Akro Dark EdP

Dark by Akro is a Unisex Amber Vanilla fragrance launched in 2018. The nose behind this fragrance is Olivier Cresp. 

Notes: Cocoa, Dark Chocolate, Cinnamon, Hazelnut, Vanilla, Patchouli, Oud

Oh man, this is good. A thick pour of molten dark chocolate to begin with, as strong and as intense as an espresso, but absent any of the metallic or animalic aspects that can sometimes emerge in dark chocolate. This is dark chocolate idealized. It's not sweet or creamy, but there's a strong hint of caramelized milk running underneath the rafters of the scent to pull it back from acridity. It's pure unadulterated dark chocolate bliss.

Throughout the day, as the dark chocolate tonality ebbs away, a gloriously rich, nutty base steps forward to fill the vacuum. Spicy, cinnamon-flecked tonka and hazelnut notes combine with vanilla to create a suede-textured drydown that seems to go on forever without shedding any of its richness - a thing of beauty in a world where oftentimes the ending is rushed. Interestingly, though from the same hand that created Angel, Dark is its complete opposite - plush but not fruity, and gourmand but not edible or 'yummy'. Dark is an exquisitely balanced, elegant chocolate quasi-gourmand that leans to the adult side of the indulgence spectrum. An utter pleasure to wear.

REVIEWS

Fragrantica - it is a dark, cacao-heavy, non-sweet rendering of chocolate, laced with unlisted patchouli in the base....Dark is chocolate-dominant from initial spray - like a good-quality dark chocolate bar. It is led by powdery, dark cocoa. There is a subtle nutty undertone thanks to the hazelnut. I love hazelnut chocolate, so I find this to be a delicious addition. A hint of cinnamon is evident as it develops further, adding sweet spice. It all complements the chocolate accord that forms the crux of this scent.

    As it develops, earthy patchouli creeps in. Patchouli complements a chocolate note to perfection in perfumery in general, and here it is no different. Dry and balsamic, it is joined by a subtle vanilla note as it dries down. Dry and powdery, the vanilla is barely-there, hardly adding any sweetness to the chocolate accord here. I expected creamy, sweet vanilla to round out the gourmand quality of the chocolate, but that is not the case here. There is a musky leather undertone, perhaps thanks to the patchouli. It fades to a dry, slightly smoky chocolate-patchouli skin scent. Sillage is moderate and longevity is long-lasting. It reads as a cold weather scent to me, being dark and comforting.

    A decent example of a chocolate scent, Dark is a unisex rendering of chocolate with little sweetness. Dry, spicy and realistic-smelling, it will not appeal to everyone. Powdery and dark, like a good-quality vegan chocolate bar, this is not your creamy, vanilla-laden milk chocolate. In true Akro form, this is addictive. 4/5.

Fragrantica - boozy, rich, bitter, chocolatey - i smell like a box of expensive chocolate truffles. i am fairly new to gourmand scents, but this is really pleasant to me; i appreciate how i am surprised by hints of sharpness that quickly mellow into a soft and pleasant mahogany. delicious, but in a mature and grounded way. it's pleasant! i definitely see why it would be a good night smell, and i think it would probably be less pleasant in the hot weather. but for the meanwhile, i feel very luxurious!

Fragrantica - if chabaud lait et chocolat is a creamy, nutty milk chocolate, then this one is a dark and spicy rendition of the same confection. i like how subtle yet sultry this is with notes of cinnamon and nutmeg and it blended very well with my skin. it does remind me a lot of killian angel's share because of the hazelnut/gourmand aspects combined with some type of dark, boozy note. love it!!

Fragrantica - Dark chocolate. It's creamy chocolate but not that sweet, slight booze but dark heavy ashy chocolate. It leans towards masculine compared to all choco perfumes on the market. That's how I like it, I still enjoy the gourmand but got the masculine aspect on it. Love!

Fragrantica - This is a not too obvious gourmand that is an absolute marvel. Completely unisex, maybe a bit more masculine. On my skin it smells of hazelnuts, pure cocoa, tobacco leaves and a pinch of cinnamon. As the drydown progresses, it feels more and more sweet and velvety. It has an excellent projection and lasts for more than 12 hours on my skin. Due to its great projection it seems to me eminently winter.

Fragrantica - A journey through the stars, where the scent of dark chocolate and rare spices transports the senses to new, unexplored dimensions. The sharp tang of aleppo pepper and galangal blends with the sweetness of tonka bean and the earthy depth of agarwood, while the heady aroma of jasmine and musk adds an enigmatic and ethereal quality to the fragrance. This scent takes the wearer on a journey to new, uncharted dimensions, where they will never return the same.

Fragrantica - Akro Dark opens with the most realistic dark chocolate. Dusty and bitter dark chocolate.
The vanilla and hazelnut emerges after an hour which makes this scent gourmand - truly delicious. These 2 add additional layers of slight sweetness and nutiness to the scent. 

Fragrantica - Spectacular bitter dark chocolate - a little spicy, but very little sweetness here. It reminds me of the chocolate note in Tom Ford Noir de Noir, but more bitter and dense - it's no wonder that I love it. Projects nicely for the first few hours and lasts a long time after as a skin scent. As Olivier Cresp intended, I can't get enough of this. I think it'd layer really well too, perhaps with vanilla, amber, rose, or tobacco-centric fragrances.

Fragrantica - So imagine one of the most expensive chocolate ice cream, you know, the super rich gourmet shit you have in your country. Now imagine this ice cream with addiction to chocolate hazelnut heavy rich cream mixed in. Like idk, Lindt chocolate ice cream with Nutella. Photorealistic.