Montale Dark Vanilla Review + Masculine Vanilla Draw

Montale Dark Vanilla Review

Montale Dark Vanilla collage: Photos from Sebastian and Pixaby

 When we think of vanilla in perfumery, many of us associate it with women’s fragrances or with sweet perfumes. Nobody wants to smell like a cupcake! Montale Dark Vanilla has a masculine leaning edge that is not the same old vanilla. Its ingredients are reminiscent of the Middle East redolent of spice markets, oud, saffron, leather and one of the most polarizing notes in perfumery, cumin. Cumin is a spice that grows from a flowering pant and its Its seeds – each one contained within a fruit, which is dried – are used in the cuisines of many cultures including the Middle East and Asia. What does it smell like?  Often described as animalic, “sweaty”, (the most cumin centric fragrance I have ever smelled is the sadly discontinued Kingdom by Alexander McQueen) but when used in the right amount it can really enhance a composition, and in this case it helps take vanilla into a different direction… Dark Vanilla, shares similar DNA to many Montale Fragrances and a little spray goes a long way (and women will like this too).-Michelyn Camen, Editor-in-Chief

Thanks to Euro Perfumes, the US distributor of Montale, a registered CaFleureBon reader and Smelling Great subscriber in the USA (if you are not sure if you are registered click here (you must register on our site or your entry will be invalid) we have a 100 ml tester  bottle of  Montale Dark Vanilla ($170) for a USA RESIDENT reader only. To be eligible please leave a comment ON THIS SITE with what you enjoyed about Sebastian’s YouTube review. Have you ever smelled cumin in perfume or as a spice. Draw closes 4/18/2021

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90 comments

  • Elaine Scarpato says:

    I love all of Sebastian’s reviews, he is thoughtful and thorough when describing fragrance. I recently purchased his new 5 sample box he spoke about in his youtube video- I absolutely adore Intense Cafe and I am wearing today from the sample box. Yes, I adore Cumin and cardamom in fragrance as well as ambergris.

    Thank you
    Elaine ( Buddha cat)

  • Adam D Bekit says:

    Sebastian is the man! No fluff in his reviews, good, comprehensive reviews of fragrances. Been wanting to try a Montale fragrance for a while, dark vanilla looks like a good place to start!

  • glowup says:

    I love Montale and I grew up drawn to vanilla fragrances so this is right up my alley. Sebastian’s review really got me excited to try this one, to hear the additional notes that create a different take on vanilla. Cumin always adds a kick to your nose in fragrances.

  • shannan tiffin says:

    I enjoy the way Sebastian breaks down the notes and his no nonsense approach to reviews. I do not have any fragrances with Cumin in them but I love the smell of it while cooking. I also am a women who tends to love masculine leaning fragrances, nothing too sweet. This seems like something i would enjoy.

  • Paul says:

    Sebastian’s review piqued my interest in this dark vanilla fragrance. As usual, his reviews are thorough and informative. I’ve never smelled a cumin in a fragrance but use it often in cooking and it’s an exotic spice.

  • Anh Huyen Thi Nguyen says:

    What I like about this review video is it’s very informative about breaking down the layers of this fragrance, so I can imagine what will happen after spraying it. Even though it’s vanilla it’s not something that is too sweet, instead spicy, leathery, and oud, the combination somehow brings out the Middle eastern vibe to me. This fragrance is so interesting as well. I’ve never smelled cumin with vanilla together and it’s hard to combine them in imagination to be honest. I’m always a fan of oriental notes, so would loveeee to have a bottle of Dark Vanilla

  • WDJ143 says:

    Sebastian’s reviews are always detailed and picturesque. Not a fan of Honey Aoud, but I like Starry Nights and Intense Cafe. Im curious to smell this ” manly ” vanilla.

  • Andrei Artimon says:

    Really love the house , have more than 10 of they re offerings . This would be a good addition to my collection .

  • Celeste Peay says:

    I absolutely love Sebastian’s reviews. I watch almost all over his videos, and have recommended his channel to several friends who are getting into fragrances and asked to learn more. I’m most impressed with his ability to so eloquently describe what he smells and incorporate memories/places/feelings into the descriptions. I’ve bought well over 50 perfume bottles/samples after watching his reviews and have yet to be disappointed! I love cumin in food, I seem to be hit or miss with fragrances, but paired with vanilla I think it would be wonderful!

