Kilian Black Phantom Review: A Love-Hate Relationship

Name: My Love-Hate Relationship with Kilian's Black Phantom
Item: Kilian Black Phantom
Rating: 5
Author: Ley

My Love-Hate Relationship with Kilian's Black Phantom

summarizeEditor's Summary

I've finally shared my thoughts on Kilian's Black Phantom, a fragrance that's left me with mixed feelings. This scent is a bit polarizing, and I was unsure about it when I first tried it. I bought it blind, after much research, and was drawn to its sleek black packaging. While it's definitely pricey, I've been curious to see what all the fuss is about. Black Phantom's rich, complex scent is definitely a game changer, but it's not for everyone. It's a bit of a love-hate relationship, to be honest. On one hand, the fragrance has a strong, seductive quality that's perfect for making a statement. On the other hand, the scent can be overwhelming at times, especially if you're not used to strong fragrances. The packaging is also a bit too flashy for some tastes, which may not appeal to those who prefer more understated designs. Despite these drawbacks, I think Black Phantom is worth trying out, especially if you're looking for a fragrance that's truly unique. Just be aware that it's not for everyday wear - it's definitely more suited to evening wear.

settingsSpecifications

Koku8/10

Kapak7/10

Kararİyi

Paketleme9/10

fragrance_typeEau de Parfum

fragrance_notesCoffee, chocolate, vanilla

fragrance_longevityLong-lasting

fragrance_concentration15-20%

I've finally gotten around to sharing my thoughts on one of my go-to fragrances - Kilian's Black Phantom. To be honest, the scent is a bit polarizing, and even I was unsure about it when I first tried it.

I bought this fragrance blind, after much deliberation and research. I've always been a fan of the Kilian brand, and I adore their Angel's Share fragrance - I've got a 200ml bottle of it, and I've already written reviews for a few of their other scents.

Black Phantom By Kilian

Black Phantom kept popping up in coffee-chocolate fragrance collections, and I was always drawn to the sleek black packaging with the skull design. At the time, it seemed like a luxury I couldn't afford - the fragrance is definitely on the pricier side.

But as I've grown my fragrance collection over the years, I finally felt ready to splurge and try Black Phantom for myself. Everyone in the fragrance community seemed to rave about it, and I was curious to see what all the fuss was about.

Black Phantom By Kilian

I could have sampled Black Phantom through a decant, but I prefer to buy fragrances blind - there's something about the experience that just feels more special to me. So, I ordered a 50ml bottle and set out to explore the scent in more detail.

Black Phantom was launched in 2017.

The perfumer behind this fragrance is Sidonie Lancesseur.

The fragrance pyramid looks like this:

Top notes: Rum.

Middle notes: Dark chocolate, Coffee, Almond, and Heliotrope.

Base notes: Caramel, Sugar cane, Sandalwood, Vanilla, Tonka beans, and Vetiver.

Black Phantom By Kilian The packaging and design of the bottle are seriously impressive - my standard edition came in a cardboard box that's basically a mini book, with the bottle snugly fitted into a foam insert and securely fastened.

I was hoping for the full-on presentation, with the bottle in a sleek black lacquer box with a key and a skull - but that's only available for older releases, and it's a whole lot pricier. So, I decided to go for the new edition, and if I ever want the fancy box, I can always buy it separately later.

Black Phantom By Kilian The bottle itself is flawless - it's stunningly beautiful and stylish. The black color is perfect for this scent, it's dense and deep, and you can't even see any light through it, even with a flashlight. There are small slits on the bottle that let you see the liquid and the remaining fragrance.

Black Phantom By Kilian The sides of the bottle are adorned with these intricate patterns in a matte black finish - that's Kilian's signature touch, and it looks amazing. The black color pairs perfectly with the gold metal details, the plate with the brand name engraved, and of course, that iconic phrase Memento Mori. The cap has a K engraved on it, just like the spritzer. Luxury in every detail.

Black Phantom By Kilian

Black Phantom By Kilian Sound and associations:

I'm a bit of a foodie when it comes to perfumery - I love chocolate, caramel, cream, coffee, and berries. But as I've gotten older, I've found myself drawn to more complex, nuanced fragrances with a certain je ne sais quoi. Black Phantom falls squarely into this category. It's not just coffee, caramel, and chocolate - it's so much more than that.

Black Phantom By Kilian

Black Phantom By Kilian The scent starts off with a boozy, whiskey-like note that's incredibly natural. Often, whiskey has a chocolatey aftertaste, and since the pyramid also features chocolate, it's like a match made in heaven. It's like you've just poured yourself a glass of whiskey and paired it with a piece of dark chocolate - I love explaining fragrances through associations.

