WALK N SNIFF REVIEW: Winter 2019 Candes Round One UPDATED
So yesterday I'm in Manhattan heading to the subway to go home when I realized that I was near a BBW that was formerly closed for construction and I thought I'd check out. Much to my surprise, it had become a WB/BBW sidebyside store. I mean I should've known, the only reason a BBW store would close for construction is to make it a WB store. So umm yeah, for my fellow NYC'ers and Manhattan adjacent candle enthusiasts or out of towners make a trip to NYC, the BBW store in Midtown near Grand Central Station is now a WB store!
Even better, the store was fully stocked (I guess they were trying to get that high traffic area/ Grand Central Station commuter/ out of town tourist money) with all of the newness so I got to smell everything; very convenient as that meant I didn't have to go to other WB store another day and I would get to write this review sooner.
Without further ado, let's get this WALK N SNIFF show on the road!
We'll start with the "Holiday Traditions" collection; I won't waste your time or mine talking about Champagne Toast, Cherry Frost Fresh Balsam, Frosted Coconut Snowball, Frosted Cranberry, Spiced Gingerbread, Sugared Snickerdoodle, Tis The Season, Twisted Peppermint, Vanilla Bean Noel, and Winter Candy Apple thus leaving us with...
Chocolate Peppermint Cream (9254M8V1B) - sometime last week, I sniffed the tester candle for the wf refills and initially wrote it off as an uninspired dupe of Peppermint Brownie. Having sniffed the actual 3wick, I can say with confidence that it isn't a dupe but still a bit similar. I was talking with my 2 candlebuddies Touchthefiretwice and Theshow78 and TTFT mentioned that it reminded him of the OG version of Mint Chocolate which had a decidedly mint ice cream quality to it...and I have to agree. While PB had a noticeable bakery cookie/brownie aspect (harkening back to the 2013 incarnation of Mint Chocolate), CPC doesn't have that; it's definitely more milky/creamy like ice cream. Imagine green colored mint ice cream with chunks of chocolate and drizzled with hot fudge...that's basically what CPC smells like. You get a creamy vanilla and cooling mint combo with a chocolate note that gives the illusion of liquid meltiness as opposed to hard dry candy or warm cookies/brownies. There have been so many takes on mint chocolate scents at BBW over the years, that they're all an olfactoral blur; I will say that this and 2013's MC are probably the best interpretations overall.
ADDENDUM: I compared CPC with Peppermint Brownie - definitely NOT the same
Next are the "Baking Spirits Bright" collection, skipping Cinnamon Caramel Swirl, Merry Cookie and Peppermint Marshmallow
Pink Fairy Gumdrop (9253AGA3) - right off the bat, this is NOT Pink Bubblegum/Girl Gang NOR is it Cotton Candy or Cotton Candy Marshmallow. This is a new scent albeit familiar. I am in agreement with everyone else's assessment that it does have a Gelato-esque vibe to it however it is definitely NOT a repackage. So the name is a little misleading as this does not smell at all like a gumdrop which are fruity with spice and black licorice/star anise accents which this candle does not have at all. To me, PFG smells more like a gumball which is totally different. There's a berry (ish) blend, more heavy on raspberry and a bit of strawberry. And I did get the cotton candy/spun sugar aspect. Both the cotton candy and raspberry are what gives this candle a Gelato-ish quality...and that's precisely why I don't like it (or Gelato). I dunno what it is with BBW's take on raspberry and why their raspberry scents always smell chemically/gluey/waxy and PFG is no exception. I really don't like this scent at all and don't see it's purpose besides attracting the girly-girls of America. Why they didn't just bring back Holiday Gumdrop from backintheday is beyond me.
Chocolate Lava Cake (9263K3A1) - everyone is saying it and I wholeheartedly agree - this smells like Hot Fudge Sundae from Sweet Shop 2.0. The only difference I pick up (and this could totally be the power of persuasion/suggestion) is there is a cakey bakery note. Other than that, straightup Hot Fudge Sundae. Is it nice? Yeah. Is it necessary? No
Next is the collection with all of the conceptual scents with the watercolor flowers and leaves on the tumblers (totally do not know the name of this collection. We're gonna skip Cinnamon & Clove Buds, Mahogany Balsam and Vanilla Birch and moving right along to....