  • Carl says:

    I like the way that Sebastian said this dark vanilla is manly. Cumin never tried. My wife will steal this for sure if I win
    Sounds great

  • june says:

    I have similar taste with Sebastian in that I really enjoy vanilla fragrances (His break down of fragrance notes is very realistic). However, most vanilla fragrances lie in the sweet side. I am very interested in learning more about Montale and Dark Vanilla.

  • FC says:

    It is clear why Sebastian thinks Montale Dark Vanilla is masculine vanilla as it employs notes like cumin which tend to add masculine vibe to compositions. I have smelled several perfumes with cumin as cumin has been used in lot of classic perfumes. USA

  • Anom Willis says:

    I’ve always enjoy Sebastian’s videos. Very knowledgeable and helpful for finding the perfect fragrances for me. There are many fragrances I bought because of him ; one of them is Intense Cafe by Montale I adore so very much! I would be so over the moon if I win this giveaway and explore more about the house of Montale. Stay awesome, Sebastian!

  • mdellaroc says:

    Sebastian’s review covers everything one needs to know about a fragrance, and even if my own likes disagree with his, I can always tell if I will enjoy a scent based off of this descriptions. We use cumin a lot at home and it is my favorite spice, not sure about it in a fragrance. In the USA.

  • Karla Fuentes says:

    Sebastian really gives detailed reviews on what a perfume smells like. I’ve been eyeing Montale’s fragrances for a while. This one I definitely want to smell because it’s so atypical for a vanilla-based fragrance.

  • Norcal_nose says:

    Great review of Montale’s Dark Vanilla by Sebastian today, a spice market! The leather and oud counter punch to vanilla and spice is intriguing, I’ve not smelled cumin in a fragrance but love it as a cooking note, this sounds like it has middle east influence and I’d love to try it to see how all those spices interplay.

  • Might Be says:

    Best part of Sebastian’s video was making vanilla sound exciting & different again

  • Nuria Villalobos says:

    all sebastian’s videos are excellent. I have not tried cumin in fragrances. and I would love to be able to do it, My son and I.

  • connorcdotson says:

    Love Sebastian. I’m a big gourmand guy but I have a hard time finding those that are still masculine. Seeing the saffron in the ingredients list is promising.

    I love cumin as a spice in food but have never smelled in perfume— hopefully it’s time to see!

  • Justin Stradling says:

    I love Sebastians videos he is full of knowledge on fragrances. I love the presentation of dark vanilla. I don’t recall cumin in any of my fragrances maybe tf tobacco oud or Tiziana terenzi laudano nero. The only Montale I’ve sampled is intense cafe. I would love to try dark vanilla.

  • itsmeaubree says:

    I love Sebastian’s review videos because I find that my tastes strongly align with his in many ways and his communication is very clear in terms of what to expect from a fragrance! He also has great engagement across his channel and social media platforms and is very welcoming. What drew me in about this fragrance is the idea of the spices and a vanilla that is masculine leaning. I own several vanilla that are all along the cakey gourmand side, so I’d love to see what this is about!

  • Yana Vaysberg says:

    Great review from Sebastian! As always a lot of information and knowledge.
    I like cumin and use it often .

  • Austin Fortuny says:

    Cumin and vanilla sounds like a combination that shouldnt work, but I’ll trust sebastians word on it. A masculine take on vanilla is intriguing and id love to have a bottle

  • userdoesntcare says:

    Cumin and vanilla sounds like a combination that shouldnt work, but I’ll trust sebastians word on it. A masculine take on vanilla is intriguing and id love to have a bottle

  • Uncle1979 says:

    “Nobody wants to smell like a cupcake!”

