Fresh cacao fruit prior to fermentation, opened to expose the delicious white pulp. Photo courtesy of Andrew Gross ©
Even though I love almost every kind of chocolate, I consider myself to be a bit of a chocolate snob. My preferred chocolate originates at elevations close to 2,500 feet above seas level, “up river” in the Ecuadorian provinces of Guayas, Esmeraldas, Manabí and El Oro. Angela St. John’s new Solstice Scents Estate Cocoa is nothing short of a chocolate lovers delight, a perfume that captures the richness and complexity, the “fino de aroma” of the essence of the fruit of the Arriba Nacional Cacao, the prized native cacao plants of Ecuador.
Solstice Scents Estate Cacao. Details from photo by Solstice Scents ©
With Solstice Scents Estate Cacao, Angela St. John creates a total cacao/chocolate experience. The earthy scent of the fresh cacao pods, the tangy vanilla of the white pulp, nutty floral and fruity notes of the raw and roasted fermented beans and the smooth, irresistible finished product are reflected in Estate Cacao – a perfume that will satisfy the nose of fragrance lovers and chocolate connoisseurs alike.
Roasting (top) and then grinding the cacao nibs after they have been fermented in the fruit. Photos courtesy of Andrew Gross ©
Solstice Scents Estate Cacao opens with a nutty, very slightly sweet take on dry cocoa powder. This initial delicious scent lingers on clothing for hours, but on skin quickly shifts to the creamy, vanilla custard-like elements of fresh cacao pulp. One would think that such a mélange of flavors and textures would result in a strictly gourmand style perfume, but strangely enough, that is not the case. I find Solstice Scents Estate Cacao to be an olfactory representation of the terroir and the process of chocolate production as well as an exquisite gourmand fragrance. The perfumer manages this effect by weaving a suggestion, a silken thread of the sheerest patchouli through the entire life of the perfume, supporting the delicate fruity notes of raspberry and pomegranate while grounding and centering the gourmand in a smooth, rich earthy loam.
The last step of cooking and mixing the chocolate (L) and the finished handmade chocolate wrapped in cacao leaves (R). Photos courtesy of Andrew Gross ©
Like fine hand crafted estate chocolate, Solstice Scents Estate Cacao is a complex and ever changing blend of fruits, subtle florals and creamy, milky notes that carry and feature the dusty cocoa powder and fine vanilla for almost 24 hours on skin and for days on clothing.
Notes: Milk Chocolate, White Chocolate, Dark Chocolate, Raw Cacao, Estate Vanilla, Aged Patchouli, Pomegranate and Raspberry.
Disclaimer: I would like to thank Angela St.John and Solstice Scents for the generous sample of the beautiful Estate Cacao. My opinions are my own.
I would also like to thank my son Andrew Gross for sharing his great photos of the process of creating fine Ecuadorian artisanal chocolate.
Gail Gross – Senior Editor
Note: Angela St. John was featured in one of ÇaFleureBon’s most popular Perfumer’s Workshops “Composing Gourmand Fragrances“ here and in The Art of Artisan Perfumer’s Workshop here.
Thanks to the generosity of Solstice Scents we have a draw for a 60 ml bottle of Solstice Scents Estate Cacao EDP in the USA
OR
Solstice Scents Estate Cacao Sample. Photo by Gail Gross
one 2.5 ml sample for a reader anywhere in the world (there may be slight duty fee). There is only one winner. The draw is for registered readers only, so be sure to register, if you have not done so already. To be eligible please let us know what appeals to you about Solstice Scents Estate Cacao based on Gail’s review and tell us where you live. You can also mention your favorite from Solstice Scents Draw closes 3/9/2020
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