Recently, a trend has become noticeable here on the blog that has been dominating the niche fragrance world for some time now: the desire for powerful fragrances that are loud, intense and long-lasting. The louder and more powerful, the better – or so one would think. And yet, of course, they still exist, the quiet, delicate, subtle creations that exude an inimitable elegance and focus on restraint rather than opulence. But today, with Black Crème and Black Karak, it’s all about the louder compositions, because the Extrait Extrème Collection from BORNTOSTANDOUT, dipped in dark berry red, doesn’t mess around.
Black Crème – Delicious endeavor
I have already introduced you to four creations from this special line in the articles Extrait Extrême Collection by BORNTOSTANDOUT – Beyond Imagination and Oud Candy and Purple Stain by BORNTOSTANDOUT – Two fragrances, no compromise. So today I am presenting number five and six. I would like to start with Black Crème, a creation that glides over sweaty skin like hot, viscous wax.
Perfumer Quentin Bisch was responsible for the creative realization of the fragrance. We are already familiar with numerous works by him, such as Bois Impérial by Essential Parfums, Myrrh Shadow by Bon Parfumeur, Guidance by Amouage or the fragrances by Marc-Antoine Barrois. His creations radiate an incredible richness of facets, as he masters both soft and powerful tones. We are about to find out how he uses his skills in a high-performer line such as the Extrait Extrème Collection.
Top notes: milk, beeswax, ambrette, iris
Heart notes: agarwood (oud), leather, vanilla, myrrh
Base notes: caramel, sandalwood, woods, ambergris
The opening of Black Crème by BORNTOSTANDOUT is soft, velvety and powdery, with leathery, woody nuances that are reminiscent of the smoothest leather iris right from the start. Myrrh and vanilla add a balsamic sweetness that combines with creamy caramel and ambery woods to create a cozy and incredibly harmonious blend. Beautiful!
I was able to get to know the fragrances in the Extrait Extrème Collection last year at Esxence (read about them here) and later reviewed them. The first four creations were really something for all those who like it riotous and strong. With Black Crème, BORNTOSTANDOUT does not remain true to its line in this respect, but Quentin Bisch does all the more. He has created something that is simply wonderful: calm, enveloping, milky, with wild, spicy notes that radiate warmth and familiarity. The perfume is certainly present, but always remains well-balanced. For me, this is the first fragrance from this collection that I would also wear privately and that triggers acute must-have desires in me. Absolute test recommendation!
Black Karak – Arabic tea delights
The bar is set high after Black Crème and I’m curious to see if Black Karak can keep up. The theme of the perfume interests me immensely, because I always love tea fragrances. Black Crème already had certain chai accents in my eyes. Now I’m quite curious to see what facets our current candidate has in store. Perfumers Maxime Exler and Véronique Nyberg were responsible for the olfactory realization of the creation, which is inspired by karak tea, a popular drink in Arab countries. Strong black tea is used for this, which is prepared from condensed milk, cardamom and other spices as well as a not inconsiderable amount of sugar.
Top notes: tea, cardamom, coffee
Heart notes: black tea, nagarmotha, saffron
Base notes: ambergris, woods, tonka bean, guaiac wood
Black Karak has a much darker, harsher and edgier start to the fragrance. Leathery saffron and earthy nagarmotha meet aromatic, fresh cardamom, tannin-rich black tea and roasted coffee beans. What initially seems discordant, harsh, medicinal and dark, gradually dissolves as the fragrance progresses. Black Karak becomes softer and rounder in nuances, although the creaky restlessness is still palpable. A subtle smoky note pervades the composition, which plays wonderfully around the cool freshness of the cardamom. Ambergris and tonka bean provide a subtle, ambery-woody base.
With Black Karak, BORNTOSTANDOUT once again delivers a fragrance that I would have blindly assigned to the Extrait Extrème Collection. Powerful, expressive, a border crosser. Certainly not pleasing and not a crowdpleaser, but one that should appeal to all those who like it louder, edgier and more striking. Ideal for fall and winter and more of a creation for the evening or going out.
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