MARC-ANTOINE BARROIS
B683 EXTRAIT

2020

PERFUMER
Quentin Bisch

green apple
black pepper
cumin

safraleine
laotian oud
Violet

patchouli
sandalwood
vanilla

Ganymede is without a doubt one of the best fragrances ever created in my opinion and perfumer Quentin Bisch doubled down with B683 Extrait (and later even more so with Ganymede Extrait)

I say that, because from the opening B683 Extrait reminds me more of Ganymede, than it does of B683 EDP. All three share similarities, but this Extrait has the acidity from Ganymede; with the mineralic element and introduction of (green) apple. At the same time, B683 Extrait is darker and more dry than both B683 and Ganymede.

It’s more extreme and definitely the least accessible to wear, although it won’t scare most niche-wearers away. You get a dry oud, cumin and apple in the initial hour. The Violet runs through the whole line’s DNA and it’s present here as well. To me, the opening hovers between Ganymede and something like Frederic Malle Promise or Oman Luxury Oud Aquilaria.

As it starts to dry down, the B683 similarities start to come forward and eventually they overtake. I think it’s mainly the saffron becoming the star player. The apple lingers on for an impressive amount of time and so does the cumin, so in my opinion it’s not redundant next to B683 at all, despite the similar vibe. The vanilla is kept at bay for most of the wear.

Anno 2024, Ganymede is still the star of the brand for me, followed by Encelade, but B683 Extrait I appreciate a lot for what it is. B683 is tamer and has a rather traditional, masculine leather core, so it doesn’t excite me as much. This Extrait explores the edges again.