Praline Pecan & Cream (9255M8D2H) - yknow, I say all the time that you have to take the notes in the scent description with a microscopic grain of salt cuz most of the time it's marketing BS and not the gospel truth. That said, completely disregard the notes of this candle cuz it's a crock of s***! I'm not at all certain how chestnuts and apples and buttercream translates into "praline pecan & cream" and if you're expecting to get those notes, you'll be very disappointed. And despite BBW's efforts to make the name and notes sound intriguing, the scent is not only boring and uninspired but it smells like a scent we've seen/sniffed year and year - Pumpkin Pecan Waffles. It's essentially PPW without the maple. There's a vague nuttiness with a savory burnt sugar/caramel aspect with a creaminess that feel more bakery/battery that milky/dairy. No chestnut, no buttercream and definitely no apple. I really don't know the direction BBW was going with candle but it's just wrong.
Cherry Mocha (9254AGA5) when I was a kid, I LOVED Queen Anne/Cella's cherry cordial chocolates. So when I heard this candle supposedly smelled like those, I was intrigued and ready to be sent on a nostalgic journey back to my childhood. Well, folks weren't wrong - they do..kinda. Imagine those candies but instead of a gooey candies maraschino cherry inside, there's a cherry cough drop...that ladies and gentlemen is Cherry Mocha. You get a cough drop/cough syrup cherry note similar to Black Cherry MerNO and Cherry Frost/ Firecracker Pop mixed with a dry chocolate note very reminiscent of Chocolate Orange Truffle...which they should've just brought that back instead of wasting time on this mess.
Citrus & Spice (9256M8V1D) - *sigh sometimes while I appreciate people actually trying to review and describe scents when sooooooo many people actively don't, I often have to disregard what they say and sniff things on my own. Not many people were talking about this, most ignored it and not a single person could say with accuracy if it was a repackage. In the same conversation with TTFT, he mentioned that it might be repackage of a very ol school classic that we both loved. Naturally I made a beeline to it when I saw it in the store while hoping and praying he was right. And yes, he was right!
Ladies and gentlemen, C&S is indeed a repackage of a long forgotten ol school one hit wonder and one of my all time favorite Christmas scents - Holiday Pomander.
Now, I beg you dear reader, disregard the notes as they have been severely dumbed down. The original OG notes are far more exotic, lush and elegant...
"...scented with citrus fruits, cloves, bay rum (a cologne made from steeped inedible bay leaves, citrus peel/oil, cloves, cinnamon, allspice in rum), leafy balsam and musk."
And that is what you get in C&S. You get citrus peel dripping with oil, emphasis on oranges. And you get a spice blend of clove, cinnamon, allspice and pepper. And I've heard folks mention an "alcohol" note; that would be the spiced rum and musk. Overall, it smells like decorative pomanders; it also smells like my famous Christmas punch. It just feels nostalgic and old world, like a Dickensian Christmas straight out of Christmas carol - bowls of hot punch, figgy pudding, mincemeat pies, bayberry candles, clove studded fruits, holly wreaths and mistletoe. In conclusion, C&S is NOT for the basic - this is a sophisticated elevated scent that real hardcore scent enthusiasts will appreciate. I'm certainly stocking up as I only have one Holiday Pomander in my sniff only collection. And unlike HP, there are wf bulbs...oh it's on!
ADDENDUM: I compared C&S with Holiday Pomander - definitely the same scent. C&S smells less robust and intense due to cheaper lower grade fragrance oils but as notes are concerned, exactly the same.
Moving onto the "All that Glitters" collection skipping Black Tie, Merry Mimosa,Winter, Champagne Toast, Marshmallow Fireside, Sparkling Icicles and Vanilla Snowflake, First Frost, Party Dress, Party Dress, Peach Bellini, and Spiced Apple Toddy
Caramel Drizzle (9266M8S1E) - as you know, I am NOT a fan of caramel scents and was ready to give this a oneanddone sniff for a review and then move on. However I heard quite a few people on social media gushing over this candle - that it's so good and yummy and different from anything caramelly that has been out before. I was intrigued although I should've known better. Of course it didn't live up to the hype! While I don't think this is a straight dupe of anything but it absolutely smells like every other caramel that's been on the market. The only difference is that I get a creaminess that reminds me of Butterrum Eggnog. However, the caramel aspect is no different than other boozy dark creamy caramel scents - Hot Buttered Rum, Bourbon Butterscotch, Bourbon Sea Salt Caramel, etc.
