Baccarat Rouge 540 Extrait
Maison Francis Kurkdjian (2017)

To my nose, the sweetness is turned up on this Extrait version. That's the one thing that stands out from the original BR 540 when I smell them side-by-side. Otherwise, it is very similar in smell and performance for me.

I prefer the original over this one. The main difference is the addition of the almond note, which makes it a bit sharper and artificial. Some people might enjoy it, but not me.

This one also sits closer to the skin, although the performance is still strong. I would argue that the almond note makes it feel more feminine. Some people find the original sickly sweet, but I find that the almond note solidifies the sweetness into a recognizable smell. The combination of nuttiness and sweetness makes me nauseated.

This fragrance is still unisex; just add confidence and anyone can pull it off. Although any age can wear it, the price indicates that it's intended for people aged 30 and over. The original was already expensive, so this one is out of reach for most people. As I mentioned in my original review, Al Haramain's Amber Oud Rouge is an excellent clone of the original and much more reasonably priced. There's no reason for a fragrance that is likely synthetically synthesized to cost a fortune.

I have this and BR 540… They’re definitely different but I can’t articulate the subtleties. I want to say this one is stronger yet still soft.

Owned BR540 'regular' EdP for over a year. Finally gave this a shot. Was thinking that I might like more since I don't see marigold listed here.

But trust me: it's there. I think all in all it's slightly less sweet than the regular EdP and a bit more suede-like in the opening if that makes sense. Where the original is powdery leathery (evernyl), and mighty sweet. The extrait in the drydown is very similar to the original (98%).

And since I recently started not liking the original that much anymore after a year, this is a bummer for me.

Nothing new. The marigold in here might be even more pungent in here because there is less sweetness camouflaging it.

Sorry Kurkdjian, thumbs down from me.

Thicker woodier and a bit denser, but most noses might not pick up the differences right away since your nose will be greatly distracted by the sheer sweet stickyness of this. Pure candy with berry cherry undertones in a bottle.
What I enjoy and simultaneously detest is the gonadotropic vibe in the background, it just smells so pheromony sexual to my nose.
There is no denying that this is the new Aventus I suppose.
Let the craze begin.

I like the EDP but I like the Extrait better. Both have the same scent however, I find the EDP's vibe more 'glassy' and the Extrait's vibe more 'woody'. The Extrait has more of a wood backbone and is more refined and rounded; and obviously has better longevity too. At the end of the day it's personal preference on which version you prefer but my advice is pay the extra and reach for the Extrait. It's just better all round.