TEO CABANEL
BARKHANE
2013
PERFUMER
Jean-Francois Latty
Bergamot
Curry Tree
Cumin
Geranium
Myrrh
Labdanum
Tonka Bean
Oud
Patchouli
Vanilla
Vetiver
Musk
Barkhane is a sweet resinous fragrance. What you get a lot of is the resins, tonka bean and vanilla; it’s quite sweet. And funny enough, whereas Café Cabanel was a coffee scent, I think this is a tea (in disguise) scent.
The way the myrrh and the spices (a very inoffensive cumin and curry) come off reminds me of a brooding black tea. Texture wise, it’s on the airy side, while remaining darker and long-lasting, with great projection. It reminds me a bit of Ciro Chevalier de la Nuit, which might be because of the patchouli, but it’s darker; it doesn’t have the sparkling brightness or the eucalyptus. Barkhane also doesn’t have clove, but I get a hint of that vibe in here as well.
Overall, this one is lovely. I can see why many people have said that this is a favorite for them. It’s more suitable for the colder weather and a comforting wear. I think I have to give the edge to Café Cabanel, because I love the lactonic note, but these two are an impressive duo from the house.