909

Gris Charnel after a Berlin techno night What a surprise this blind buy turned out to be. That same creamy woody-spicy universe as BDK Gris Charnel EDP: smooth woods, soft spice, creamy sandalwood and a cozy elegant aura that feels niche-inspired without trying too hard. The fig + cypress opening gives it freshness and texture, while the sandalwood/vetiver heart keeps everything sophisticated and modern. The tonka in the base adds comfort without making it overly sweet. This feels refined, versatile and honestly far more expensive than it is. Performance on clothes is especially impressive. Vibe / Message Quiet luxury with artistic energy. Similar vibe * BDK Gris Charnel EDP * Woody creamy niche fragrances * Elegant café / bookstore scent profile Performance Very solid on clothes 6–8h depending on weather Blind Buy Safety ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5) Not as universally safe as a citrus freshie, but if you enjoy creamy woody fragrances, this is a ridiculously good value.

Zara say this is inspired by the iconic Roland TR-909 drum machine (1983), a symbol of the birth of house and techno and that the fragrance captures the pulse of electronic music in a modern, warm, and addictive composition. I get a fresh, dry, metallic crispness but with a softer edge as it dries down. On the top at least I get a Tom Ford Black Lacquer vibe which to me evokes a feeling of vinyl , being spun on a pair of Technics in a dark, smokey, strobe ridden club. The techno sounds of some now classic songs reverberating off the low ceilings. It then mellows, like the gentle comedown of a great night out, into a softness, a memory, a comforting embrace. For the money, a great fragrance, and quite unique. Projection and longevity aren't much to write home about but its affordable and comes in 100ml so no issue re-applying. Definitely one of my favorite in my collection.

Tough aromatic Woody perfume. Can be unisex profile too, close to niche perfume style.

Correct, this is 90% Evening Safari Drive but smoother and more likeable (compared side by side on skin). ESD is deeper and has a bit more character, especially in the drydown. Still, 909 is a great alternative or extention of your ESD if you happen to have run out of it. Both are EDP concentration, 909 being 82% and ESD 78% vol. They're in a similar relation to one another as True Leather to Full Moon Over The Desert, in that case the latter being the stronger one.

Excellent sandalwood/cedar fragrance. Perhaps more sandalwood and less cedar would have been even better. Edit: Coming back to this review 1 week after owning this. Longevity is very impressive. Sillage is ok. It definitely has smokey/fire notes as well - probably from the vetiver which perhaps is also too much.