Who said vanilla perfumes can’t be dark and chic? This heady number from Tom Ford opens with dry tobacco leaf and warm spice, before vanilla, cacao and tonka bean swoop in to soften the edges. What I like most is that the sweetness never takes over, with dried fruits and woody notes keeping things smoky and just a little decadent. It has the kind of depth that feels especially right after dark, making it an easy pick for festive dinners and cocktail parties.

On paper, this one has all the makings of a sweet gourmand, but there’s much more going on once it hits the skin. Strawberry comes through first, juicy without veering into syrupy territory, while gardenia, rose and jasmine bring a floral freshness that makes the fragrance slightly harder to pin down. Bourbon vanilla and brown sugar lend the base its gourmand warmth, but patchouli, moss and amber keep the sweetness grounded. I’d wear this to a festive brunch, a Diwali lunch or an early-evening party.

Of all the gourmands on this list, this is probably the least obviously sweet. Roasted chestnut, clove and guaiac wood give it a smoky, almost charred quality and plenty of depth. Vanilla does eventually make an appearance, but it creeps in later, softening the smokiness rather than overpowering it. The result is warm and enveloping, yet still a little rugged – a welcome counterpoint to the boozier and fruitier gourmands in this line-up.

Pistachio has become a gourmand favourite, often appearing in sweet, creamy blends. Girl of Now gives the note a slightly different spin. Roasted pistachio meets pear and bitter almond for a nutty yet bright opening, while orange blossom and magnolia keep things fresh through the middle. Almond milk, tonka bean and cashmeran bring back that familiar creamy warmth at the base, but a touch of patchouli gives the fragrance a deeper, more sophisticated finish.

Kayali has no shortage of gourmands in its portfolio, but Café Oud 19 would be my pick for the festive season. Cappuccino brings that familiar gourmand warmth from the start, while bergamot and mandarin keep the opening from feeling too heavy. Rose and geranium introduce a floral layer through the heart, before oud, patchouli, musk and vanilla take over at the base. Creamy, woody and slightly smoky, it’s the kind of gourmand that feels made for winter festivities.

This one is proof that a little spice can completely change the character of a gourmand. Warm and boozy, it has just the right mood for festive evenings, with cacao and vanilla bringing creamy richness to the blend. Pepper, nutmeg and vetiver cut through the sweetness, adding a darker, drier edge that keeps things interesting. It’s a worthy addition to your festive fragrance wardrobe, especially if you’re looking for a gourmand at a more accessible price point.

If you like your gourmands rich, boozy and unabashedly decadent, this one delivers. Cognac and raspberry liqueur set the tone with a deep, fruity warmth, while praline adds just enough sweetness without sending the fragrance into dessert territory. Oak and sandalwood bring a woody depth that balances it all out. Very much an after-dark fragrance, I’d save this one for cocktail nights, wedding receptions and evenings that call for something a little more indulgent.