~~~ Yankee Candle Co ~~~

The star of this review is a Tart, A circular disc of highly fragranced wax, which is instantly recognisable by its fluted edges and scent even when it's sealed. Upon opening the plastic coating you will notice that the words 'Yankee Candle Co' embossed into the flat top, denoting it's long heritage. This is not true to all tarts though, and I think it is more widely seen on the newer fragrances.

Red Velvet has been the tart of the day in my household (I have a vast collection). This comes from the Autumn 2012 range of Yankee Candle fragrances, along with Blissful Autumn, Chamomile Tea, and Honey and Spice. These have no wick to light, and instead are melted using a tart burner with a lit candle underneath. The heat from underneath makes them melt, and it's at this point that it releases its wonderful aroma's.

I am not loyal to any particular scent from Yankee, and tend to fluctuate between the delicate and the stronger scents that Yankee supply. My absolute favourites though are either Fruity or Foodie. The choice is vast and I can always find something that will suit my mood. Red Velvet is a type of cake, and as such falls into the latter category.

~~~ Red Velvet Cake ~~~

A Red Velvet cake is very dramatic looking, with its bright red colour that is usually offset by a creamy white frosting. There are many theories as to its origin, and most say that it originates from South America. We do know that it has been a favourite for decades in the States, and is quickly becoming one here too, hence the fact that Yankee brought this candle to our shores.

Red Velvet is really a Devil's Food Cake that has red food colouring added to give it its deep rich colour. John Mariani, the Author of "The Dictionary of American Food and Drink" tells us that the name 'Devil's Food Cake' is so called "because it is supposedly so rich and delicious that it must, to a moralist, be somewhat sinful.

~~~ The Tart ~~~

Red Velvet melts quickly and transforms into a transparent blood red liquid. The scent starts to waft and fill the room with a rich, deep, chocolatey scent. It isn't long before it wafts around and fills the house. I prefer these tarts as the 'throw' of the scent is so much quicker than that of a candle, and longer lasting too I feel. This is a much more natural scent than other brands of chocolate or vanilla candles, and as such is far less artificial and not headache inducing.

The fragrance is strong but not overpowering, it's rich and intoxicating. You can smell not only fresh chocolate and vanilla, but so too a warming hint of treacle and brown sugar, with a touch of spice. It's a deep scent and it almost envelopes you like a hug from an old friend. You might think that this could be a sickly sweet combination but no, they have captured the essence of the cake perfectly, and the scent of it cooking wafts around my home.

~~~Cost~~~

These tarts usually cost around the £1.20 mark and are widely available. I bought mine from the local garden centre in their gift department. Look around though, as you may see them cheaper; if you do, snap them up, they're a bargain.

~~~ Burning Times ~~~

Yankee tarts burn for around eight hours; and it's certainly true for this one. I may even be so bold as to say mine has lasted a little longer than that. Towards the end of its life it fades gently until its not recognisable anymore. You may at this point still be left with a little wax though.

I feel that the Red Velvet fragranced tart has been a huge success and one that will most definitely be top of my list to repurchase. Its long lasting fragrancing and depth of scent means that this is quite an economical tart to buy. Normally I would break my tart in half and use the remainder on separate occasion; but with this I feel I could easily get away with breaking it into three, though four might be stretching it somewhat. The tarts can be broken quite easily, as the tart is formed from compressed tiny beads of wax.

~~~ In Summary ~~~

I am passionate about all the varieties of Yankee Candle products, but my favourite are the tarts. Red Velvet has a wonderfully evocative aroma, perfect for crisp autumn evenings cuddled on the sofa with the curtains drawn. I highly recommend it, and hope that you enjoy it as much as I do.

Many thanks for reading my review. I hope this has been of some use to you.

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