    ?!?!?!?
    I do smell like cupcakes now , and I’ve been smelling like cupcakes for the past 19 years , I’m a Pastry Chef after all 🙂
    All jokes aside, at least 8/10 of the fragrances I’m buying, and I’m buying a lot lately , are gourmands. I have over 150 gourmands alone now , mostly niche, and quite a few do smell like cupcakes.
    Sweeten up vanilic leather, and oud , with macho feel , I’m in it , to win it , the new Dark Vanilla.
    About Michelyn cumin question , I’m A student of the great Pierre Herme, sure I work with cumin .
    Carrot Cake i do every day, Caraway seed Cake , classic British cake also has it. Cumin works great with oranges, chocolate, nuts and red berries, particularly raspberries.
    My favorite Montale is Dark Purple.
    Appreciate the review , and the giveaway campaign
    USA

  • Matthew Anderson says:

    Another great review from Sebastian, and this sounds like a winner from Montale. Cumin is an interesting note and I find it to vary a lot from brand to brand. I’m all about spices and leather, so this is a must try. -Matt, NJ

  • Dean says:

    Oud and Saffron toning down the vanilla, this I can get into. Vanilla is my favorite note and I’d have to agree with Sebastian in that I have so many and smelled so many that there’s not too many that are truly unique. Would love to try this one.

  • martell says:

    I love how Sebastian goes into detail about the various notes. I am blind and really love fragrance. I really want to try this fragrance since I love the smell of vanilla, leather, and cumin.

  • Brandon Olmos says:

    I just bought a bottle of Mukhallat after falling in love with intense cafe. The quality of the fragrance is superb. I get BOMBARDED with complements from friends and family.

    Definitely interested in what Dark Vanilla has to offer.

  • Thomas J Vaughn says:

    I always enjoy Sebatian’s reviews and especially when they are about an interesting new fragrance from one of my favorite houses, Montale. I have smelled cumin in other fragrances as well as in cooking with it. I think it smells exotic but I prefer it mixes with other notes in a perfume best.

  • mjotkowitz 1 says:

    Enjoyed Sebastians review. Curious to try out the dark vanilla with oud, leather and spices. I enjoy a lot of Montale and Mancera perfumes, I find Montale to generally be very strong so less sprays are needed and in general both companies are great quality. Hopefully this one will be my style.

  • Chouliboy36 says:

    What I enjoyed most about Sebastian’s video is his constant ability to lure you in. My absolute favorite Montale is Intense Cafe and I discovered that from his youtube channel. I watch his fragrance reviews getting ready for work and on my lunch break. Not with the intentions of trying every single thing, but to actually learn from him. My favorite thing about this video and others is how he always talk about how the fragrance he’s reviewing, is similar to another one that he’s previously talked about. GREAT JOB SEBASTIAN

  • Michael Bullock says:

    Sebastian give a great review on this fragrance and it sounds really good because I like the note of vanilla and have a blessed night.

  • Armen says:

    Sounds like an amazing sent based on the amazing review. Sebastian always does a great job.

  • mronhubbard says:

    A vanilla scent that’s heavy on leather and oud, with cumin– sounds like a challenge! I enjoy cumin in food; it’s also prominent in 1 perfume I’ve tried, Libertine by Ilk. I can see how someone could mistake it for B.O., which to me makes it also like a clever joke you can wear. (SoCal)

  • James Ohman says:

    First off, thank you for the wonderful giveaway and chance to experience this wonderful scent. Thanks Sebastian for the video review and update to your videos with the addition of photos. It did make it pop and zoom in presentation was appreciated as you talked through the notes. Cumin, as a note and spice, is wonderful as I’ve become accustomed to it since I have a love of Indian cuisine. I also enjoyed the playful way he explained it as ‘dad’s vanilla,’ I feel that sold many viewers on the fragrance. Huge fan of Honey Aoud and Dark Aoud by Montale. This combo of notes and the explanation of the scent conjured up thoughts of my favorite cheapy fragrance of the 2000s “Activist” by The Body Shop. Such a wonderful daddy vanilla and sad it was discontinued.

  • Princess Anna says:

    Montale was a nice surprise for me, as I have hesitate a long time to try them on. I love most of the Montale fragrances. They’re affordable, easy to wear, nice on the skin, elegant, rich and interesting. CA, USA

  • IvanVelikov says:

    Montale is a house with vast amount of loyal followers , for a good reason I believe. If you’re looking for powerhouse fragrances, Montale can offer a great variety. I own Chocolate Greedy , Honey Aoud and my favorite Intense Cafe.
    Dark Vanilla is different , grown up vanilla fragrance with leather.
    Thank you.
    USA

  • Derek Bedinghaus says:

    Love the fact that Sebastian thorough about the whole fragrance. I liked the fact that it is not just a vanilla bomb. It has substance before it dries down along with the vanilla that is not syrupy. I also enjoy Honey Aoud so I think this would work for me.

