Sensual Instinct

Sensual Instinct, inspired by Montale Sensual Instinct (2019)

Montale built Sensual Instinct on the meeting of roasted coffee and rose, which the brand calls a chiaroscuro, a play of light and shade. Citrus and cardamom give a brisk start, quickly joined by whisky and saffron. Jasmine and rose then bloom over a tiramisu accord and patchouli leaves, rich and slightly earthy. The finish is dark and edible: coffee, cocoa and vanilla, with oakmoss and cedarwood holding it in shape.

About the original

Sensual Instinct appeared in 2019, according to one retailer, and sits in Montale's gourmand range. Only one version is known. The brand describes a praline-like contrast between coffee and rose, supported by amber, cedar and oakmoss. One retailer calls it lush, sweet and full-bodied.

Our version

Ours is an independent eau de parfum made to evoke the same character. It is not Montale stock, not an official relaunch and not the original formula.

Who it suits

Rich and full-bodied, it is aimed squarely at gourmand lovers who like coffee and chocolate notes. The rose and jasmine keep it from smelling purely like a dessert. It is sweet throughout, and the whisky and patchouli give it a heavier, boozy feel that light-scent wearers may not enjoy.

Related scents

• Montale Intense Cafe
• Montale Chocolate Greedy

Notes of the original fragrance, as published by the brand.

Top notes: Bergamot, Mandarin, Cardamom, Saffron, Whisky

Heart notes: Amberwood, Jasmine, Rose, Tiramisu, Patchouli Leaves

Base notes: Cocoa, Coffee, Vanilla, Oakmoss, Cedarwood, White Musk

Bergamot and mandarin flash briefly, then cardamom, saffron and whisky take over with a spiced, boozy edge.

Rose and jasmine sit on amberwood in the heart, alongside a tiramisu accord and earthy patchouli leaves.

Coffee and cocoa lead the base with vanilla, while oakmoss, cedarwood and white musk dry it out.

Does Sensual Instinct smell of coffee?

Yes, mainly in the drydown. Roasted coffee, cocoa and vanilla form the base, paired with rose throughout.

How does it compare with Montale Intense Café?

They are separate Montale scents. Sensual Instinct pairs roasted coffee with rose and is built on whisky, tiramisu and cocoa. We make Intense Café as well.

Inside the EU, delivery is free on orders of €49 or more. Below that it is a flat €4.99. Outside the EU, delivery is a flat €4.99 on every order. We send every order in 1 to 2 working days. It arrives in 3 to 7 days across the EU and in 7 to 14 days outside the EU. You have 14 days to return an unopened bottle.

Montale and Sensual Instinct are trademarks of their respective owners, and all rights remain with them. Parfumour is not affiliated with, endorsed by, sponsored by, or connected to Montale in any way, and no business relationship of any kind is implied. Our product is an original interpretation created to evoke a similar scent profile, and the trademark names are used purely for honest, descriptive comparison, so that you can quickly identify the style and fragrance family you are looking for. We make no claim to sell the original product, and we do not use the same ingredients or formula. Any similarity lies in the overall impression of the scent as interpreted by our own perfumers, not in the source materials.