MERCEDES-BENZ
Club Black EDP
2025
PERFUMER
Olivier Cresp
Hamid Merati-Kashani
Fabrice Pellegrin
BERGAMOT
elemi
JASMINE
vanilla
musk
myrrh
ambrox super
amber wood
This is a flanker of Club Black EDT (2017).
‘Hidden away from prying eyes, reserved exclusively for the select few, lies the best-kept secret of the Mercedes-Benz world—the Mercedes-Benz Club. Behind its discreet doors, whispers blend seamlessly with the gentle chime of crystal glasses, and the enticing aromas of expertly mixed exotic cocktails fill the air. Each night, this clandestine haven opens only to those fortunate enough to hold the key. Welcome to the Mercedes-Benz Speakeasy. This exclusive sanctuary is the realm of sophisticated, enigmatic men who have sculpted their lifestyles around elegance, charm, and intrigue. Club Black Eau de Parfum is their signature scent, embodying a refined and subtly luxurious vision. For these privileged insiders, an extraordinary world unfolds, accessible only to a chosen few. Crafted by renowned master perfumers Olivier Cresp, Hamid Merati-Kashani, and Fabrice Pellegrin, Club Black Eau de Parfum possesses an irresistible allure. Admirers of the original Eau de Toilette will find its signature woody essence elevated by luxurious Myrrh, evoking the intimate ambiance of softly illuminated club interiors. The fragrance opens brightly with sunlit Bergamot from Calabria, Italy—harvested with care by a family dedicated to sustainable practices—and precious Elemi resin from ethically managed plantations in the Philippines. At its heart, the sensual blend of refined Jasmine harmonizes elegantly with creamy Vanilla and enveloping Musk. The seductive base combines captivating Amber Wood and sustainably innovative Ambrox® Super, deepened by the smoky, mesmerizing warmth of Myrrh. With Club Black Eau de Parfum, the door to an exhilarating new addiction swings wide open, raising the allure of this fragrance collection to dazzling new heights.’ – Mercedes-Benz
I have to admit that I have never smelled the 2017 Club Black EDT, but I know that a lot of people praise it and judging by early indications, this EDP is very similar in scent. Going in with reasonable expectations, I was pleasantly surprised by how great this EDP is, albeit not the most original DNA.
More specifically, this is spot-on for the Guerlain Spiritueuse Double Vanille style of vanilla. Strongly vanillic, on the dark side, but with a slightly watery, transparent, ambroxan-heavy texture to it. It feels smoky, but again, transparent, almost clean. As it smoothens out, it starts to wear a little more lactonic.
The brightness in the opening is short-lived, but it gives the first hours the smallest golden edge. The linear vanilla scent that follows is really nice. It feels a tad boozy, woody, tobacco-ish, sweet, but not in the typical sweet direction of most designers or fragrances at this price point; it’s very much like Spiriteuse Double Vanille; other references would be Kayali Vanilla 28 or Goldfield & Banks Silky Woods.
And based on my first time wearing it, I probably like it better than the Kayali or Goldfield, even certain batches of Spiriteuse Double Vanille (which seems to be very inconsistent; I do have an older batch travel spray of SDV which has aged beautifully and is on another, smokier level). Either way, at around €75/50ml retail for Club Black EDP (and in places that regularly offer 20% off), you can’t go wrong with it. Performance seems solid, but not great (which is probably where the Kayali or Goldfield can give it a run for its money); I think it’s fine though.
This is one of the best fragrances available in its class in my opinion.