Even though this is the first cacao essence I've smelled, I have no doubt this is a quality absolute compared to what other companies offer, as I feel I've hit the jackpot with all my other EB products. It really does make my mouth water (involuntary reactions don't lie!) but having spoiled myself with CO2's I sense that solvent extracts just don't quite compare.
I'll have to disagree with the other reviewers who've stated that this smells "just like real chocolate" because when I compare this to a bar of fine dark chocolate--melted or not--there is a noticeable difference. Not so with the C02's I have (Ginger, Vanilla bourbon, Coffee) whose overall bouquets are practically identical to the real thing. Does this smell gourmet? To be honest, I don't know--my nose is different and perhaps there are chocolatiers who make products that smell very similar to this. But if I were to rate this on a scale of 0-10 (0 being a chocolate scented pencil, 3 being Hershey's syrup, and 10 being actual chocolate) I would personally give this is a 6.5. I wish I could give it a ten but there is an overall piercing quality rather than the velvety one I was hoping for. Nonetheless, looking forward to finding the right blend for this! :)
Correction from Rebecca (review updated):
In my first review I accidentally wrote "I have doubt this is a quality absolute" but LOL.
NO...I have NO doubt this is quality, none whatsoever, so my apologies. :)
I might have been premature in reviewing anyhow, as I have no Everclear presently to dilute this...BUT, I was dying to let it warm to my skin, so I did dab just the tiniest bit on my wrist. My 8-year-old noticed immediately, grabbed my arm and inhaled deliriously. And after letting it mellow and sniffing it over and over, I have to agree...
Very fine indeed. Thank you, EB--and sorry for the misprint
Review by Rebecca 4/19/2016
