Black Saffron by Byredo, 2012

Black Saffron is a dark suede leather floral scent that keeps a "cooler than you" attitude all through its development. I don't really detect top notes as the fragrance proceeds directly into a saffron shrouded violet and birch leather scent. It takes a little while for the leather to reveal itself through the dry fog of violet and saffron in the opening. The violet leather has a raspberry suede texture - no sweetness - and never strays from its dark mission as it moves stealthily from dark floral leather to a cold vetiver base. B Saffron is totally appropriate for either man or woman. Black Saffron might feel out of place dressed in anything but black or dark indigo. It keeps close to the mysteries of the dark side. Some will not enjoy this kind of dry darkness - but it is an attitude. Byredo tends to push the boundaries with these very contemporary new kinds of fragrance chords. If you have an appreciation for Byredo's Mister Marvelous or M/Mink in Byredo, you might enjoy this one too. If not, probably no.

Excellent, excellent, excellent. Very much in the same vein as TF's Tuscan Leather and Clive Christians's "C". So why would you choose this one? I feel the berry/raspberry notes have that certain "Byredo treatment" that gives it a little something the others don't. I love all of them, a smokey leathery berry combination that really ignites my senses. Incredible lasting power and sillage!