MEXICAN BAROQUE

Reviews for Arquiste candles are scarce online so this was very much a blind buy. I’m glad I made the leap and went against my default olfactory preference to try this candle for the holidays. It’s cacao for earthy , romantic people - what I imagine the ranch in Like Water for Chocolate might smell like in the mornings . I don’t get the chili or resinous notes as much as the straight cocoa and aromatics . The clay and cedar aren’t discernible but there is definitely an atmospheric / mellow quality to the perfumery that creates the feeling of smelling hot cocoa in an old kitchen with a wood burning stove and tile underfoot . The throw grows over time but never more than medium- strong. Delivery was fast but as a purveyor of many luxury candles the packaging left a bit to be desired. No cushioning , no thank you note or care info, just a candle in a box . It might be persnickety but at that price point you like to see an extra level of detail especially when buying direct.