Grand Soir

Grand Soir is a warm, resinous amber from Maison Francis Kurkdjian, composed by Francis Kurkdjian himself and released in 2016. Everyone describes it as amber, about two thirds also call it sweet and gourmand, and a third pick out woody, musky, aromatic or citrus facets. It is worn by anyone.

It opens with orange and Spanish labdanum, so a brief citrus brightness sits over a dark, sticky, leathery resin from the first minute. The heart adds Siam benzoin, which is balsamic and vanilla-like, and a thread of lavender that keeps it from becoming purely sweet. The base is a blanket of amber, tonka bean and vanilla, warmed further by musk and given structure by cedar.

Most wearers report it as long lasting, and a sizeable minority call it eternal; sillage is strong for about half of them. It is voted heavily for night and for winter and autumn, which fits its name: a scent for cold evenings, dinners and occasions where a rich, enveloping trail is the point.

Grand Soir — unisex fragrance by Maison Francis Kurkdjian (released 2016). Top notes: Spanish Labdanum, Orange. Heart notes: Lavender, Siam Benzoin. Base notes: Amber, Vanilla, Tonka Bean, Musk, Cedar. — Parfica open fragrance database