Kilian 2009 EDP

U ££££ Acquired

Back to Black

by Calice Becker

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Kilian Back to Black is an Eau de Parfum launched in 2009, created by Calice Becker. Back to Black opens with Bergamot, Cardamom, Saffron, and Coriander, settles into a heart of Gingerbread, Geranium, Nutmeg, and Honey, and dries down to a base of Oak, Amber, Cedar, and Patchouli. Kilian's Back to Black carries an Acquired verdict, a sweet-led wear.

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.
What our verdicts mean →
  • Mysterious
  • Sensual
  • Bold
  • Luxurious
  • Warm
$212.00 at MicroPerfumes 1.7 fl oz (50 ml) · plus sales tax Check price on → Check prices ↓
Back to Black Eau de Parfum bottle

Scent Profile

Composition

Timeline

Showing: Overall Blend

Top, heart and base are the brand's own listing, not a timing claim - the industry classifies a note by its character as much as by how fast it fades. Each curve here is modelled from that material's own volatility, so groups can overlap when a house lists long-lasting materials in its heart.

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Performance & Mood

Performance

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

Mood

Mood Energising
Calming
Character Playful
Serious
Sentiment Uplifting
Brooding

When To Wear

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.

Ingredients and allergens

We don't have this fragrance's ingredient list yet.

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.

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Compare & Pair

Layer

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Complement

Two people, two scents: what sits well beside it when you each wear your own See what pairs well

Where to buy

Prices for the United States · · checked 7 October

Prices before sales tax, which the shop adds at checkout.

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