Lavender Thorne
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Tambour Sacre
by Rubini
Tambour Sacre opens with a striking, intense coffee that is black, bitter, and slightly burnt, sharply enhanced by white pepper and bergamot. The initial phase is challenging and indolic, with a dense, almost smoky tuberose rising amid the coffee, creating a scent that some describe as 'morning coffee breath' or 'ooey gooey sticky pot'. This raw, ungentle coffee note fades quickly into a dry, powdery base dominated by woody-ambery tones, with the tonka bean offering a restrained sweetness that balances the austere, leathery drydown. The perfume develops into a more layered, mysterious oriental composition with resins, spices, and subtle results, evoking a tribal, complex journey rather than a simple coffee scent. While some appreciate its boldness and longevity, others find the opening overwhelming and the floral notes unbalancing, resulting in a scent that remains understated in sillage and projection despite lasting well on skin.
Pros
- +Powerful and distinctive opening with a bold, authentic coffee theme that avoids artificial sweetness.
- +The drydown is smooth and complex, with a balance of wood, spice, and amber accords that provide long-term wearability.
- +Offers a mature, contemplative character suitable for those seeking a serious, non-conventional fragrance experience.
Cons
- −The initial phase can be overwhelming, with an indolic, almost cheesy floral presence that alienates many.
- −Sillage is moderate to weak, making it intimate and quiet – unlikely to leave an impression.
- −Some find the fragrance unpleasant or chaotic, particularly in the early stages; it demands adaptation and patience.