We are all familiar with the distinct aroma of coffee. Studies have shown that there are over 800 aromatic and flavour compounds found in coffee, making coffee a rich flavour bomb. Some studies have even shown that just the smell of coffee can be beneficial. Apparently the scent of coffee can improve antioxidant properties, combating the effects of stress in your body’s cells. Coffee as we know it, kicked off in Arabia, where roasted beans were first brewed around AD1000. By the 13th century, Muslims were drinking coffee religiously.
Coffee fragrances can be either spicy coffee and “incensy” or can be very “gourmandish” with a mixture of different perfume notes of vanilla, caramel, almond and generally classified as sweet.
Coffee first showed up in mainstream perfumery when two perfumers, Jean-Claude Ellena and Jean-Francois Laporte introduced L'Eau du Navigateur for the L'Artisan brand in 1979. However, it was not till 1996 when Mugler A*Men was released which legitimized coffee as a fragrance note for the masses and modern perfumery found another distinct note to dance with. Since then, numerous fragrances were released with the coffee note but not all of them could create the hype that A*Men formed.
An important note for the users is that most coffee scents are better suited for the winter months when warm, cozy smells are more appreciated and fitting.
The following is a list of top five perfumes which used coffee as one of their key notes in composing the perfume:
Mugler A*Men
A*Men, that released in 1996, was a brave and bold release which was not the likes of famous releases of that time such as Acqua di Giò pour Homme. It was a mixture of notes not commonly worn or appreciated by many. However, the distinct nature of this perfume could attract the fragrance enthusiasts and created a cult following immediately. A* Men redefined masculinity with its woodsy note of patchouli and atlas cedar, with accords of mint, fruits, and lavender as opening. After sometime, the woodsy composition converts to an explosive energy of coffee with the warm musk, tonka, and caramelish vibe. This is sweet, intense, loud, and a real love for the people who appreciate coffee based perfumes.
Black Phantom by Killian
By Killian Perfumes is a French luxury perfume house. Black Phantom was released in 2017 , and in brief, it smells like a gorgeous caramel latte with chocolate, rum, sandalwood, and almond blended to perfection. It is considered as one of the best unisex gourmands from the house of By Killian.
Bond No 9 New Haarlem Cologne
Bond No 9 is an American fragrance company that pays tribute to the city of New York through the art of perfumery. The house is known for its unique presentation and bottle designs. New Haarlem is an oriental woody fragrance for women and men created by reputed perfumer Maurice Roucel and released in 2003. It is a sweet fragrance which features coffee, lavender, vanilla, tonka bean, cedar, and patchouli as main notes. Although it is most suitable for winter nights can be worn in an air controlled room even in spring or summer.