  • Brian Braverman says:

    Love Sebastian and his reviews. He’s the one who convinced me to purchase Montale Honey Aoud. I was quite supprised when he reviewed Dark Vanilla because he usually reviews many unisex fragrances and this one seems to be more of a spicy, oudie, vanilla masculine scent, which is right up my wheel house. Also, props to your Facebook page. Keeps me entertained.

  • Leanne Modell says:

    I love vanilla, but sometimes it can be just a little too sweet. Sebastian’s review made Dark Vanilla sound like the perfect, spicy blend! Thank you from Chicago

  • Michael W. says:

    I liked hearing about Sebastian’s description of this as a masculine vanilla that isn’t overly sweet. It sounds like a different take on vanilla. I have several fragrances with cumin, my favorite of which is L’Air du Desert Marocain. I’m in NY.

  • GennyLeigh says:

    I don’t mind cumin in fragrances although I know it’s anathema to some. As Sebastian said it takes a composition in a different direction. I like vanilla but not the bakery sweet version of a lot of perfumes marketed to women. Dark Vanilla sounds warm and inviting with all of the Middle Eastern spices. Commenting from MD, USA.

  • Steve A says:

    I have smelled cumin in fragrance and a spice. Not with vanilla in a fragrance though. I’d like to win this for sure as from Montale I’m sure it’s powerful. US

  • Dilana says:

    I live in the US. I frequently use cumin in cooking. The description of cumin as bringing e “non cupcake” side intrigues e.

  • pontelis says:

    Very cool approach to a vanilla it sounds like. Not the sweet sugary kind, and with the notes of leather seems like a winner! Love the combination to this.
    Sebastian as always give a very nice description.
    Thank you

  • Brian says:

    When Sebastian mentioned black leather and oud in the list of notes, I got the impression that this fragrance would have those two notes and the spices as the more prominent notes. I reason in such a way where if I hear Sebastian saying that it is a unique “vanilla” fragrance then I think that it, most likely, is unique. I certainly want to try this fragrance. When I did research before I bought a certain fragrance which has cumin in it, I read things like, e.g. “because of the cumin, it smells like body malodor”, and maybe cumin can cause certain fragrances to smell like body malodor, but I can like cumin in certain fragrances. Thank you for the opportunity to win; I live in MD., U.S.A. I am a subscriber to Sebastian’s channel.

  • Diana D says:

    Yes, I have smelled cumin in a fragrance! Le Labo Rose 31!! Rose 31 is such a sexy, dirty scent. I fell in love with it when I first tried their body products at a hotel I was staying out.
    Dark Vanilla sounds like it is in the same category as Rose 31 – lots of oud and leather (minus the rose). Sebastian’s review was thorough, as always. I like the way he describes the way the vanilla note wears – not being sugary sweet but adds a nice balance.
    I live in the USA

  • pinkshaman84 says:

    I ALWAYS love Sebastian’s reviews and this was no exception! and I always love how he explains each fragrance in detail. this fragrance sounds quite interesting and intriguing! I love cumin in fragrance! I also love cumin as a spice. When I cook with it, I always pour out a pile of it my hand and take a deeeeeeep big whiff……. Earthy, green, citrusy, peppery and a tad Animalic! Thank you and always with love!

  • Falkor378 says:

    This guys vids I always like! In this video I think it’s great that I can get a good idea about dark vanilla! I feel like we have similar taste and he seems like a good dude, and also I think Cumin in fragrances is great. But in food its fire!!

  • HiMyNameIsWaste says:

    I’d love to own a dark, masculine vanilla. Cumin is one of my favorite notes – Slumberhouse’s Sixes & Sevens is my favorite use of the note.

    I live in Nashville, TN, USA.