And now finally, the holiday add-ons to the WB core line, skipping Balsam & Firewood, Crushed Candy Cane, Winter, Tis the Season, Evergreen as well as the fancy expensive WB only Black Cherry MerNo, Fireside, Frosted Cranberry, Iced Vanilla Woods and Vanilla Balsam. On to the newness...
Cranberry Peach (9259G3A2) so this is a repackage and I'm honestly surprised that nobody has figured it out although the scent it's a repackage of was overlooked and obscure. Remember during summer SAS, there was a random Tuscan inspired collection in wf refills online that came out unannounced and unmarketed ; there was a new scent called Cranberry Peach Prosecco. Well, Cranberry Peach is that! I'm guessing BBW figured the "cranberry" would make it seasonal and holiday-ish...it ain't! It's quite summery. You get a super sweet berry that could possibly be cranberry with a mango-peach blend and a nose-tingly effervescence. It's like Ocean Spray juice with sparkling wine. It's nice, it's pleasant, it's cute but quite out of place. Great for a summer not so much for Christmas.
ADDENDUM: I compared CP with the wf refill/bulb of Cranberry Peach Prosecco - excatly the same!
Spiced Clementine (9269M8V1M) whew, oh boy, I was not prepared for this candle! Every once BBW creates something really vile that makes your soul leave your body after one sniff. I heard so many folks remark how gross this candle was and I was convinced they were over-exaggerating. Nope, not so much, it's gross! It just smells all kinds of wrong. And the name is misleading; you think you're gonna bright fresh juicy citrus notes with clove and cinnamon...yeah, no! Not mentioned in the notes is an intense nosepunch of sharp medicinal ginger...not fresh ginger or bakery ginger or candied ginger but powdered ginger that gives the blend an odd day old curry vibe. The clementine is there, more of the peel and the bitter pith underneath the skin with a hint of cinnamon, clove and maybe allspice. And there's a bitter, dark, chemical aspect luring in the blend that just makes the whole scent smell odd and wrong. That's how I would describe this scent overall - odd and wrong. It's also unnecessary since Citrus & Spice and Winter is out; do we need yet another take on spiced orange scents? I think not!
ADDENDUM: Despite it's grossness, I keep smelling this over as it smells soooooo familiar! It's a repackage of something recent but I can't think what. The only thing I can think is Orange Bitters & Bourbon which I can't think of the scent details but I remember absolutely hating it. If it's not that, it's something similar. If you have OB&B and can dare to compare or you think it's something else, please tell me! I'll be much obliged!
The Perfect Christmas (9248AGA2) - saving the best for last! A scent I was ready to fully ignore but absolutely surprised me enough to put it on my candle wishlist to eventually buy. Based on the notes, I was wishing and hoping and praying that this would be the grand return of the rare and fabulous ol school classic Vanilla Spice. Alas, it is not but it's quite close, very similar. The best way I would describe this is think Vanilla Balsam but with added cinnamon. Or better yet, for my fellow ol schoolers, think Snow Day with cinnamon instead of peppermint. I would consider this Snow Day's Twin; Heat Miser and Snow Miser all the way. The notes make this scent sound so basic, it's a bit more complex than the description suggests. There's a soft powdery sweet vanillic note, I wouldn't really call it "marshmallow" but I can see it can give the illusion of a marshmallow note. And there's a typical Christmas red hot spice which I normally can't stand but it works in this blend as it is softened by the vanilla and cooled down by the pine. And yes there's definitely a present and noticeable cool, astringent, resinous pine/balsam note. Overall, it just smells and feels warm and cozy and comforting with a classic old fashioned Christmas vibe. I personally have been very over this "The Perfect fillintheblank" kick BBW has been on; it's a mighty big claim for scents that have so far been lacking and undeserving and well, not perfect. This time, the name fits! I really did not think I would like this scent at all but it proved me wrong and pleasantly surprised me which I love. In my most humble of opinions, this, Citrus & Spice and Chocolate Peppermint Cream are the stars of this winter's lineup and has, for me at least, made the season bright.
