Grand Soir
Maison Francis Kurkdjian (2016)

Gorgeous amber scent, but very muted. Limited projection and sillage and therefore overpriced.

I have mixed feelings on this one.
Positives:
-It’s very potent, long lasting and comforting.

-The sweet vanilla amber cuts through winter air and the sillage is amazing

Negatives:
-There is an annoying spicy sharpness in the opening that I sometimes pick up on and other times don’t.
-it’s very linear, which means it could be perceived as one dimensional and boring after a while.

Overall it smells good but it’s not something I enjoy wearing.

Looking at the notes of the pyramid one might think it is a sweet and pleasing perfume, sugary and gourmand perhaps, but no. Indeed, it is quite pungent for a non-spiced amber. It is almost powdery, at times it reminds me of the smell that white bubble baths leave after a shower. I do not perceive a clear note of amber, but I feel more a single perfume, very elegant, clean, elegant, dry but soft and very very beautiful, sweet. I don't see it suitable for people too young, I think it's a 30-35 perfume. Beautiful but feminine and doesn't smell like something new...

A top shelf amber. In my top 3 ambers, just behind Ambre Precieux and ahead of Akkad. This one has nuance, velvety sweetness from the tonka and vanilla. Lacks some of the mystery of Ambre Precieux, and the smokiness of Akkad, but brings something of a gourmand touch. A decadent fall and winter fragrance, rich and creamy. The cistus labdanum rounds it out nicely.

I'm a sucker for ambers, so this one is right up my alley.

the embalming fluid of a diabetic cadaver left to rot in the morgue

far too sweet and faceless but that seems to sell in the current market

Absolutely gorgeous stuff. There are other nice amber blends out there but this is just so heavy, thick, solid, rich and creamy I couldn’t resist so bought a bottle today. Lasts ages and decent sillage.