Black Orchid Reserve

Seems like toned downed mix of black orchid parfum&edp. Less intense, less performant but also more versatile : might appeal to the ones wishing of making of black orchid a daily fragrance/signature (the other flankers might not be suitable for every occasions being too strong). I wonder if « reserve » word here stands for « a more reserved » fragrance for that matter, would totally make sense. Earthiness through patchouli and boozines are amped up compared to « parfum », truffle is still there. Less earthy than edp, and more feminine. While the previous flankers keep their BO dna during the dry down, here the base notes are more pushed forward to a more basic vanilla - tonka - patchouli where BO’s DNA slowly fades away. It’s like a better alternative to the edt : i know many people out there were hoping to meet a more versatile black orchid, that still keeps the edp/parfum dna. To be honest, i will still get it while having others ; sometimes BO might feel a little too heavy or inappropriate for some occasions but I would still be craving for that smell. That’s when Reserve plays its role really well. The con is that while being lighter, unfortunately performance falls short. I wish Tom Ford did better regarding that aspect of delivering a more universal scent profile of BO but which is still performant without ever feeling « heavy ». And they clearly failed. But still better than their edt My ratings of the flankers : 1) - Black orchid « parfum » : 9.5/10 perfectly executed, lacking perhaps a little bit of profoundness. Nuclear performance. 2) - Black orchid « reserve » : 9.25/10 signature worthy, a lighter fragrance, reuniting best aspects of all black orchid flankers. I wish performance was a little bit better 3)- Black orchid edp : 8.5 harsh opening, too heavy, dry down is where it happens. Good performance, but doesn’t overperform « parfum ». While you could substitute edp version by the « parfum », getting yourself a better one. You can’t substitute « reserve » with the « parfum », because they both play different roles while delivering best aspects of what black orchid has to offer

... Hard to start this.. I remember trying the OG a good few months ago and hating it.. pungent, old woman, dated, when could you even wear it? It was always something I wanted to try, a "classic" but the danger of classics are that they don't translate to what people like to smell today... ... Cut to me trying this a few weeks ago (in Boots) and walking around town, only to be asked what I'm wearing as "someone smells nice".. to me, it was a smoother, more modern version of what I'd tried those months ago.. and the more I smelled it, the more the sillage followed me, the more I kind of fell in love with it... ... Cut to last week buying a full bottle (and regarding price, go to somewhere like The Perfume Shop in UK) and you can get it for £150 for 100ml.. which isn't as bad as people are saying.. especially considering the longevity... .. Which brings me to performance.. when you first put it on, it screams like a banshee.. honestly... It's LOUD! but! I think it calms down pretty quickly (within an hour) and instead of being a "beast mode" fragrance, it becomes a "lingerer" honestly.. the sillage and bubble around you is so prominent, it's amazing.. and by this time it's rammed into this intoxicating, at first you might think "what is this? I don't like it!" But then the more you smell it, the more you want to smell it.. it's stunning. ... Is it for anyone under 30? No. I genuinely think this is a confident 30+ person (totally unisex by the way) because there is no doubt this fragrance is divisive.. it's not a JPG Elixir or Gucci Guilty Elixir (both amazing head turners and compliment bombs) - you need to be prepared for as many people saying they don't like what you smell like, to those who think you smell amazing... .. a "vintage" smell made relevant again... Amazing!

This is a stunning fragrance, unusual but exquisite. Now, I've read that it smells like old ladies etc, if that's the case you can slap my arse and call me Betty! I'll happily smell like I'm in god's waiting room if this is the scent! I suppose like everything it's down to personal preference and I understand that with something this different it's going to have a vastly varying array of opinions. Like everything, try it for yourself and make up your own mind. It's powerful, indulgent and luxurious but very unique with it's elegant profile. Yes, it's all there. The truffle, the citrus the florals and finally that creamy trio of chocolate, Tonka and vanilla is beautifully blended with a decent hit of patchouli. It just works, but this is a cooler weather scent without a doubt. Fresh from purchase it's lasing 6-7 hours easy, well above the normal! Even as a skin scent it's very detectable after falling back from a close to room filling performance for many hours initially. I've stored it away until the autumn now to let it settle and enrich, apparently this is a scent that benefits from this and continues to smooth out and develop further, performing even better! Definitely a perfume for the 35s and over. Truly unisex, my wife and I will have to share this one! 😆 It is opulent so perhaps one for days out, evening liaisons and very much a cosy, sofa day when your pulling a sickie from work. Honestly, I don't usually opt for this type of scent but this is gorgeous Niche, luxury and distinctive.....beautiful. Right, where's my walking stick!

As announced here before – and on the other Black Orchid flanker’s pages – I am a Black Orchid fanboy. I’m a BO enabler, a BO apologist and I will argue with people who put it down to my face. That being said I’ve been excited about getting my hands on this one since it was announced. When it finally came to my go to shop in a 100ml bottle, I had to blind buy it. When I sprayed it, initially, I kind of thought to myself that it might not be different enough to be worth the 100ml bottle purchase. The opening kind of made me wish that I only got the 50ml bottle. But that thought quickly changed in the dry down. In my opinion, all of the Black Orchid variations are different enough to serve their own purpose. Black Orchid Reserve in particular is probably the smoothest out of all of them. There’s something soft and buttery about it, which I imagine is the addition of the tonka bean. It would only serve right that this note would take center stage, after all it’s the only unique note that we’re getting with this one. If the rum note is what makes the BO Parfum stand out, it’s the tonka bean that does it in the Reserve. Whether you need it or not, it could kind of depend on how big of a fan of this DNA you are. But if you are, it’s definitely different enough to be considered a good flanker, and close enough to not be considered a complete departure from the Black Orchid DNA.

Black Orchid Reserve opens with a burst of high-grade patchouli marked by camphor and menthone facets that lend a tingling, aromatic lift. (To my nose, the profile smells strikingly similar to a premium CO2 patchouli extract from Hermitage labeled “Chocolate Patchouli.”) Zesty bergamot and a trace of truffle round out the effervescent yet slightly unconventional top. As the patchouli develops, camphor notes soften and transition into a cool, mint-laced dark chocolate accord poured over creamy tonka bean. Traces of ylang-ylang remain, though far more subdued than in Black Orchid. By stripping away the floral fruity sweetness of the original and its flankers, Reserve emerges as a woodier yet more gourmand and sophisticated expression. It’s a scent built for those who love the depth of high-quality patchouli. Longevity easily exceeds ten hours, projecting strongly for the first before settling into a comfortably moderate presence. Though it’s a flanker, the individuality within the line is undeniable. This is Black Orchid reimagined: modern, more balanced, unisex, and infinitely more refined. Sample first, but for patchouli lovers, Black Orchid Reserve might just be the version you’ve been waiting for.

A Velvet Thunderstorm in a Bottle - Let’s not mince words this isn’t your average spritz and go. Black Orchid Reserve doesn’t whisper; it prowls. It’s the olfactory equivalent of a velvet smoking jacket worn by a Bond villain who moonlights as a jazz pianist. One spray and you’re not just entering a room you’re rewriting its mood lighting. The opening? A decadent dive into truffle-laced noir, like biting into a dark chocolate secret whispered by a forest. Then comes the heart orchid, plum, and a swirl of incense that feels like a midnight confession in a candlelit speakeasy. And the dry-down? Oh, darling. Smoky, boozy, and just a little bit wicked like patchouli and sandalwood slow-dancing in a tuxedo. This isn’t for the faint of heart or the beige of soul. It’s for those who like their elegance with a side of danger and their compliments whispered in hushed awe. **Projection:** Bold enough to get you noticed across a ballroom, but refined enough not to shout. **Longevity:** Outlasts your ex’s excuses. **Best worn:** When you want to be remembered, not just seen. Love it!!

Black Orchid is one of my favourite fragrances of all time and this Reserve is a beautiful flanker of the original DNA. Everything in the Reserve feels more amplified yet at the same time it has this almost transparent feel which I believe comes from the addition of the ghost orchid accord. The ghost orchid is a rare and mysterious flower known for its delicate and almost otherworldly scent. That’s exactly what it adds here, this airy and elusive quality that gives the fragrance more mystery and depth. I’m honestly surprised no one has mentioned how much more they focused on the orchid note in this version. It really takes the lead and the floral parts feel livelier and more sparkling. When I say it dominates I don’t mean it’s aggressive. It’s smooth and beautifully balanced. You still get those familiar powdery and chocolate tones that keep the original Black Orchid DNA alive. It’s still rich, dark and expensive smelling but softer and smoother at the same time. Perfectly unisex because this fragrance isn’t about gender it’s about character.

Tried this on at Nordstrom. Here is my first impression: I’ve smelled the original and it’s slightly diff. Initially I did not like because the opening was similar to the OG but when I tell you that patchouli was very strong, quite dirty, off putting almost (some of you may love it). I decided to try on skin and again, Truffle, bits of the ylang ylang were there but patchouli still loud and clear. I was going to write it off as not for me so I walked the mall as Apple techs were repairing my iPhone. I walk around for 2 hours, come back to Apple and a foot away the tech notices the scent with a compliment. It dried down to a beautiful, black orchid but with a creamy dark choc / patchouli-esque scent. It’s WONDERFUL. I’m excited for the guys and gals who REALLY know how to articulate their thoughts and tell the story on this. They aren’t sure if this will indeed become a limited edition or not so to the true fans out there, this is a must try! Needless to say, I preordered!

Tom Ford Black Orchid Reserve⚫️✨ The iconic Black Orchid is known for being bold; commanding attention from the first spray. Dark and opulent, we know this distinctive scent for its combination of dark chocolate, truffle, patchouli, and of course, its monstrous performance. What makes this Reserve release different? Black Orchid finally put on velvet gloves to seduce instead of strangling you with that (glorious) original sillage. The opening hits you with fruity and floral freshness that quickly fades to the deepest and most sensual rendition of Black Orchid. The tonka, dark chocolate, and truffle triad are amped up and absolutely divine... extremely lush and gourmand without veering into dessert territory. This isn’t a loud fragrance, in contrast to the other flankers. The scent lingers closely with the intention of drawing people in. Black Orchid was finally polished, to hopefully, its last version.

Here we go again with the Tom Ford “Reserve Collection” gimmick — aka: discontinue a scent, then re-release it as a “special” limited edition, weaker and 50% more expensive. But wait — Black Orchid is still in production. So what exactly is this new Reserve Collection version? Is it the original formula? There’s been talk that Black Orchid has been heavily reformulated and watered down over the years. In just 19 years, Tom Ford (or should I say Estée Lauder?) has released 135 perfumes — 136 if you count the elusive Black Orchid Oud, which no one has actually seen. That’s a new release roughly every 50 days. Yes, every 50 days. I'm honestly exhausted by this non-stop cycle. Can we go back to the early 2000s, when we got one bold, thoughtful release per house, per year?

The opening is the familiar Black Orchid but smooth. The drydown is unreal to me. It's like the scent as I thought I knew it keeps changing with each wear. Last night was my third time wearing it and I didn't even recognize it, it was so creamy and luxurious. I felt like it didn't project but if anyone was in your personal space they would fall victim to it's seduction. I'm amazed by this fragrance. Edit: Initially I thought the ylang ylang was annoyingly banana like and feminine leaning but I think that contributes to the creamy profile in the dry down, it just fits. Because this is such a shapeshifting fragrance that ends up creamy and luxurious, I feel like this is high quality juice for sure. It's not ordinary, not for everyone. I'm in love.

Decanted sample. Interesting that this has sweet as the top. If anything, this is more earthy and tip-toes into (what word? What word?) ...pungency, in the very lightest sense of that word. The truffle? The dirty edge of ylang-ylang? As smooth to me as the OG, but less. Maybe because of Tilda. Stripped down androgyny, less “I’ll make you want to f### me” than “I know you want to f### me and I’ll think about it.” If that makes any sense. Later - now that it’s in the middle phase the pungent ghost is gone and I *do* smell yellow flower without thinking “saffron”. Nice. Sweet, for sure. Later still - my skin ate it. Not the staying power I was hoping for. I admire it but I don’t need it. Do I?

It’s a better black orchid than the original It’s more sparkly more intense And even more interesting The sweetness that seems to bother a lot of reviewers wasn’t anything to worry about And the performance was great I loved wearing it and I was sure by the end of the day that it’s definitely better than the original The true difference lies in it’s linear nature The original change after a couple of hours to the well known truffle dry down which is to my taste very earthy and bland and it’s my least preferred version of the scent Here the incredible mix stays the same till the end of the day which was best suited for my nose

The major formulation differences between this and the current formulation of the OG are the following: In this Reserve version, patchouli went up quite a bit. Real vetiver has been added (enough to make a noticeable difference.) Clove was doubled. Ylang went way up, almost to IFRA limit. Bergamot was cut in half. Where did all this extra headspace come from? They drastically reduced the Iso E super. TF is playing it very safe with the Black Orchid IP, this is truly very similar in composition to the OG, all the changes mentioned are for the better, this is a superior product.

I just smelt this now in Shopper’s. It is definitely smoother out of the three. I find it to be more sweeter, but just a lot more put together. The Parfum (gold bottle) definitely has more of a bite to it with the rum. But I will say the reserve is so much smoother! I left the store to think about it. Tried on the original and the Parfum at home, and the Reserve is definitely a lovely addition to the line. I think I’ll have to go back and get it! 9/10 Edit: I got it! The very next day I caved and got it! It is very nice! Worth owning amongst the others!

I tried this one today, at first spray it reminded me of the Black Orchid parfum, however a bit brighter and more intense! In my skin I can still smell the parfum the next day, however this one becomes a skin scent after about 7 hours. For my taste in perfumery this is brilliant, and of great quality but since I own the parfum I'll pass for now, since having them both makes no sense to me since they smell similar. However, if my bottle ends, I would definitely get this one!

Black Orchid always pitched sharp on me. Its a good scent, but I found Voile the best with the white floral creaminess tempering that sharpness. Luckily we now have Reserve. Iiked it straight out of the bottle. I saw immediately where they were going. A fuller, richer, luxe, more relaxed than the hot tramp of the OG. This person moves with maturity, confidence, sex appeal and age. Its the silver fox. Classy. I really enjoyed the ride. Best BO imo.

This perfume is so interesting on the first spray I hated it reminded me of an old grandma. But I let the scent develop and ever so slowly it changed into probably the most sexiest scent I've ever smelled it's so sophisticated and smells expensive. It has a gorgeous truffle and expensive dark chocolate scent to it. It lasts all day I can even smell it on me the next day. Worth the money.

Watched an Aaron Terence Hughes review of this and got worried when he said it leaned feminine. I only tested on paper and had thought it leaned masculine. Received my bottle today and wore it on my wrist. The opening was fem leaning but didn't hang around too long as it dried down and became unisex, I say with a masculine leaning impression of truffle and incense. I like it.

My first impressions: This feels like a “reserve” release. Much more sensual through the heart and base with the dark chocolate amped up and the truffle adding a more earthy effect compared to the other flankers. The opening seems to be brighter and more floral than the others but deepens very quickly. So far, this could be my favorite black orchid flanker.