STRANGERS PARFUMERIE
SM CAFE

2019

PERFUMER
Prin Lomros

Coffee Absolute
Russian Leather
Suede
Javanol
Lavender
Amber
Benzoin
Tobacco
Cade
Cedarwood
Tonka Bean
Beeswax
Cherry
Patchouli
Cashmeran
Rose

SM Cafe was on my to try list for a while, as it often comes up in conversation on what the best coffee fragrance is. Which is why I compare it a bit to my favorite coffee scent, Akro Awake in this impression.

I really appreciate SM Cafe, but I do prefer the Akro and especially because I bought that before this, it probably took the wind out of its sails somewhat. The two give me a very similar experience: A beautiful coffee note with some bitterness, a nutty aspect and some sweetness (but not as much as many popular coffee scents like Intense Cafe, Cafe Cabanel). It’s closer/closest to Kerosene Follow, from the popular coffee fragrances.

In SM Cafe the coffee stays even more at the center of attention than with Akro Awake, which goes a tad bit sweeter and more hazelnutty to my nose. On the other hand, SM Cafe has some more distinguishing notes like leather and tobacco. It’s an awesome scent, but a bit linear and it can be a bit tiring to wear I imagine.