and bottom but it is dark and leathery, dare I say a bit more manly? What on earth is THIS frag doing arriving in THAT cheapo monstrosity of a tin container? The dry down is still the vanilla notes but they are part hidden in the spice and woodiness of the bottom notes and the intensity of the vanilla goes away very quickly. Nonetheless, performance is respectable and it does die down gently but not die off if that makes sense. I would wear this to the office or a dinner out, but it is undeniably a later, more night-orientated fragrance and the drydown makes it suitable for a date night too. With a discount and a voucher I paid GBP80.40 for the 100ml bottle/tin and felt this was superb value for the fragrance you get, though as stated I do think the bottle is a real weak point. At the end of the day I'm not really a collector and I bought it because I will wear the fragrance not because it will look cool in a display or something. I'm not sure it is a traveling fragrance really but if it was, the metal tin bottle thing probably makes more sense. I'd recommend this one. It has a nice darkness, woody heaviness to it that makes the vanilla a lot more enjoyable to my nose. Scent - 7/10 Sillage - 8/10 Drydown - 7/10 Packaging/bottle - 4/10 Performance - 6/10 32/50.

ok, after 2 months of having this as a 21 yo, this is not for an unconfident person, you need to own this scent or it will call your bluff, it smelt like gasoline at first ,the batch code said it was made 3 months ago, i let it mature for 2 months while using it, it changed to a perfect leather, new bmw, rich, old money leather smell, in the first month, but now it smells a lot like cumin for a longtime, like its winter, and the cumin doesnt leave the skin for atleast 2 hours, you have to spray this atleast an hour before going out, max 3 sprays, and max 2 spray if you are gonna go to a closed enviroment during the day, this sillage is insane, you fill up a room, you will not go unnoticed, it depends on the skin of the wearer aswell, i like to make an impresion so i wear this every once in a while to college, made the mistake on the first time using it, went nose blind and OVERSPRAYED, regret it heavily, you will definitly smell sexy, if u find out how to spray depending on your skin, like a macho man, bruce wayne would wear this to a millionaires charity event, this scent is for someone who knows how to be themselves, you smell it and you imagine someone very tall, with a blue expensive peacoat bumping into you, and leaving you thinking, who tf is that guy, would not recommend blind buying, but if you wanna be surprised by this really unique scent, have a go at it, this is my signature fragrance specially for special events and parties, has a similar dry down to celeste by giardini di toscana, PS: and spicy at first spray give it a chance, UPDATE, 3 month maturation, perfect dark vanilla vanilla, leather note slowed down, spices super toned down, cumin gone essencially, which was my complaint now its a dark vanilla in full effect, got 3 compliments yesterday, it was a 10 people get together, super wearable now even in daytime winter and fall, 10/10 would reccomend if you like to stand out and be the man

#1276 in my "Tour de Fragrance" You can get this note combination from literally everyone, except that you cannot get it without rose except with this scent and Lataffa's "Qasaed Al Sultan" which I also love. Qasaed is much sweeter and has bergamot, so for me, this Montale has a darker and more masculine vibe. [Frankly that rose note gives most oud and leather scents an old lady vibe that I am completely done with]. Both this scent and Qasaed could be improved with some myrrh and/or olibanum, but we have Amouage "Interlude Black Iris" for that. A more powdery-musky version of this marketed for women is Narciso Rodriquez' "Ambre Musc", though I find that scent very unisex and think labeling it "for her" narrows their market needlessly. I can certainly wear it. This scent will last through the business day and projects well for most of the morning. I think it's masculine leaning but still unisex. Business or casual wear. Not summer wear. Car pool, elevator and small office safe, not because no one will notice. Everyone will notice, but without a rose note it doesn't get cloying and offensive in tight spaces. As with most oudy scents you probably want to try a decant before deciding to own this. And if you like it a little sweeter and brighter, the Qasaed Al Sultan is dirt cheap at $24, whereas this Montale goes for $70.

