Mmmmmm. I also got maraschino cherries, but darker, when opening the bottle. I would never in a million years have pegged that as almond, but somehow it makes sense. On me, the cherry/almond tones down, but not too much, and the darker, smokier side joins in. It makes a nicely balanced scent that has had me practically drooling whenever I smell it on myself all day. Hecate definitely makes the list of future bottle purchases.