ADDENDUM: I did compare TPC with Vanilla Spice - not the same!
Even better, the store was fully stocked (I guess they were trying to get that high traffic area/ Grand Central Station commuter/ out of town tourist money) with all of the newness so I got to smell everything; very convenient as that meant I didn't have to go to other WB store another day and I would get to write this review sooner.
Without further ado, let's get this WALK N SNIFF show on the road!
We'll start with the "Holiday Traditions" collection; I won't waste your time or mine talking about Champagne Toast, Cherry Frost Fresh Balsam, Frosted Coconut Snowball, Frosted Cranberry, Spiced Gingerbread, Sugared Snickerdoodle, Tis The Season, Twisted Peppermint, Vanilla Bean Noel, and Winter Candy Apple thus leaving us with...
Chocolate Peppermint Cream (9254M8V1B) - sometime last week, I sniffed the tester candle for the wf refills and initially wrote it off as an uninspired dupe of Peppermint Brownie. Having sniffed the actual 3wick, I can say with confidence that it isn't a dupe but still a bit similar. I was talking with my 2 candlebuddies Touchthefiretwice and Theshow78 and TTFT mentioned that it reminded him of the OG version of Mint Chocolate which had a decidedly mint ice cream quality to it...and I have to agree. While PB had a noticeable bakery cookie/brownie aspect (harkening back to the 2013 incarnation of Mint Chocolate), CPC doesn't have that; it's definitely more milky/creamy like ice cream. Imagine green colored mint ice cream with chunks of chocolate and drizzled with hot fudge...that's basically what CPC smells like. You get a creamy vanilla and cooling mint combo with a chocolate note that gives the illusion of liquid meltiness as opposed to hard dry candy or warm cookies/brownies. There have been so many takes on mint chocolate scents at BBW over the years, that they're all an olfactoral blur; I will say that this and 2013's MC are probably the best interpretations overall.
ADDENDUM: I compared CPC with Peppermint Brownie - definitely NOT the same
Next are the "Baking Spirits Bright" collection, skipping Cinnamon Caramel Swirl, Merry Cookie and Peppermint Marshmallow
Pink Fairy Gumdrop (9253AGA3) - right off the bat, this is NOT Pink Bubblegum/Girl Gang NOR is it Cotton Candy or Cotton Candy Marshmallow. This is a new scent albeit familiar. I am in agreement with everyone else's assessment that it does have a Gelato-esque vibe to it however it is definitely NOT a repackage. So the name is a little misleading as this does not smell at all like a gumdrop which are fruity with spice and black licorice/star anise accents which this candle does not have at all. To me, PFG smells more like a gumball which is totally different. There's a berry (ish) blend, more heavy on raspberry and a bit of strawberry. And I did get the cotton candy/spun sugar aspect. Both the cotton candy and raspberry are what gives this candle a Gelato-ish quality...and that's precisely why I don't like it (or Gelato). I dunno what it is with BBW's take on raspberry and why their raspberry scents always smell chemically/gluey/waxy and PFG is no exception. I really don't like this scent at all and don't see it's purpose besides attracting the girly-girls of America. Why they didn't just bring back Holiday Gumdrop from backintheday is beyond me.
Chocolate Lava Cake (9263K3A1) - everyone is saying it and I wholeheartedly agree - this smells like Hot Fudge Sundae from Sweet Shop 2.0. The only difference I pick up (and this could totally be the power of persuasion/suggestion) is there is a cakey bakery note. Other than that, straightup Hot Fudge Sundae. Is it nice? Yeah. Is it necessary? No
Next is the collection with all of the conceptual scents with the watercolor flowers and leaves on the tumblers (totally do not know the name of this collection. We're gonna skip Cinnamon & Clove Buds, Mahogany Balsam and Vanilla Birch and moving right along to....
