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Vanilla Extasy
by Montale
Vanilla Extasy by Montale is a sweet, floral gourmand with a strong opening of apricot and ylang-ylang, balancing the sweetness with a deep, woody base of mahogany, sandalwood, and benzoin. Over time, the vanilla fades into a powdery, balsamic drydown with subtle spicy and fruity layers. While some find it evocative of Flowerbomb—especially in the top notes—its character is softer, more resinous, and less sugary than typical gourmands. It projects moderately with moderate longevity, making it ideal for cooler days and evening wear. The fragrance is consistently labeled as feminine by users, though some appreciate its unisex potential and ease of wear. Its texture is smooth and balmy, with no overwhelming synthetic or chemical traits, especially when compared to other Montale releases.
Pros
- +A creamy, balsamic vanilla with a subtle woody finish offers a pleasant, non-sticky drydown
- +Accords of apricot, ylang-ylang, and benzoin give a soft, floral-sweet opening that is enjoyable and not overly aggressive
- +Good longevity and moderate sillage make it practical for day or night use, especially in autumn and winter
Cons
- −Vanilla is not the dominant note—others report it being faint or overshadowed by floral and woody components
- −Can feel too sweet or gourmand for those who dislike heavy sugar notes or fruity/floral components
- −Weak sillage and longevity on some skin types, especially in warm weather, despite overall strong performance