Chai by Baruti

Chai smells like a potent, artistic masala chai, opening with a spicy kick of cinnamon, cardamom, and clove that gradually softens. In the heart, it blends black tea with either leather or incense, steering clear of gourmand vibes to become a spiced oriental. The dry down is comforting, enveloping, and long-lasting—perfect for cold weather and anyone seeking a tea fragrance with character.

At first, it’s a blast of pepper and clove that hurts, but wait an hour and magically the black tea, cinnamon, and ginger take over, transforming into a milky, delicious chai. I hated it at first, but after 3 hours, I loved it; it’s incredible if you enjoy spiced fragrances that evolve. Beware of the projection—it’s potent and leaves a trail; if you wear it, you’ll step out and someone might suffer, but in the end, it’s a delight.

Maybe someday I’ll muster the courage to try chai at a typical bar, but after adding milk to regular tea and enjoying it, I wouldn’t go back to anything this bad, neither before nor after. Baruti’s proposal is very peculiar: it’s a sensory experience, not for daily wear. The notes of tea, milk, and spices arrive quickly and are well-balanced, though at first I notice more cardamom and cinnamon. Gradually, the tea lightens and blends with the spices and a vaporized milk, creating something unique. That milk foam is only noticeable at the start and then fades. It’s a slow development; the cocoa notes arrive without rushing. It’s not strictly gourmand, but more salty than sweet, and the cocoa doesn’t sweeten—it adds depth. Focus on the individual notes, or it smells like cinnamon honey and cocoa. Creamy, spiced, and balsamic notes dominate, with a toasted touch that balances the tea’s bitterness. It always has a medicinal aftertaste that stands out when other aromas recede, but then it returns sweet and warm with a hint of tea and rose. A distinct experience, my first encounter with Baruti (thanks to Rafasant), which I don’t recommend buying blindly; better to test it on skin because it’s expensive.