Black Phantom By Kilian After a little while, the boozy and chocolatey notes are joined by a smooth, creamy coffee with hazelnut undertones. The coffee is delicate, with a light, velvety texture - I think the hazelnut is what gives it that softness. The caramel adds a touch of sweetness and creaminess, and everything comes together to create a truly luxurious fragrance. But it's not all smooth sailing.

I've got to say, there's no mention of truffle in the pyramid, but I can distinctly pick up on it. It's a bit earthy, and it reminds me of Black Orchid by Tom Ford - that same earthy quality, but more subdued. The sense of damp soil harmonizes perfectly with the gourmand notes, and it's a huge part of what makes Black Phantom so unique, complex, and genuinely beautiful.

Black Phantom By Kilian At first, I have to admit, that earthy note put me off a bit, but after a couple of months, the fragrance opened up, gained depth, and became so alluring that it's become a standout in my gourmand collection. I've come to appreciate its unique charm and why so many people love it.

Black Phantom By Kilian Characteristics:

I wouldn't say the fragrance has a long sillage, but it doesn't need it. It wraps you in a rich, complex, gourmand cocoon that's still noticeable to those around you.

As for longevity, the fragrance holds up amazingly well, especially if it's left to mature in a dark cupboard. On clothing, it lasts around two days, depending on the fabric, fading gradually but still lingering until it's washed.

For me, this is definitely a fall-winter fragrance. On a drizzly, gloomy autumn day, it would blend in perfectly with the atmosphere, while in winter, it would be a great pick-me-up. Due to its rich gourmand notes and subtle earthiness, I can't see it working in the summer - it's definitely a cold-weather fragrance.

As for gender, the fragrance is unisex. It would work beautifully on a man, revealing a bit more boozy depth on the skin, while on a woman, it would showcase a bit more sweetness. It's a very versatile fragrance in that sense.

Black Phantom By Kilian Black Phantom has been a total game-changer for me. It went from being a mystery to a full-on obsession, and I'm obsessed with how it's opened up and revealed its depth and beauty. The original scent is unique, with a distinct character and vibe. It's got a pull to it, is rich and intense, and just a little bit enigmatic - and it's totally unlike anything else. Now I get why people love it and why it's a standout among all the other niche fragrances.

live_helpFeatured FAQ

Is Black Phantom a good choice for everyday wear?

No, Black Phantom is not a good choice for everyday wear. The scent is a bit too strong and long-lasting, making it perfect for special occasions.

Is Black Phantom unisex?

Yes, Black Phantom is a unisex fragrance that's perfect for those who want a scent that's not too masculine or too feminine.

How long does Black Phantom last?

Black Phantom's longevity is impressive, lasting all day without fading.

Is Black Phantom worth the price?

While Black Phantom is definitely pricey, it's a high-quality fragrance that's worth the investment.

Can I return Black Phantom if I don't like it?

Yes, most retailers offer a return policy for fragrances. If you don't like Black Phantom, you can return it for a full refund.

Is Black Phantom available in different sizes?

Yes, Black Phantom is available in a range of sizes, from 50ml to 100ml.

Can I buy Black Phantom online?

Yes, Black Phantom is available for purchase online from a range of retailers.

Is Black Phantom a good choice for those who prefer lighter fragrances?

No, Black Phantom is not a good choice for those who prefer lighter fragrances. The scent is a bit too strong and long-lasting, making it perfect for those who want a fragrance that's truly statement-making.

Can I use Black Phantom in the summer?

While Black Phantom is a beautiful fragrance, it's definitely more suited to evening wear. The scent is a bit too strong and long-lasting for everyday use, even in the summer.

check_circlePros

•The fragrance has a rich, complex scent that's perfect for evening wear.
•The sleek black packaging is a major draw - it's a beautiful addition to my fragrance collection.
•Black Phantom's longevity is impressive, lasting all day without fading.
•The scent is unisex, making it a great option for those who want a fragrance that's not too masculine or too feminine.
•The fragrance has a strong, seductive quality that's perfect for making a statement.
•The packaging is luxurious and feels high-end, even if the fragrance itself is a bit pricey.
•The fragrance is long-lasting, but not overpowering, making it perfect for special occasions.
•The scent is definitely a conversation starter - people always notice when I'm wearing it.

cancelCons

•The scent is definitely polarizing, and it's not for everyone.
•The fragrance is quite expensive, which may be a barrier for some people.
•The scent can be overwhelming at times, especially if you're not used to strong fragrances.
•The packaging is a bit too flashy for some tastes, which may not appeal to those who prefer more understated designs.
•The fragrance can be a bit too sweet for some palates, which may not be to everyone's taste.
•The scent can be a bit too long-lasting, which may be a problem for those who prefer lighter fragrances.
•The fragrance may not be suitable for everyday wear, as it's a bit too strong.
•The scent may not be the best choice for those who prefer more subtle fragrances.