Written by Kristina Kybartaite-Damule

Sometimes, just by looking at the fragrance notes, you know - this must smell stunning. In reality, it doesn't always work the way we imagine, but this is not the case with Imperial Malt from Manos Gerakinis. Delicious gourmand accords are blended beautifully with whiskey, making it an intoxicating but at the same time cozy scent.

Manos Gerakinis Parfums was founded in 2014 and is the first and one of the best-known niche luxury Greek Perfume Houses. In ten years, the brand has collaborated with a number of artists, released over 20 perfumes (not all of them are still in production though), and a couple of times became a finalist for Fragrance Foundation UK Awards.

In 2024, Manos Gerakinis, in collaboration with NOKTA COSMETICS, released two exclusive perfumes, dedicated to physical stores in Istanbul, Turkey (luckily for the rest of us, they are also available on the brand's online store): Wild Tuberose and Imperial Malt. The latter, created by Greek-born perfumer Ioanna Tanionou, quickly became a favorite of mine.

And there is no surprise in that. Being a gourmand lover, I highly appreciate the sweet opening of coconut, chocolate, and brown sugar. Actually, the first moments remind me very much of a soft chewy sweet I used to eat as a child. It's mouthwatering, it seems like I can feel the taste for real.

However, this little throwback to childhood ends as suddenly as it begins. Soon the bitterness of dark chocolate pierces the sweetness, and the scent gets drier and so much more adult-like.

Whiskey, very realistic and intoxicating, takes the main stage, accompanied by plum, which is often found in fragrances highlighting Malt. At this point, it makes me think of Single Malt, the legendary discontinued fragrance from Kilian. They are not the same but give the same luxurious and refined whiskey feeling.

Imperial Malt is not linear; it changes quickly on the skin, leaving vanillic woodiness on the skin. Some earthy patchouli, some dry vetiver, and firewood, an allusion to the fireplace. And this is exactly the picture this fragrance paints: a fireplace, a glass of high-end whiskey, a leather armchair. All the works and worries of the day are gone now - it is time to relax and enjoy the comfort.

[sample kindly gifted; opinion is my own]