I had been searching a union of the vanilla & softer oud and after a long investigation I ended up blindly buying this, and oh boys, no matter how right I was! The leather may be "ashy and pungently uplifting" like Caborchard or TF, but here leather is more like suede, very smooth and comfortable. Current performances of Oud can be hard, gasoline-like, very dry or very woody. Here, Oud's interpretation is not like that. I definitely get that Cambodean oud, very smooth, like suede. With intoxicating Montale's vanilla. The opening is beautiful, uplifting and minty, the scent lasts all day, the sowing is just right, strong but non-superior, pleasant.This is beautiful in itself, but excellent for layering too. Watching reviews and videos of this, I was a little puzzled by the really divisive opinions about the masculinity / femininity of the scent... But having smelled this, I don't wonder it at all. This is a great example of a truly unisex scent; the leather here is very visible (masculine) but very soft (feminine) and then that vanilla. There is nothing offensive about this scent, yet this is very interesting. If you love sweet vanilla, but are unsure about leather scents, this may be the right choice and your new love! Personally, I am completely enchanted by this scent.

Hardcore. I’m feeling this. I’m feeling it a lot. It has a pungent opening reminiscent of red tobacco (mancera) - with a slight medicinal touch. The opening isn’t why I’m here. It’s the rest of the story...5 minutes in and you have a spicy, semi-sweet, ultra dense concoction. The more I think about it...I feel like this could be a red tobacco eau fraiche...or something. I don’t think it smells like anal glands at all - but if it does, spray that ass juice baby. I think there’s a little bit of a learning curve to this one, as it is pretty intense. If I smell closely - I do find the the vanilla. This is more of a robust - cake like vanilla - but it takes a backseat to the spice and leather. This is a daring - yet wearable - scent. If you’ve never dabbled in mancera/montale, this may not be the best starter kit. At any rate, I appreciate this one very much. I find it to be fairly unique - especially as it mellows out. I think (when it mellows), most people will find this enjoyable. Again - the opening, not so much. I definitely don’t think this is a good fit for warm days. It would make me sick. Likely not a good office scent either - as I think some people will think this smells a little too intense. Regardless - I think it’s a winner.

How is this not talked about more??? It’s very literally dark vanilla. There’s no other way to describe it, just an uncomplicated, straightforward sweet dark vanilla. An opulent vanilla in the best way possible. And thats really all you can smell, there's no other note that protrudes out of the scent because its so well blended. Has a lingering smokey leather undertone somewhere in the background. It’s giving mysterious elegant Russian woman in early 30s with red hair in dark lipstick, a luscious fur coat and a cossack on a gloomy day. I was overwhelmed when I first sprayed because its too dark and sexy for me on a normal day but then I realised how elegantly badass the dry down is; it creates this mysterious dark aura around you that everyone around you will feel...not offensive, more like omni-present...its a vibe, a mood super powerful and rich...This is one of the perfumes that can be worn by every age but needs to be carried with confidence, you must match its vibe or it'll smell odd on u. definitely not appropriate for summer - dark scents like this are accommodated by cold air...for eg you must wear an elegant coat with this to match the vibe etc

OMG, so incredibly good, I'm completely in love with this one. I don't really smell the smokiness, I only smell vanilla with spices. I was looking for the perfect vanilla fragrance and this is it. Period. It has the same type of vanilla note like Sweet Vanilla and Vanille Absolu, but it's not that one-dimensional, the spices and the oud make it well-rounded, dark toned and sensual. It has definitely more masculinity than the 2 mentioned scents but I can easily rock this as a woman, moreover I feel sexy when I wear this. I find it really really interesting that people find this similar to Aoud Vanille and Shaghaf Oud, I own and LOVE all three of them, and all of them are different scents for different occasions, moods and outfits. Aoud Vanille is heavier, the vanilla is more realistic and dry and has cleaner, medicinal oud, definitely not a crowd pleaser. Shaghaf Oud is a really rosy gourmand oud fragrance and vanilla is just a part of the well-blended composition while Dark Vanilla is clean vanilla perfume like the name implies.

