The note presents as a profoundly dry, dusty, and unsweetened essence, a pure articulation of dark cacao. It possesses a finely milled, almost velvety texture in the air, not creamy or syrupy like melted chocolate, but rather like a cloud of finely sifted powder. Its initial intensity is significant, delivering a bitter, earthy, and slightly smoky aroma, often carrying subtle roasted nuances. As it evolves, it softens, losing some of its initial sharpness to reveal a deeper, warmer core, sometimes hinting at spice or a dark, dried fruit complexity depending on its origin. Projection is typically moderate, creating an intimate, comforting aura rather than an expansive sillage. Longevity is excellent, grounding compositions and lingering gracefully. It functions most effectively as a heart or base note, lending depth, richness, and a sophisticated gourmand structure.