The Story
Why it exists.
The beginning
Kayali set out to capture the carefree joy of a Mediterranean gelato stand, where pistachio-green swirls meet the buzz of fresh citrus and warm spices. In 2023, master perfumers Olivier Cresp and Sébastien Cresp translated that moment into Yum Pistachio Gelato | 33, an Eau de Parfum that invites you to experience the thrill of that first spoonful of gelato on a summer day. The collaboration between Kayali and the Cresp family represents a meeting of two sensibilities: the brand's love for bold, statement fragrances and the perfumers' expertise in creating accessible, delicious scent compositions. This partnership resulted in a fragrance that feels both luxurious and comforting, sophisticated and playful.
The note selection for Yum Pistachio Gelato | 33 reflects a deliberate philosophy of layering gourmand elements with aromatic and floral components to create something that feels both indulgent and sophisticated. Pistachio and hazelnut were chosen for their rich, roasted characters that evoke real gelato while the inclusion of ice cream, whipped cream, and marshmallow creates a progression of dairy-inspired sweetness that feels authentic. The bergamot and cardamom prevent the composition from becoming too sweet by adding brightness and spice respectively. The floral heart, featuring lily of the valley, jasmine, and peony, serves to soften the gourmand elements and add complexity.
The evolution
The scent journey begins the moment you spray, with pistachio and hazelnut immediately taking center stage, their nutty richness amplified by the sweet, cold character of ice cream. Bergamot adds a citrusy sparkle that cuts through the richness while rum introduces a warm, slightly boozy undertone. Cardamom lingers in the background, its aromatic spice preventing the opening from becoming too cloying. As you move into the heart, the florals emerge to soften and complicate the sweetness. Lily of the valley brings a delicate, green floral note while jasmine adds a rich, heady white floral quality. Pear and white peach provide juicy fruitiness that feels fresh and vibrant. Peony contributes a soft, romantic floral character while geranium adds a subtle herbal complexity. Raspberry appears as a tart berry accent, adding brightness and preventing the heart from becoming overly sweet. The drydown represents the full realization of the gourmand fantasy. Whipped cream and marshmallow create an airy, fluffy sweetness while cotton candy adds a nostalgic, playful note.
Cultural impact
Since its 2023 debut, Yum Pistachio Gelato has become a go‑to for scent‑curious millennials who treat fragrance like a dessert menu, mixing, sharing, and posting the sweet‑spicy swirl on socials. Its playful gourmand profile sits alongside Kayali’s other layered offerings, reinforcing the brand’s reputation for accessible, mix‑and‑match perfumery that feels both luxurious and approachable.
