Turin: Sensory Experience with Fragrances & Cocktails

Turin: Sensory Experience with Fragrances & Cocktails — A Journey for the Senses

Imagine exploring the world of cocktails not through sight or taste but entirely through smell. That’s exactly what this Turin-based sensory experience offers. Hosted by Eccetera in the Vanchiglietta district, this 1.5-hour activity invites you to slow down, listen closely to your nose, and rediscover the art of tasting in a whole new way.

What we love about this experience is its focus on olfactory awareness, the chance to reconstruct cocktail profiles purely by scent, and the intimate, relaxed atmosphere of Eccetera’s cozy space. It’s a playful yet sophisticated journey into how smell and taste intertwine, making it perfect for curious travelers who enjoy a mix of learning and sensory fun.

A possible consideration is that, as it’s a small-group experience designed to be unhurried and immersive, it might not suit travelers looking for a quick, high-energy activity. Instead, it’s ideal for those wanting a gentle, reflective exploration of their senses.

This tour will best suit visitors who enjoy unique, experiential activities, are open to exploring their sense of smell, and want an authentic taste of Turin’s creative spirit.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Good To Know

• Focus on Olfactory Recognition: Learn to identify cocktails by smell alone, enhancing your sensory awareness.
• Interactive and Relaxed: The experience is informal, designed for small groups with a cozy atmosphere.
• Not a Traditional Tasting: It’s a scent-focused journey, not a typical cocktail or wine tasting, emphasizing slow, mindful perception.
• Expert Collaboration: Created with Essentialia, a Turin-based smell lab, ensuring a professional and innovative approach.
• Cost-Effective: For $59, you receive materials, guidance, and a memorable sensory adventure.
• Limited Duration: 1.5 hours make it manageable even for tight schedules, while still providing depth.

Unpacking the Experience: A Closer Look

The Setting: Eccetera in Turin’s Vanchiglietta District

The experience takes place at Eccetera, a space that’s as much about ideas and stories as it is about coffee or cocktails. The venue’s intimate setting creates a sense of privacy and focus, ideal for sensory exploration. With two windows facing the street, it’s a cozy yet vibrant environment that invites curiosity and conversation.

The Core Concept: Smelling Before Tasting

The core of this tour revolves around the question: Can we recognize a cocktail through smell alone? Participants start by reconstructing the aroma profiles of three cocktails using individual essences. This process involves carefully smelling and sequencing scents in a way that recreates the drink’s olfactory signature.

This practice is not about memorizing recipes but about training your nose to perceive the subtle differences between complex aromas. According to reviews, this step is deliberate and unhurried, encouraging participants to listen closely and really feel each scent.

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The Role of Essentialia: A Turin-Based Smell Lab

Partnered with Essentialia, a local sensory laboratory, this experience benefits from expert knowledge. Essentialia specializes in using smell as a tool for imaginative and sensory exploration, and their involvement ensures the process is professional yet approachable.

Participants reportedly find the process surprisingly engaging. As one reviewer put it, “We trained ourselves to perceive and recognize the components, and were quite amazed at how these scents combined to resemble the cocktails.”

The Moment of Revelation: From Smell to Sip

After the scent-building phase, the real magic happens — the actual cocktails are prepared and tasted. This sequence reveals the unexpected link between smell and taste, illustrating how our brains connect the two. The experience is designed to slow down and really connect with each step, turning a simple drink into a multi-sensory discovery.

Guests note that the tasting is unpretentious and focuses on the sensory journey rather than high-end mixology. It’s about appreciating the complexity and surprising nuances in each cocktail when you understand their scent profiles.

Who Will Enjoy This?

This experience is not a traditional tasting or cocktail class. It’s ideal for travelers who love to think differently about senses and flavors, enjoy small, intimate gatherings, and are curious about the science of smell. It’s also perfect for those who appreciate a relaxed pace and a space for conversation and reflection.

What’s Included and Practical Details

For $59 per person, participants receive all tasting materials, including essences and guidance from bilingual (English and Italian) instructors. The session lasts about 1.5 hours, making it manageable alongside other sightseeing. The small group size ensures a more personalized experience and allows everyone to participate actively.

The meeting point is a shop with two windows facing the street, a discreet starting place that adds to the sense of discovery. Cancellation is flexible — you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering peace of mind for travelers with fluctuating plans.

Accessibility and Suitability

The experience is not suitable for children under 18, as it involves focused scent recognition and tasting. The activity is designed to foster a calm, reflective environment, so those expecting a lively or energetic activity might want to consider other options.

Why This Experience Offers Real Value

While €59 might seem modest, the value lies in the depth of the sensory engagement. You’re not simply tasting cocktails but learning to listen to your nose and understand how aroma shapes flavor perception. This skill can enhance future wine, coffee, or food experiences, making it a worthwhile investment for curious foodies and sensory aficionados.

The collaboration with a professional smell lab like Essentialia adds credibility and ensures the scents are precise and meaningful. The intimate setting fosters meaningful interactions and a relaxed environment for mindful tasting.

The Authenticity Factor

This isn’t a scripted tour — reviews highlight the personalized approach of the guides and the authentic curiosity they bring. Participants appreciated the lack of pretension, with many describing it as a playful yet educational activity that leaves a lingering interest in exploring their senses further.

The Social Aspect

Small groups promote friendly conversations and shared discoveries. Many reviewers mention how the experience sparked new conversations about flavors and memories, often leading to more questions about scent, taste, and their connection.

Final Thoughts: Who Should Book?

This sensory journey is best suited for travelers with a passion for unique experiences and a desire to expand their sensory awareness. It’s particularly appealing to those interested in food and drink but looking for an activity that’s more about perception than consumption.

Creatively inclined travelers will enjoy the opportunity to reconstruct aromas and engage their imagination. It also makes an excellent group activity for friends, couples, or curious solo explorers seeking a relaxed, insightful experience.

Those seeking a traditional sightseeing tour will likely find this a little too niche, but if you’re after a chance to slow down and truly feel the flavors and fragrances that surround us, this is worth considering.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this experience suitable for non-Italian speakers?
Yes, the guides speak both English and Italian, making it accessible for a broad audience.

How long is the session?
The activity lasts approximately 1.5 hours, perfect for fitting into a busy sightseeing day.

What is included in the price?
You will receive tasting materials, including essences for scent reconstruction and guidance from the instructors.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, full refunds are available if you cancel at least 24 hours in advance.

Is this experience appropriate for children?
No, it’s designed for participants over 18 due to the nature of the tasting and scent recognition.

What should I wear or bring?
Comfortable clothes are sufficient; no special attire is needed. Just come prepared to pay close attention to your senses.

This Turin sensory journey offers a fascinating twist on tasting and smelling that will leave you with a deeper appreciation for how flavors are built and remembered. Whether you’re a foodie, a curious traveler, or someone looking to smell the roses (or cocktails) in a new way, this experience provides a meaningful, playful window into the world of scents.

You can check if your dates are available here: