Black Citrus by Vilhelm Parfumerie bottle
Vilhelm Parfumerie

Black Citrus

3.6/5 · 593 votes Unisex 2015
Main accords
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Fragrance notes

Top notes
Heart notes
Base notes

Character

Longevity3.1/5
Sillage2.7/5
Day99
Night42
Spring100
Summer93
Fall79
Winter40
Our take

Black Citrus opens like a crisp slap of Calabrian bergamot and cardamom, sharp and slightly peppery, before the heart of mate and violet drags it into a dusty, leathery haze. The mate brings a green, earthy bitterness while violet adds a soft, almost powdery floral touch, like a handkerchief left in a worn leather book. The drydown of birch and patchouli smolders with smoky wood and a faint medicinal sweetness, turning the initial brightness into something contemplative and worn.

The overall character is that of a gentleman’s library after a thunderstorm: leather bindings, damp earth, and a forgotten cup of Earl Grey gone cold. It feels natural in its ingredients but slightly synthetic in its finish, a niche composition that doesn’t flaunt itself. The longevity hovers around three hours, and sillage is a whisper, so it’s a fragrance for intimate moments rather than crowd control. Why does the freshness have to vanish so quickly, leaving only that smoky phantom?

This suits someone who wants a citrus that grows up, a quiet rebellion against sugary summer scents. Skip it if you expect your perfume to roar or if you need it to last through a full workday. Wear it on a cool spring afternoon when the light is soft, or on a transitional summer evening when the air holds both warmth and the promise of rain. It works best when you’re close enough to be smelled, not announced.

Smells similar

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