by Tom Ford
Café Rose by Tom Ford presents a sophisticated, unisex rose fragrance with a strong initial burst of warm, spicy rose accented by a subtle, earthy coffee note. The opening features a rich blend of rose, saffron, black pepper, and incense, creating an intoxicating, slightly heady aroma. While the fragrance is marketed as a coffee-rose blend, the coffee note is nearly imperceptible to many users, often felt only faintly or as an abstract, gourmand undertone. The rose remains dominant throughout, evolving into a deep, velvety, somewhat powdery and slightly smoky character. The base features intense patchouli and sandalwood, giving the scent a dry, woody, and slightly resinous finish that lingers well into evening wear. The sillage is moderate to strong initially, fading to close to the skin over time, making it an ideal scent for cooler weather. It performs best when worn sparingly, as heavier sprays can make the fragrance overwhelming. Though its longevity is good—lasting around 8 hours on the skin—it can feel abrupt in fade-out, with the last phase dissolving into a quiet, intimate trail. The overall experience is elegant, modern, and slightly dramatic, balancing opulence with restraint. It is not a light or sweet floral, nor does it feature the coffee as a central, gourmand pillar, but rather uses it as a subtle, immersive foundation blending with dark rose and spice.