Chai by Baruti

Chai is a warm and intense fragrance that interprets masala chai in an artistic way. The opening is potent, dominated by cinnamon, cardamom and above all cloves, with a spicy character that softens little by little. In the heart, black tea appears, combined with leather or incense notes. It’s not a classic gourmand, but a spiced or oriental one. The dry down is comforting, enveloping and with good longevity. Ideal for cold climates and for those seeking a tea perfume with character and personality.

At first, a blast of pepper and cloves that hurts, but wait an hour and magically the black tea, cinnamon and ginger take over until it becomes a milky, delicious chai. I hated it at first, but by 3 hours I loved it; it’s incredible if you like spiced perfumes that evolve. Be careful with the sprays, it’s potent and leaves a trail; if you wear it, you leave the house and perhaps someone will suffer, but in the end it’s a delight.

Perhaps one day I’ll be brave enough to try chai in a typical bar, although after adding milk to normal tea and enjoying it, I wouldn’t go back to tasting anything so bad, neither before nor after. Baruti’s proposal is very peculiar: it’s a sensory experience, not for daily use. The notes of tea, milk and spices arrive quickly and are well-balanced, although at first I notice more cardamom and cinnamon. Gradually the tea becomes lighter and blends with the spices and a steamed milk, creating something different. That milk foam is only noticeable at the start and then fades. It’s a slow development; without rushing, the cocoa notes arrive; it’s not strictly gourmand, but more salty than sweet, and the cocoa doesn’t sweeten but adds depth. You have to focus on individual notes, otherwise it smells of cinnamon and cocoa honey. Creamy, spiced and balsamic notes predominate, with a toasted touch that balances the bitterness of the tea. It always has a medicinal aftertaste that’s noticeable when other aromas drop, but then it returns to be sweet and warm with a touch of tea and rose. A distinct experience, my first contact with Baruti (thanks to Rafasant), which I don’t recommend buying blindly; better to try it on skin because it’s expensive.