Praline Pecan & Cream (9255M8D2H) - yknow, I say all the time that you have to take the notes in the scent description with a microscopic grain of salt cuz most of the time it's marketing BS and not the gospel truth. That said, completely disregard the notes of this candle cuz it's a crock of s***! I'm not at all certain how chestnuts and apples and buttercream translates into "praline pecan & cream" and if you're expecting to get those notes, you'll be very disappointed. And despite BBW's efforts to make the name and notes sound intriguing, the scent is not only boring and uninspired but it smells like a scent we've seen/sniffed year and year - Pumpkin Pecan Waffles. It's essentially PPW without the maple. There's a vague nuttiness with a savory burnt sugar/caramel aspect with a creaminess that feel more bakery/battery that milky/dairy. No chestnut, no buttercream and definitely no apple. I really don't know the direction BBW was going with candle but it's just wrong.
Cherry Mocha (9254AGA5) when I was a kid, I LOVED Queen Anne/Cella's cherry cordial chocolates. So when I heard this candle supposedly smelled like those, I was intrigued and ready to be sent on a nostalgic journey back to my childhood. Well, folks weren't wrong - they do..kinda. Imagine those candies but instead of a gooey candies maraschino cherry inside, there's a cherry cough drop...that ladies and gentlemen is Cherry Mocha. You get a cough drop/cough syrup cherry note similar to Black Cherry MerNO and Cherry Frost/ Firecracker Pop mixed with a dry chocolate note very reminiscent of Chocolate Orange Truffle...which they should've just brought that back instead of wasting time on this mess.
Citrus & Spice (9256M8V1D) - *sigh sometimes while I appreciate people actually trying to review and describe scents when sooooooo many people actively don't, I often have to disregard what they say and sniff things on my own. Not many people were talking about this, most ignored it and not a single person could say with accuracy if it was a repackage. In the same conversation with TTFT, he mentioned that it might be repackage of a very ol school classic that we both loved. Naturally I made a beeline to it when I saw it in the store while hoping and praying he was right. And yes, he was right!
Ladies and gentlemen, C&S is indeed a repackage of a long forgotten ol school one hit wonder and one of my all time favorite Christmas scents - Holiday Pomander.
Now, I beg you dear reader, disregard the notes as they have been severely dumbed down. The original OG notes are far more exotic, lush and elegant...
"...scented with citrus fruits, cloves, bay rum (a cologne made from steeped inedible bay leaves, citrus peel/oil, cloves, cinnamon, allspice in rum), leafy balsam and musk."
And that is what you get in C&S. You get citrus peel dripping with oil, emphasis on oranges. And you get a spice blend of clove, cinnamon, allspice and pepper. And I've heard folks mention an "alcohol" note; that would be the spiced rum and musk. Overall, it smells like decorative pomanders; it also smells like my famous Christmas punch. It just feels nostalgic and old world, like a Dickensian Christmas straight out of Christmas carol - bowls of hot punch, figgy pudding, mincemeat pies, bayberry candles, clove studded fruits, holly wreaths and mistletoe. In conclusion, C&S is NOT for the basic - this is a sophisticated elevated scent that real hardcore scent enthusiasts will appreciate. I'm certainly stocking up as I only have one Holiday Pomander in my sniff only collection. And unlike HP, there are wf bulbs...oh it's on!
ADDENDUM: I compared C&S with Holiday Pomander - definitely the same scent. C&S smells less robust and intense due to cheaper lower grade fragrance oils but as notes are concerned, exactly the same.
Moving onto the "All that Glitters" collection skipping Black Tie, Merry Mimosa,Winter, Champagne Toast, Marshmallow Fireside, Sparkling Icicles and Vanilla Snowflake, First Frost, Party Dress, Party Dress, Peach Bellini, and Spiced Apple Toddy
Caramel Drizzle (9266M8S1E) - as you know, I am NOT a fan of caramel scents and was ready to give this a oneanddone sniff for a review and then move on. However I heard quite a few people on social media gushing over this candle - that it's so good and yummy and different from anything caramelly that has been out before. I was intrigued although I should've known better. Of course it didn't live up to the hype! While I don't think this is a straight dupe of anything but it absolutely smells like every other caramel that's been on the market. The only difference is that I get a creaminess that reminds me of Butterrum Eggnog. However, the caramel aspect is no different than other boozy dark creamy caramel scents - Hot Buttered Rum, Bourbon Butterscotch, Bourbon Sea Salt Caramel, etc.
And now finally, the holiday add-ons to the WB core line, skipping Balsam & Firewood, Crushed Candy Cane, Winter, Tis the Season, Evergreen as well as the fancy expensive WB only Black Cherry MerNo, Fireside, Frosted Cranberry, Iced Vanilla Woods and Vanilla Balsam. On to the newness...
