MAISON FRANCIS KURKDJIAN
BACCARAT ROUGE 540 EXTRAIT

2017

PERFUMER
Francis Kurkdjian

Bitter Almond
Saffron

Jasmine
Cedarwood

Ambergris
Woody Notes
Musk

‘Baccarat Rouge 540 extrait de parfum intensifies the radiance of the three auras found in the eau de parfum without betraying the original inspiration. The perfumer’s mastered craft and the wisdom gained with time gave birth to this woody extrait de perfume, an ultimate accomplishment for Francis Kurkdjian. The Grandiflorum jasmine from Egypt head note gently underscores the craftsman’s voice. The hint of fire is enhanced with powdered epicurean facets of bitter almond from Morocco. Lastly, the mineral note built around ambergris is tamed with a musky and woody accord. Adding to the intensity of the extrait, the perfume bottle also plays with light. Its aesthetic dons a brilliant red robe reminiscent of Baccarat red. Baccarat Rouge 540 Maison Francis Kurkdjian extrait de parfum embodies the profusion and fusion of elements that can only be tamed by the art of the perfumer and the wisdom gained with time.’ – Maison Francis Kurkdjian

Do you like Baccarat Rouge 540? Trigger warning if your answer is yes! I’ve been testing out the extrait version of the ever popular release and I still don’t like it. This fragrance, its EDP, it’s clones and general scent-profile are hyped to extremes and I personally don’t like any of them. The extrait didn’t fair much better for me, even if it’s probably the best version.

For a couple of seconds I get a nice citrus pop and straight away it’s overpowered by this very powerful and very sweet sugary candy scent. This isn’t your average sweet; it’s the kind that would make your teeth hurt in edible form.

I’d say the extrait’s main distinguishing aspect is the almond, which makes this a bit more rounded at the edges and overall it’s a bit less ‘shouty’ than the EDP. That being said, this is still a loud fragrance, that comes across youthful to my nose. The combination of the sweetness with a strong projection really rubs me the wrong way; I think I would rate this much better if it was more of an intimate scent.

I barely pick up any of the listed notes. I can imagine an ambergris, but it’s warm. I mostly get melting cotton candy, with a slight mineralic or metallic tinge. To Baccarat’s credit, it seems that everyone has wildly different takes on what it smells like. Unfortunately, I fall under the category of people that thinks this smells like a dentists office.

I definitely didn’t enjoy my wearings, although I prefer it over the EDP. For me personally, Parfums de Marly Kalan and Kajal Lamar share some similarities and I easily prefer those. Then again, I do understand the hype; the performance is crazy, it’s a huge trendsetter and if you enjoy the scent (obviously) you’ll love it. There’s obviously a place for it and most people love it; I just wish other brands would stop incorporating this DNA in their releases.