Well-blended juicy blackcurrant and lemon on musky woody base
Bal d'Afrique Absolu opens with a sharp juicy blackcurrant and lemon combination smoothed out by musk and violet. The woody ambery notes in the base provide body and support to make for a linear yet beautiful creation. Smooth, well-blended, without one note dominating or synthetics becoming overwhelming. Mass-appealing, unisex, and versatile. On the fence about this being full bottle worthy—I think the price is too high at the moment; might jump in if I can find a 50ml for under $200.
Haven't gotten a chance to compare this directly to its predecessor Bal d'Afrique Eau de Parfum but I currently have Bal d'Afrique Absolu and Contralto on opposite wrists and I have to say the Absolu is so much better. Contralto is giving lemon cleaner, while BdAA is so much smoother and more natural. Not sure what possessed folks to compare this to Baccarat Rouge 540 Eau de Parfum, there is not really any overlap other than ambroxan which is in literally every fragrance, and much less maltol sweetness. None of BR540's signature sharp mossiness (evernyl) is present.