This thing is gloriously dark and utterly sexy. It's warm, inviting, leathery, smokey, and thick. It's sipping cognac while sitting on a leather chair in the dark and smokey parlor of an old mansion that's covered in red velvet wallpaper and lit with too many candles. Vanilla is the love of my life and this is Vanilla all grown up with Laboutin heels, a pretty corset, and a leather whip. I think unisex scents tend to run more masculine, but this truly could be worn by either gender. I picked up the leather almost right away and that was without having read the notes first. The leather is quite dominant but not sharp like in TF's Ombre Leather (which I also love). This one is much warmer and supple. I didn't think it was possible for my beloved Angel to be dethroned, yet here we are. EDIT: This thing is a Man Magnet. I’ve had men latch themselves on to my neck after smelling me from a hello or goodbye kiss. I realize that’s not everyone’s cup of tea but I loved it. Buyer beware whether for good or bad ;)

I don't know what is wrong with me. I read all these reviews saying that this is a masculine perfume and I am sure something is wrong with my nose. I am a woman and I absolutely love this one on me. I am a person who cannot wear a very large number of fragrances because they smell too masculine on me. Most ouds I cannot wear. To give you an idea, D&G Light Blue for women is a tad too masculine for me. Chanel Chance eau Fraiche, too masculine. But this, this for me smells feminine, and when I wear it I love it, and I honestly would not want to smell this on my man. This is very sweet. This is a straight up vanilla but full bodied, dense. Sure, a bit spicy, but still a vanilla. If a man wishes to wear a vanilla this could be an option, but don't think anyone would ever feel like this is odd on a woman. So if you are a woman, don't move past it just yet. Maybe you have an odd nose like mine...

A very pleasant scent profile, a very superior perfume, longivety and projection are great. Lasts on clothes for weeks, comes alive next day in the shower. Don't let the name vanilla scare you off if you don't like sweet fragrances, this is it's own category. Semi-sweet, not sugary, syrupy or cloying, you experience the vanilla but alot more is going on here, the notes are blended very beautifully. Winter/fall/ spring only Smooth, warm, creamy, addictive and sexy. The comparison to aoud vanille doesn't do it justice. (don't get me wrong, Aoud Vanille is a great fragrance and one of my favorites, I'm just saying they're not similar). Actually the profile will surprise you, sometimes you may feel like its reminding you of something, only to discover that no, dark vanilla is superior! Unisex masterpiece. Oud and vanilla done right.

I am shocked there aren't more mentions of Dark Vanilla. This is divine. My precious token vanilla. I was intent on trying Van Py Rhum for a goth vanilla, and instead I got overpowering mentholated tobacco somehow. BUT THIS... this... is mysterious midnight vanilla, with no frills. Shadowy enough to darken your heart, but sweet and simplistic enough to layer, for male or female. Sure, it could lean a bit more masculine if you're used to "baked-goods" vanillas or one-note vanillas. But I really don't find Dark Vanilla all that daunting. There's the leather, woods, and spice, but it's all so very subtle in the background. At least, for me it is. I read all the reviews and it's beyond me that some others can't smell the vanilla. The vanilla is at the forefront, punching me in the face, and I love it. Haha.

I bought this having only smelt it on a tester strip once..... I am wearing it for the first time today and I feel like I have just walked out of a new car tyre store, having sat on a warm, leather couch/sofa, sipping on warm vanilla tea, flavoured with rich spices.... and now I am walking through a forest in autumn/fall, with the smell of wood chips and earth all around me. If these smells resonate with you.... this perfume will grab you; in fact, it will choke you.... nothing about these characters is offensive, and on their own they may seem simple, but added together like they did in this bottle..... it's just wave after wave after wave of intoxicating aroma. Definitely a unisex perfume (maybe even more masculine than feminine) but its goooood!!!!! Can't wait to see how it lasts throughout the day.