Cranberry Peach (9259G3A2) so this is a repackage and I'm honestly surprised that nobody has figured it out although the scent it's a repackage of was overlooked and obscure. Remember during summer SAS, there was a random Tuscan inspired collection in wf refills online that came out unannounced and unmarketed ; there was a new scent called Cranberry Peach Prosecco. Well, Cranberry Peach is that! I'm guessing BBW figured the "cranberry" would make it seasonal and holiday-ish...it ain't! It's quite summery. You get a super sweet berry that could possibly be cranberry with a mango-peach blend and a nose-tingly effervescence. It's like Ocean Spray juice with sparkling wine. It's nice, it's pleasant, it's cute but quite out of place. Great for a summer not so much for Christmas.
ADDENDUM: I compared CP with the wf refill/bulb of Cranberry Peach Prosecco - excatly the same!
Spiced Clementine (9269M8V1M) whew, oh boy, I was not prepared for this candle! Every once BBW creates something really vile that makes your soul leave your body after one sniff. I heard so many folks remark how gross this candle was and I was convinced they were over-exaggerating. Nope, not so much, it's gross! It just smells all kinds of wrong. And the name is misleading; you think you're gonna bright fresh juicy citrus notes with clove and cinnamon...yeah, no! Not mentioned in the notes is an intense nosepunch of sharp medicinal ginger...not fresh ginger or bakery ginger or candied ginger but powdered ginger that gives the blend an odd day old curry vibe. The clementine is there, more of the peel and the bitter pith underneath the skin with a hint of cinnamon, clove and maybe allspice. And there's a bitter, dark, chemical aspect luring in the blend that just makes the whole scent smell odd and wrong. That's how I would describe this scent overall - odd and wrong. It's also unnecessary since Citrus & Spice and Winter is out; do we need yet another take on spiced orange scents? I think not!
ADDENDUM: Despite it's grossness, I keep smelling this over as it smells soooooo familiar! It's a repackage of something recent but I can't think what. The only thing I can think is Orange Bitters & Bourbon which I can't think of the scent details but I remember absolutely hating it. If it's not that, it's something similar. If you have OB&B and can dare to compare or you think it's something else, please tell me! I'll be much obliged!
The Perfect Christmas (9248AGA2) - saving the best for last! A scent I was ready to fully ignore but absolutely surprised me enough to put it on my candle wishlist to eventually buy. Based on the notes, I was wishing and hoping and praying that this would be the grand return of the rare and fabulous ol school classic Vanilla Spice. Alas, it is not but it's quite close, very similar. The best way I would describe this is think Vanilla Balsam but with added cinnamon. Or better yet, for my fellow ol schoolers, think Snow Day with cinnamon instead of peppermint. I would consider this Snow Day's Twin; Heat Miser and Snow Miser all the way. The notes make this scent sound so basic, it's a bit more complex than the description suggests. There's a soft powdery sweet vanillic note, I wouldn't really call it "marshmallow" but I can see it can give the illusion of a marshmallow note. And there's a typical Christmas red hot spice which I normally can't stand but it works in this blend as it is softened by the vanilla and cooled down by the pine. And yes there's definitely a present and noticeable cool, astringent, resinous pine/balsam note. Overall, it just smells and feels warm and cozy and comforting with a classic old fashioned Christmas vibe. I personally have been very over this "The Perfect fillintheblank" kick BBW has been on; it's a mighty big claim for scents that have so far been lacking and undeserving and well, not perfect. This time, the name fits! I really did not think I would like this scent at all but it proved me wrong and pleasantly surprised me which I love. In my most humble of opinions, this, Citrus & Spice and Chocolate Peppermint Cream are the stars of this winter's lineup and has, for me at least, made the season bright.
ADDENDUM: I did compare TPC with Vanilla Spice - not the same!
Oof, yeah, Spiced Clementine might be the grossest thing I've smelled since that meat candle in the test lab collection. That candle is just all kinds of wrong. Pink Fairy Gumdrop smells like all of the Snow Fairy stuff from Lush, it's an exact dupe, I swear. Citrus and Spice is amazing, I need like 10.
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