  • kathryndemski says:

    This sounds completely delicious ❤️
    I love how thorough and enjoyable Sebastian’s always are

  • Amy says:

    Sebastian does such a great job describing fragrances! Dark Vanilla by Montale sounds like such a nice masculine take on the vanilla note, while the saffron and cumin adds a cozy warmth that is reminiscent of autumn. This one would be the perfect gift for my boyfriend, he loves oud and leather and does not have any vanilla based fragrances in his collection.

  • Narendra Kanar says:

    I was introduced to Montale at Sebastian’s recommendation for Intense Cafe and Ristretto so I trust Sebastian’s reviews. I would love to get my hands on this one due to the vanilla being different/masculine.

    Best regards form Plano Texas.

  • Bryant Worley says:

    I really appreciated that Sebastian broke thae fragrance down in his usual thorough, “just the facts, ma’am” fashion. That, along with his infectious enthusiasm makes this something I want to get my nose on. And that it’s from Montale works along with that.

    I haven’t experienced any cumin-centric fragrances myself. Also, I don’t think that y nose is trained well enough that I would be able to pick out cumin. But, as a cook, I have experienced it as a spice, and see it as a dry, dusty ‘no real smell spice. But that’s just me.

    I live in Waldorf, MD, USA.

  • drjedi says:

    I have tried both Honey Aoud and Black Aoud, and like them a lot. Enjoyed Michelyn’s introduction and Sebastian’s review, especially the part where he says it not sugary vanilla vanilla, but more masculine, mixed with oud and leather and cumin. Have experienced cumin in perfumes before, and am fine with it unless it’s too one-sided and sweaty. Dark Vanilla seems balanced and has Montale’s reputation behind it, plus Sebastian’s and Michelyn’s recommendations. Plus I love the leather, Oud notes, so it seems a perfume worth checking out. Thanks for the review and draw. Writing from the USA.

  • NiceVULady says:

    Always love Sebastian’s reviews. This sounds like something I would really enjoy. I’m headed for a sample. Many thanks to Sebastian and Michelyn for great reviews and many thanks to Euro Perfumes for making this draw possible. I’m in the USA

  • srburke74 says:

    I love leather fragrances (on men and women!) and my husband adores amber fragrances, so this one seems like one we can both enjoy.

    Visiting from Sebastion’s channel.

  • withay73 says:

    I watch all of his reviews! He is very descriptive and always spot on with his descriptions! Montale is one of my favorite fragrance houses and I love a manly leather scent!

  • Mo Yahia says:

    Oh, this is gorgeous! Sebastian’s review makes it very attractive. The vanilla had sweetness, but leather and Oud make a perfect balance. it’s amazing!

  • Barber82 says:

    Montale fragrances , and Sebastian reviews = perfect combination. Bold , straight to the point , honest , and you do remember both for a long time.
    In my collection there’s 4 Montale fragrances, Ristretto Intense Cafe, Mukhalat , Day Dreams and Amandes Orientales.
    From Dark Vanilla i personally except more rugged , with and less sweetness , pleasing and the usual for Montale great longevity.
    I’m a big believer in herbology , and cumin i know controls blood sugar , lowers the bad cholesterol and it’s a powerful antioxidant.
    Thank you Sebastian , Europerfumes
    What a chance.In US

  • wallygator88 says:

    Thank you for the great review Sebastian.
    I love the idea of a vanilla scent that is masculine, spicy and and is not a monolithing gourmand.

    I really love the inclusion of oud, leather, saffron and most interesting cumin. Cumin as a whole takes a good nose to balance and throwing it in with vanilla takes a whole new level of skill. I would love to get my nose in there.

    I have smelt cumin in a frag (Lalique Ombre Noir,, another Sebastain reco)

    Cheers from WI, USA

  • Michael Prince says:

    I enjoyed Sebastian’s Youtube review on Montale Dark Vanilla. I do love my sweet syrupy and sweet vanilla fragrances, but I also enjoy the dusty and powdery variety in fragrances. I really appreciate a masculine touch of oud and leather combining with vanilla to tone down the sweetness. I also love a spicy and aromatic touch that saffron and cumin add to the composition. I often use Cumin at home when cooking. I do have several fragrances with Cumin in them. The majority of those fragrances I really enjoy it, but there was one that had a body odor smell on my skin. I would love the opportunity to win this fragrance. I am from Ohio, USA.

