Aqua Vitae Forte by Maison Francis Kurkdjian

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Aqua

Aqua Vitae Forte Maison Francis Kurkdjian 2015

7.6 / 10 451 Ratings

A popular perfume by Maison Francis Kurkdjian for women and men, released in 2015. The scent is floral-fresh. It is being marketed by LVMH.
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Main accords

Floral

Fresh

Citrus

Creamy

Sweet

Fragrance Notes

Sicilian mandarin orange

Orange blossom

Calabrian lemon

Ylang-ylang

Calabrian bergamot

Ceylonese cinnamon

Sandalwood

Siam benzoin

Gaiac wood

Guatemala cardamom

Pink pepper

Perfumer

Francis Kurkdjian

Ratings

Scent

7.6451 Ratings

Longevity

7.8397 Ratings

Sillage

7.1395 Ratings

Bottle

8.3367 Ratings

Value for money

6.4152 Ratings

Submitted by Michael, last update on 09/20/2025.

Interesting Facts

The fragrance is part of the Aqua collection.

Smells similar

What the fragrance is similar to

Aqua Vitae Cologne Forte

Aqua Vitae

Acqua del Mundo

724 Eau de Parfum

Cheap and Chic - So Real

Torino23

Reviews

17 in-depth fragrance descriptions

10/05/2023

6Scent 10Longevity 6Sillage

Dryasiulia
55 Reviews

Dryasiulia

1

I mean, it's okay I guess?

This is a solid "ok". There's a strong high-end hairspray from the late nineties vibe. The orange flower is similar to the one I remember from his Le Parfum's but less sweet and with a more interesting spicy/aromatic base.

It's nice, I don't think I would ever have a strong desire to wear it again. I would buy it as a scented hand soap.

07/17/2020

Pepdal
238 Reviews

Pepdal

Forte and Vitae

In this video i review and compare both Aqua Vitae and its flanker, Aqua Vitae Forte. So far I haven't had a lot of luck with Maison Francis Kurkdjian fresher scents, I wonder if my luck is about to change.

09/08/2015

9Scent 8Longevity 7Sillage

DaveGahan101
535 Reviews

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DaveGahan101

Top Review 21

KKK - Kormann-Kurkdjian-Class!

No, I haven't been transported to the 50s and 60s of the USA, even though I'm currently reading Ken Follett's book "Children of Freedom" about it; rather, it's the comparison between Kormann's "August" and the brand new Kurkdjian creation Aqua Vitae Forte. I specifically chose these two for comparison because I don't know too many mandarin fragrances. At least none where mandarin plays the leading role.
Anyone familiar with August will certainly understand that in Vitae Forte, the mandarin initially comes across as quite a bit sweeter. It is denser, richer, riper. In August, it is more transparent, fresher, lighter, and perhaps even a tad more natural. In August, Iso influences the mandarin note, while in Vitae Forte, it’s flowers that play a role, resulting in two different nuances and essentially two different fragrances. In Vitae, cardamom is delicately mixed in with a slightly peppery-spicy note, creating a rather rich scent tapestry. It is predominantly sweet, but it also has a slightly herb-fresh background, as if a light touch of Mister Marvelous has fallen into the mix. The gap between the two fragrances grows larger over time; Vitae Forte becomes creamier in the middle, one could say "typically Kurkdjian," I like to call it the Kurkdjian melt (probably the orange blossom)... like a light floral cream powder... by now, women's hearts should be racing because it consistently has a significant feminine touch, which it only slightly sheds in the base after 5-6 hours. Nevertheless, men can wear it very well. If a man enjoys and can wear Universalis Forte, he should definitely give this one a try. Fans of classic men's fragrances will likely steer clear of this one;-)! Even though Vitae Forte is said not to contain lily of the valley, it certainly has phases where it reminds one of Universalis Forte, but that was also the case with the "normal" Vitae! For me, they don't differentiate enough from each other, except for the top note, to really need both.
The longevity has been significantly improved, just like with Universalis Forte; the regular one is the upper airiness, while the Forte is how a perfume should inherently be, without the hefty price increase.
Both Fortes last 6-7 hours, but August, thanks to the Iso flicker effect, can hold its own quite well. I don't have to have it, but I said the same about Universalis Forte two years ago, and now in August, it has found its way into my collection.
Conclusion: Great, high-quality scent; for anyone who found Vitae too weak, they can confidently go for this one, and the Kurkdjian fan club will certainly appreciate it, of which I am also a member! For me, it's an 85, rounded up to 90 due to the Kurkdjian bonus;-)!