Dark Vanilla is one of Montale’s best, in my opinion. The name “Dark Vanilla” perfectly describes this scent. The “Vanilla” part is the classic silky, ambery sweet vanilla that Montale is renowned for. The “Dark” part starts off with spices but quickly transitions into a leathery note with oudh. This balance ensures the fragrance isn’t overly sweet or too woody and leathery—it's perfectly balanced. The scent is pretty linear and potent, as expected from Montale, with excellent longevity and sillage. I find it to be unisex, though the oudh and leather notes might make it lean slightly more masculine for some. If you’re searching for a sweet gourmand vanilla, this isn’t it. But if you appreciate a well-balanced, complex vanilla with depth, Dark Vanilla is a fantastic choice

i already left a review for this, but i was gifted it for Christmas and have some new things to add. it smells much sweeter than the tester, and less dry. i assume the tester had time to mature for a while before I tested it. it currently smells like dried fruit and wood lol. its kind of gross . I'm not getting any vanilla :( i hope to get the smell of the tester back after letting it sit for a bit this has great sillage and longevity, tho it may not appeal to everyone around u. i got compliments with just one spray. my family all liked it :) UPDATE: after 2 months it smells MUCH better. i was contemplating selling it. now the vanilla is really coming through and the gross dried fruit note is gone. have never had a fragrance mature this well and so fast

Bought this amazing perfume few months ago. I fall in love with it immediately. it is sweet and warm with spices. I can not see even why it can be unisex. it s just super warm vanilla and unique. but it is not for everyone and not everyone will like it. I do not see it a male perfume but more as a strong female perfume. some of my friends just love it. my sister says that I smell like a man. my partner said he needs more time to get use to it. at the end, it lasts long, on my clothes, on me. I tried many many many perfumes, Chanel, Lancome, Dior, Sissely, does not matter, this is the only one that I can smell myself and drown in my strong character haha! this is definitely my signature. such a pitty that there is no body lotion of it.

Phenomenal vanilla fragrance. It starts out with a spice, leather and Oud combination which twitches the nostrils a little, but within a couple of minutes the most creamy vanilla comes in, combined with the leather making a fantastic scent by Montale. The silage, projection and longevity is insane. In the air it smells of the most amazing creamy pudding like vanilla, but has the leather in the back keeping it darker and more serious. This is a perfect interpretation of a masculine vanilla, however this would equally smell amazing on a woman. I had multiple compliments from strangers the day I wore this. This and Ristretto are my favourites, hands down. It’s a love from me, and everyone around me.

I have a decant of Mancera Vanilla Aoud and I was considering on whether I would buy the full size or not, since I've been looking for good vanilla/oud fragrances. And then I emded up blind buying this based on the fragrantica reviews. I'm glad I went with this instead. Even though I like the Mancera bottles better and you get a little more juice too - but I find this one to be very similar, but a little smoother and in the direction I wanted. Very nice. Also, I prefer this to Vertus' Vanilla Oud (I picked up an apple cider vinegar note in that one) and I also prefer this to Kayali's Oud Vanilla too (it wears closer to the skin and is more powdery/musky).

I love this beast , I sprayed today at 6:00 am and it’s almost 22:00, I took a shower and I still can smell it on me. But lasting power it’s not even my favorite thing about this perfume, not very sweet spicy vanilla(, woods. I don’t usually enjoy oud that much but here I just get like a spice sandalwood or cedar I don’t know. But not oud oud. Really addictive and perfectly unisex. Not synthetic and not resinous. I tried it to day for the first time in months, bcs it was to hot out side and it is definitely winter/autumn fragrance . I think it can be great for layerin, I just do know which one to do it with ... I accept suggestions

The very close sister to Pure Love.. only this has the more vanilla I wished Pure Love had so I feel IMO if you liked the pure love offering but wanted more vanilla then this is what you want! Or just anyone who wants that deeper sexier vanilla with a little something extra. I definitely pick up the leather along with the vanilla, but the leathers thankfully not overbearing. The vanilla is the forerunner and it’s tasty foody vanilla. This is cold weathers cozy warm dream and thankfully it doesn’t smell too much like a candle either. Definitely one to check out for vanilla lovers who want their vanilla with some edge.

OMFG ................... people ! ...... am feeling completely thrown backwards on to the wall in love with this fragrance! I blind bought this fragrance based on a recent article here about it (sorry author escapes me at the moment). I honestly can't recall ever falling this hard and this fast for a fragrance and that is really saying something. WOWSER, am gonna have to sit back on this hot summer evening and force myself not to sniff my wrist for only the 1,000,000th time, drink several glasses of wine so that maybe, thereafter, I'll be able to comprehend what just happened!