Kilian 2009 Edp

U ££££

Back to Black

by Calice Becker

Kilian Back to Black is an Eau de Parfum launched in 2009, created by Calice Becker. The fragrance settles into a heart of Cherry, Gingerbread, Honey, and Vanilla.

Our verdict on Back to Black: Acquired

Divisive, complex, and utterly intriguing, Back to Black is either a masterpiece of dark honeyed tobacco or a baby wipes and urinal cake nightmare. It's truly a love-it-or-hate-it scent that commands attention, for better or worse.
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  • Mysterious
  • Sensual
  • Bold
  • Luxurious
  • Warm
Back to Black Eau de Parfum bottle

ScentArt

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Profile

Citrus Floral Fruity Green Sweet Warm Woody Earthy Animalic Fresh
Citrus 5%
Floral 8%
Fruity 9%
Green 4%
Sweet 36%
Warm 27%
Woody 13%
Earthy 14%
Animalic 5%
Fresh 6%

Mood Profile

Mood Energising
Calming
Character Playful
Serious
Sentiment Uplifting
Brooding

Accords

Sweet
100%
Honey
71%
Tobacco
59%
Amber
57%
Fruity
54%

Notes

Heart Notes

Honey 8% Tobacco 6% Cherry 6% Vanilla 5% Almond 5% Raspberry 5% Gingerbread 5% Tonka Bean 4% Amber 4% Nutmeg 4% Benzoin 4% Chamomile 4% Cardamom 4% Saffron 4% Frankincense 4% Patchouli 4% Oak 4% Labdanum 4% Cedar 4% Coriander 4% Bergamot 4% Geranium 4%

Performance

Longevity
Long (6-10h)
Projection
Strong
Intensity
Strong

Best Seasons

Best For:
Fall Winter

A cold-weather scent - best worn in winter and autumn.

Best Occasions

Best For:
Date Formal

Its potent projection and rich, complex notes make it unsuitable for an office setting, but ideal for intimate date nights and formal events where its luxurious character can shine. It's often described as a 'night fragrance' or for colder weather, further limiting casual wear.

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Where to buy

Wide selection Amazon UK Prime delivery often available Check price on → Check price on →

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About

Back to Black opens with a rich, dark honey note, immediately complexed by syrupy cherry and warm, sweet tobacco. The heart reveals a spiced vanilla and tonka bean creaminess, underscored by earthy patchouli and a hint of almond. As it settles, a sweet, resinous amber and subtle woodiness emerge, creating a smoky, luxurious, and deeply comforting drydown. It’s a journey from bright fruit and spice to deep, contemplative sweetness.

Drawn from community reviews and editor-reviewed before publishing on . See our methodology and disclosure policy.