Maison Francis Kurkdjian Baccarat Rouge 540 EDP and Extrait
Baccarat Rouge 540, crafted by the esteemed Maison Francis Kurkdjian, has solidified its status as a premier luxury fragrance since its launch in 2015. Much like Chanel No. 5, it elicits strong opinions—people either adore it or dislike it. The critiques often stem from its premium price tag and the proliferation of dupes. Yet, this imitation serves as a testament to the fragrance’s unique and captivating appeal, drawing attention and prompting various brands to try to replicate its magic.
I prefer not to delve into the rabbit hole of dupes and their comparisons, as I haven’t personally tried any of them. Instead, I want to keep the focus on this phenomenal creation and its unique appeal.
The original Baccarat Rouge 540 is an Eau de Parfum that was released in 2015. Two years later, in 2017, it inspired a new twist with the introduction of Baccarat Rouge 540 Extrait de Parfum. This concentrated version enhances the original’s rich notes, offering an even deeper and more intense olfactory experience. Before we compare the two versions, let’s delve into the unique characteristics of each fragrance first.
Baccarat Rouge 540 Eau de Parfum
Baccarat Rouge 540 Eau de Parfum emerged from the collaboration between Maison Francis Kurkdjian and Baccarat, commemorating the crystal manufacturer’s 250th anniversary. This woody fragrance reveals a highly concentrated and vivid olfactory signature. It combines airy jasmine with bright saffron to enhance the mineral aspects of ambergris and the fresh woody notes of cedar.
Key Notes
Top Notes : Saffron, Jasmine
Middle Notes : Amberwood, Ambergris, Hedione
Base Notes : Fir Resin, Cedar, Sugar, Ambroxan, Oakmoss
Baccarat Rouge 540 Extrait de Parfum
Baccarat Rouge 540 Extrait de Parfum enhances the radiance of the original Eau de Parfum while staying true to its inspiration. This woody extrait represents a pinnacle of Francis Kurkdjian’s artistry, featuring a head note of jasmine, complemented by hints of bitter almond and a mineral ambergris base softened with amber-y and woody accords.
Key Notes
Top Notes : Bitter Almond, Saffron
Middle Notes : Egyptian Jasmine, Cedar, Rose
Base Notes : Ambergris, Woody Notes, Musk, Caramel
As evident from the notes, the core DNA of the fragrance remains intact in the Extrait, with the addition of bitter almond and rose, while sugar is replaced by caramel. In straightforward terms, the EDP has a breezy character, marked by a sweet floral aroma with a cotton candy effect and hints of metallic saltiness in the base. On the other hand, the Extrait is bolder and a bit darker, featuring a nutty opening complemented by cozy caramel sweetness.
Both fragrances provide all-day longevity and impressive sillage, with the Extrait being the more potent of the two. They are well-balanced, unisex fragrances best suited for fall and winter. The lighter profile of the EDP makes it versatile for any occasion, while the richer Extrait is perfect for evenings and special occasions.
The differences between the two fragrances are also evident in their presentations. The Extrait bottle, crafted to amplify its intensity, features a captivating Baccarat red that beautifully interacts with light, while the EDP is housed in a clear crystal bottle that elegantly matches its profile.
Available at COSBAR , Neiman Marcus , Nordstrom , Holt Renfrew
