Imaginary Authors Fragrance review

Imaginary Authors Blend No 83 Review: Espresso Martini Decadence

A limited-edition gourmand that captures the essence of an espresso martini in a bottle.

By Vivir ·
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In the world of niche perfumery, few houses tell stories as vividly as Imaginary Authors. Founded by Josh Meyer, the brand is known for its literary-inspired fragrances that transport the wearer to fantastical realms. In 2023, Meyer embarked on a unique collaboration with Absolut Vodka and Kahlúa to create Blend No 83, the world's first Espresso Martini Eau de Parfum. Released as a limited edition for the holiday season, this fragrance captures the essence of the iconic cocktail in a bottle, weaving together dark chocolate, sugar cane rum, Arabica coffee, and velvety foam into a decadent gourmand experience. Blend No 83 is a scent that evokes warmth, indulgence, and celebration. It's the olfactory equivalent of a cozy evening by the fire, a luxurious dessert, or a night out with friends. The fragrance is unisex, appealing to anyone who appreciates the rich, aromatic interplay of coffee and chocolate with a boozy twist. However, its limited availability and discontinued status have made it a sought-after collector's item, with prices rising on the secondary market. In this review, we'll delve into every aspect of Blend No 83, from its note pyramid to its performance, helping you decide if this espresso martini in a bottle is worth the hunt.
Longevity
3.5
Projection
3.0
Sillage
3.0
$95-$175
SpringSummerFallWinter

Accords

gourmand sweet chocolate coffee rum warm spicy amber resinous woody musky vanilla

Notes Pyramid

Top
sugar cane rumdark chocolate
Heart
arabica coffeevelvety foam
Base
benzoinnight muskdark chocolate

Scent Journey

1
Opening 0-30 min

The first 0-30 minutes: A boozy, chocolatey opening with a burst of sugar cane rum and dark chocolate, reminiscent of a decadent dessert.

2
Heart 1-2 hrs

1-2 hours (heart): The coffee and velvety foam emerge, creating a creamy, aromatic espresso martini accord.

3
Drydown 4+ hrs

4+ hours: The base of benzoin, night musk, and dark chocolate lingers, leaving a warm, resinous, and subtly sweet trail.

Performance Dashboard

Longevity 3.5/5

5-7 hours on average, though some report 2-4 hours on skin. The gourmand opening is more persistent than the drydown.

Projection 3.0/5

Moderate, close-to-moderate; the gourmand opening projects more than the woody/musky drydown.

Sillage 3.0/5

Moderate; it leaves a noticeable but not overpowering scent bubble.

When to Wear

SpringOK
SummerAvoid
FallBest
WinterBest
date nightevening outholiday gatheringscozy cold-weather wearweekend casual

Pros & Cons

  • Unique espresso martini concept
  • Rich, decadent gourmand
  • Limited edition appeal
  • Unisex appeal
  • High-quality ingredients
  • Limited availability and rising prices
  • Moderate longevity for some
  • Can be too sweet for some
  • Not for warm weather
  • May be discontinued

Price & Value

$95-$175
Given its limited edition status and niche quality, the price is reasonable for a unique gourmand, though secondary market prices may be higher.

“Worth it for collectors and gourmand enthusiasts, but sample first if you're unsure about the sweetness.”

Reformulation History

No significant batch variations reported.

Who It's For

Ideal For

  • gourmand lovers
  • coffee and chocolate fragrance enthusiasts
  • those who enjoy boozy scents
  • fans of niche perfumery

Not Recommended For

  • those who prefer fresh or citrus scents
  • people who dislike sweet fragrances
  • warm weather seekers

Explore More

Layering Ideas

Final Verdict

Imaginary Authors Blend No 83 is a masterful olfactory translation of an espresso martini, capturing the decadence of dark chocolate, coffee, and rum. While its limited-edition status and moderate longevity may deter some, it remains a must-try for gourmand aficionados and those who appreciate a scent that tells a story.

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gourmandcoffeechocolaterumlimited editionunisexniche