A Bit Hazelnutty by KV by Kateryna Vel’menko: The Art of Comfort

Some fragrances seek to surprise. Others aim to seduce. A Bit Hazelnutty by KV by Kateryna Vel’menko pursues something different: comfort.

Part of the Italian fragrance house's collection of contemporary artistic perfumes, A Bit Hazelnutty draws inspiration from one of Italy’s most beloved culinary traditions - bicerin, the iconic hot drink of Turin. Composed of espresso, drinking chocolate and milk served in delicate layers, bicerin is often enjoyed alongside gianduja, the famous Piedmontese chocolate enriched with hazelnuts. It is a drink deeply connected to the city's cafés, its history and its culture of slow enjoyment.

This tradition serves as the emotional foundation of the fragrance.

Rather than attempting a literal reconstruction of the beverage, A Bit Hazelnutty captures the atmosphere surrounding it. The warmth of a historic café. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee. The sweetness of chocolate melting into cream. The comforting presence of toasted hazelnuts lingering in the air.

Created by perfumer Antonio Alessandria, the composition unfolds like the layered drink that inspired it.

Hazelnut naturally takes centre stage. Rich, creamy and softly roasted, it creates the signature around which the entire fragrance revolves. Yet despite its gourmand character, the scent avoids becoming excessively sweet. Coffee introduces depth and sophistication, while cocoa enriches the composition with a dark, velvety texture.

Rum adds warmth and movement, bringing a subtle boozy glow that prevents the fragrance from feeling predictable. As the scent develops, notes of whipped cream and vanilla emerge, softening the composition and enhancing its comforting nature without overwhelming the balance.

Beneath the gourmand surface lies a carefully constructed foundation of sandalwood, vetiver, amber and musk. These elements provide structure and longevity, allowing the fragrance to evolve beyond a simple dessert-inspired creation. What begins as an indulgent gourmand gradually reveals a more refined and elegant character.

The result is a perfume that feels familiar without being simplistic.

Like bicerin itself, A Bit Hazelnutty is built on layers. Each stage reveals a different facet of the composition, moving from roasted and nutty accords to creamy sweetness, before settling into a warm and softly woody trail. The experience is less about dramatic transformation and more about discovering subtle nuances over time.

In recent years, gourmand perfumery has become increasingly popular, often favouring excess and instant gratification. A Bit Hazelnutty takes a more measured approach. It embraces sweetness, but tempers it with texture, depth and restraint.

The fragrance ultimately feels like an invitation to slow down. To sit for a while in a quiet café. To enjoy a conversation without checking the time. To appreciate simple pleasures elevated through craftsmanship and attention to detail.

A Bit Hazelnutty reminds us that comfort, when thoughtfully composed, can be every bit as captivating as complexity.