Tihota (2006)
by Indult

This is a weird one - not because of the way it smells in general, but because it smells significantly different depending on the distance from which you smell it. For example, Tihota is a beautiful, clean and airy vanilla from afar (ie. if you get a whiff of its sillage), but it's a little woody and a little bit bitter if you smell it from up close (either on your skin or a sampling strip).

Other than that, the fragrance is simply, as the description says, vanilla and musk - nothing revolutionary, jaw-dropping or unique - just great quality, airy vanilla (it's never too sweet or cloying) over clean musk. I detect some boozy, natural vanilla in Tihota, but I also smell some vanillin, or at least some sort of sugar accord, as the whole thing doesn't necessarily smell "natural" (not to say it smells "synthetic" or fake either). It's pretty good but I can't warrant paying 250$ US for 50 ml of this stuff. If you're a fragrance aficionado, or someone with a nose for quality, you might really like this, but otherwise, skip out on Tihota. I swear that 90% of the population wouldn't even be able to tell you're wearing something not available at a drug store or mainstream fragrance shop (let alone notice you're wearing a 250$ fragrance).

On a final note, in terms of the battle of the expensive vanillas out there, I prefer Guerlain's Spiritueuse Double Vanille. Although SDV only really smells like vanilla to me in its dry-down, it's really well crafted and much more interesting than Tihota. Nevertheless, I guess you could say Tihota is still somewhat of a vanilla masterpiece because of its quality and airiness - I'm just picky with hard-to-please taste for fragrances - not to mention that my wallet isn't overflowing with cash.

I'd love to wear Tihota if I got a bottle for free or under 150$, but for the time being, it's not worth the price.

Moderate sillage and strength with good longevity. Overall, it's enjoyable, well constructed and great quality.

9/10

As I am new to the world of fragrances I am ordering sample sets by note to familiarize my nose. I'm starting with vanillas. I find this to be a pleasant staightforward vanilla with the slightest touch of incense which keeps it from being too gourmandy, I like that it's not too sweet. While I find it nice, my thoughts keep going to what I can layer it with, and it's a bit costly for that in my opinion. It doesn't last all day on me either. Hubby was napping when I stuck my wrist under his nose, his response? " um, vanilla." and right back to sleep. I think that pretty much sums it up.

With their extravagant claims of natural ingredients, promises of exotic rapture in their marketing copy, and pricing to match Amouage, By Kilian, or Parfums MDCI, Indult fragrances had better be good. Really, really good. In fact at these prices, they shouldn’t just be good – they should smell like nothing else on the market.

Tihota smells like vanilla. So do Vanilia, Vanille Exquise, Fleurs de Comores…you get my drift. All of them at half the price, or less. Is Tihota’s vanilla note superior to all other niche vanillas? Is it superior to Guerlain’s vanillas? I don’t know. Better noses than mine may feel a need to pay $250 for a 50 ml. bottle of vanilla scent, but I can settle for less.

My H.G Vanilla. Tihota has the most intense Vanilla with a pure and clean musk base. Just lovely all by itself, but also layers well. Lasts all day. Sillage is modest, so I can wear it to work. Simple and sumptuous.