AKRO: THE SCENTS THAT CELEBRATE YOUR ADDICTIONS

Today I want to speak about two fragrances that I've been sent by AKRO, called Night and Dark. If you're stuck for a Valentine's Day gift then this is not a bad shout. You can buy two fragrances, give your other half the choice of one and keep the other to yourself. The gift is not the fragrance, but the offering of having her choose which one she'd like to have. 

AKRO is a London-based brand with a collection of 6 fragrances based on addiction and vice. Best described in their own words, 

When it comes to fragrances, we understand that our favourite scents aren't always flowers and fruits. We know that sexy doesn't always mean sweet, that wellness doesn’t smell half as alluring as naughtiness. We like to push our fragrances well beyond the established boundaries - exploring our indulgences and bottling them for your pleasure; using notes like warm leather, black coffee, top-shelf whiskey, dark chocolate, sticky weed and strong absinthe.

NIGHT

The best way I can describe this scent, is an afterthought of a one night stand that you might still fantasise over now and again. It's a mature scent. It has a mature lady atmosphere to it. An unexpected naughtiness, the way the rose and cumin interact leave a trail of whimsical fancy. It's nostalgic. It's like remembering a joke from yesteryear, that wouldn't work in today’s climate. The saffron comes in to play and it offers a sensual, mystique and yet not entirely enjoyable blend. But that's probably part of the magic. It's not sweet, it's not romantic. It's dark secret territory. 

I like it, but it feels a bit too feminine for style. The rose is not a note I gravitate towards. Tuula will get more miles out of this than me. 

Available on their website for £140

DARK

This one I was really looking forward to and I'm pleased to say it did not disappoint. It has an unusual character and opens a little bitter. But that soothes out and swirls into a milder, creamier, captivating scent. The cocoa and the dark chocolate effuse that of a boutique chocolatier that you might find down a back street in Soho. The hazelnut comes in and reminds me of those evenings in front of the log fire and my parents country house. My Dad would give me the Hazelnut whirls to alleviate his guilt of eating so many himself. It's not a sexy fragrance for me. It has romance, it has a nice punch of bittersweet. The journey is very pleasant when the vanilla kicks in on the drydown. Perfect for those cosy nights in with the missus'. Recommend.

Available on their website for £140