  • forrestanez says:

    I enjoyed the fact Sebastian seemed excited that this was a different type of vanilla fragrance… “this is your dad’s vanilla”. I am very excited to learn of this, as I am fan of leather, Oud and Saffron. Yes, I am familiar with the spice. I cook with it weekly.

  • bagcd2 says:

    I like that Sebastian’s review about how masculine Montale Dark vanilla is. Just the sound of a spicy leather Oud has my attention. Cumin in fragrances is not the same as spices so you don’t have to worry about a Body odor smell. Tous 1920 the origin is a great example of how smooth cumin in fragrances are. Last but not least vanilla in the dry down is so comforting. Definitely would like to be lucky enough to try Dark Vanilla, because I love Red Tobacco by Montale.

  • Dosva says:

    Thanks Sebastian and Michelyn for this review! I am not familiar with Kingdom McQueen, but love leather and saffron.
    US, DE

  • petergigov says:

    Getting compliments is important to me, and one of the reasons to get, or not certain fragrance. One thing is for certain, Montale fragrances do get me lots of positive attention, at least in my surroundings . Montale’s are also quite powerful, projecting for hours.
    Dark Vanilla is not a childish fragrance, but for grown up men , and women. The sweeten leather , is what makes it so appealing to me.
    My favorite Montale is Sensual Instinct, but the one that gets me most compliments is Wild Pears.
    Exciting giveaway, USA
    Regards

  • Gig84 says:

    Clarifications like masculine, and feminine i found overly subjective. I like leather, spices and oud , I’ll check Dark Vanilla.
    Every time I think about Montale I think about top performance. Vanilla Cake lasts forever on me , Sensual Instinct is super strong too. Sampled the second one because of Sebastian Cafleurebon review , and it was so impressive i just had to buy it.
    Dark Vanilla compared to Vanilla Cake and Sensual Instinct is more ruff and tumble , but I’ll definitely sample it.
    Thanks for the draw
    USA

  • WaltherP99 says:

    Dark Vanilla I’ve not yet smelled, but it’s is definitely appealing to me, because of the slightly manly feel, and vanilla lurking in the background . Leaning masculine maybe , but I believe Dark Vanilla is nowhere near being butch .
    Montale is one of my favorite houses – atm i do own 11 bottles. Not sure what’s my favorite one , Dark Purple maybe.
    Of course I have smelled , and eaten dishes with cumin.
    Already follow @cafleurebon , @lookfeelsmellgreat , @offical_ europerfumes, @osmeperfumery and @montaleparfumsparis on IG
    Thank you
    USA

  • Adam Dawkins says:

    I really enjoyed Sebastian’s review and his description of the spicy top notes in Dark Vanilla. I have been searching for a masculine vanilla fragrance for some time, and I think this may be the one. Sebastian’s review of Montale’s Full Incense led me to purchase that fragrance last December, and I have loved wearing it during the cold months. Now I want to try Dark Vanilla!

  • Bubeto_GG says:

    Bought huge amount of fragrances because of Sebastian – mostly niche. He has a way to convince people they should buy , or at least try fragrances he’s reviewing.
    Spice Market with Montale DNA ? Dark Vanilla just wait for me
    At the moment i do own 3 Montale fragrances Chocolate Greedy , Oudmazing and Vanilla Extasy all full bottles.
    Cumin I like in food, and in perfumery, if the perfumer found the right balance. There’s cumin also in every fat burner
    Nice opportunity
    Cheers from VA

  • ThatMulattoDude says:

    Really enjoyed Sebastian’s review of this interesting offering. I’m intrigued by the fragrance as he encapsulated how the notes of cumin, oud, and leather balance out the sugary, sweet quality of vanilla to present a more masculine bent. Appreciate the writeup and opportunity for the giveaway. Best from Virginia, USA!

  • Ri Smith says:

    Sebastian is very thorough in all his cologne and perfume reviews. I to enjoy vanilla smelling colognes and perfume. I have purchased one of Montals colognes “Santal Wood” and I have 2 of the discovery kits. In one it has “Arabians Tonka” which has a vanilla-ish scent to it which I really enjoy. As far as cumin goes I’ve seen it as an ingredient in several of my other colognes but I’m not sure what exactly it smells like.