BDK Parfums Gris Charnel Extrait Fragrance Review: New and Improved

A richer and more intense version, Gris Charnel Extrait expands the head and base of the fragrance by concentrating on the spicy woody facets. At the top, the green and fruits accents of fig and the vibrancy of cardamom is amplified. The base notes of smoked vanilla and patchouli and the creamy sandalwood of India are magnified in a more voluminous extract. A subtle reminder that Bourbon vetiver of Madagascar is at the heart, everything combined makes this fragrance addictive.

The bottle has a cap reminiscent of a helmet that one of Darth Vadar's minions might wear. The hexagonal sleek bottle has strong shoulders and the liquid looks light brown in colour. (Although that doesn't sound too appealing I love the bottle and the lopsided label). In fact, I’m going to make a bold statement and say that this is possibly the best bottle design I’ve ever seen in fragrances - up there with Tom Ford & Creed. It’s a collection of fragrances that you want on your shelf.

This has a spicier opening to the original Gris Charnel. The cardamom is a strong player and pushes through immediately. Even after everything settles the cardamom has this protective layer that never dissipates. The figs give it a saccharin vibe, fused with the creamy sandalwood and aromatic tea.

It delivers a strong performance and sits close to the skin. I got some curious complements at some events recently. The best being 'you always smell good, but I never know what of.' In a way that is the ultimate compliment for this brand. To have an original scent that's relatively new (only been going since 2016) and yet offer that comfort of familiarity. 

Tuula has been wearing this too so perfect unisex fragrance. I would say with the spices this leans more on an autumn/winter fragrance. I would wear this to events or dinners where I would want to make an impression. 

TOP NOTES: Cardamom Essence, Black Tea Extract, Fig Accord

HEART NOTES: Absolute Iris from Morocco, Cistus Essence, Bourbon Vetiver from Madagascar

BASE NOTES: Patchouli Essence from Indonesia, Vanilla Absolute from Madagascar, Sandalwood Essence, Cedar Essence from United States, Tonka Bean Absolute. 

"I have a special Bond with this fragrance. Though this second chapter, I wanted to magnify the sensuality of the original Gris Charnel signature. To sculpt a trail, to be even more magnetic and captivating as desired." Mathilde Bijaoul - Perfumer of Gris Charnel and Gris Charnel Extrait.

"With the success of Gris Charnel, I realised that some of our customers around the world wanted an even richer, more intense version of this fragrance. So I had the idea to create a perfume extract version. What I didn't want to do was simply create a more concentrated version of the original Gris Charnel Extrait. Instead, I wanted to focus on its spicy and woody facets. So, with Mathilde Bijaoul we decided to expand the head and base of the fragrance. The cardamom, already present in the eau de parfum, is amplified and magnified here. The bourbon vetiver of Madagascar and the creamy sandalwood of India take on the perfume extract for more volume. Finally, the base notes are built around a note of smoked vanilla from Madagascar and patchouli from Indonesia that give it even more addiction. Gris Charnel Extrait is the apotheosis of Parisian sensuality." David Benedek, Founder BDK Parfums.