08/14/2019

9.5Scent 9Longevity 9Sillage

Basti87
1042 Reviews

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Basti87

Top Review 21

Beautiful summery mandarin-flower mix

Another comment on a fragrance from the wonderful Aqua line by MFK. I have tested all the Aqua scents from MFK except for Aqua Celestia Forte, and I liked them all. They all have a beautiful, well-groomed touch and spread good vibes on warm days, all with style and elegance. The original Aqua Vitae appealed to me the least. I find it quite trivial, meandering along, and yet not bad. In contrast, this Forte is all the more beautiful. It has that certain something that the Vitae lacks. Those who prefer a more subtle and classic scent should rather test the original Vitae.
The originals of the MFK Aquas are kept rather simple and monotonous, which is not negative. For the Forte versions, you pay a premium. They appear richer, more striking, and more multifaceted. I like both types of this line, depending on my mood.

In my opinion, this Forte is a pure sun scent. It unfolds its beautiful vibes best in nice summer or lovely spring weather. It is also very balanced and high-quality. It is to be suspected that this is a high-priced fragrance. It simply has more complexity than its original.
This scent is a multifaceted citrus-fruity fragrance with many floral, spicy, and slightly creamy notes. These characteristics are well-balanced. Above all, I must say about this scent: It smells of summer and good mood. Responsible for this are summery mandarin and other citrus fruits, which provide a wonderfully refreshing and cheerful opening. Along with a mild, stylish spiciness. A light cinnamon note is perceptible and fits in perfectly. Naturally, the floral notes quickly follow. Orange blossom and very bright summery ylang-ylang flowers. Very pleasant but also strong with good sillage. Two extremely striking notes join the mandarin/citrus. Lastly, in the base, there is soft light wood that fades away sensually and gently.
Overall, a striking fragrance for warm to hot days that spreads good vibes and lives up to its price. Very unique. Especially suitable for summer leisure but also for many other occasions, as it truly has style.
As with all Aquas from this brand, it drifts a bit towards the feminine due to the floral notes, which is also the reason why I haven't yet jumped at one of these fragrances. I am modern and not conservative at all, but I am unsure if I would rather smell these scents on a lady. Nevertheless: Unisex is absolutely justified, but one should definitely test extensively before purchasing. After all, it would be a shame if such an expensive fragrance collected dust in the collection.
Performance is top-notch. In the statements, I read criticism regarding this, but I see it completely differently. It lasts for many hours with good sillage. Even when I test it on my arm, a lot comes through to my nose. Thumbs up for that, especially since it is a fresh scent.

Overall, a great release that I especially recommend to the ladies. But it could also suit modern, well-groomed gentlemen. One thing is clear: This fragrance exudes summery good-vibe energy.

02/29/2016

9.5Scent 9Longevity 8Sillage

Rebirth2014
25 Reviews

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Rebirth2014

Top Review 24

Will you love me?

Air castles. A delicate dream that we are allowed to strive for. Fragile happiness.

Gatsby believes in the green light, feeling connected to his great love. When he finally encounters her again - that summer on Long Island - and manages to stage himself, a tender romance begins to blossom. The air is infused with an opulent sea of flowers. Citrusy notes spring from the maritime lightness and entwine the senses of the lovers. Bathed in light, almost unreal, the surroundings transform into a place in the sun.

But expectations and reality collide unabated. In this web of tension, peppery spice and vanilla warmth are united. Sour, fresh, tense, and striving for composure, the initial nervousness increasingly dissolves into a delicately melting, subtle structure. An air castle or the perfection of a seemingly unattainable moment when two hearts begin to beat together in the same rhythm?

“Will you still love me when I'm no longer young and beautiful? Will you still love me when I have nothing left but my aching soul?” (Lana Del Rey - Young and beautiful) In this intimacy, these questions increasingly push to the forefront, destroying the true preciousness that can only exist in this moment, complete and untainted. The future already casts its sobering shadow over the lovers. Happiness seemingly cannot exist without the melancholy of loss.

Kurkdjian strikes exactly this nerve with his “Aqua Vitae Forte.” This depth shapes this fragrance for both women and men into a metaphor for love:

Air castles. A delicate dream that we are allowed to strive for. Fragile happiness.

More reviews

Statements

113 short views on the fragrance

BoBoChamp

5 years ago

8Scent 8Longevity 8Sillage

3

After a bright spicy-citric opening, this pronounced, yet fresh creamy-floral Spring fragrance settles to a gentle creamy-woody base.

MiniGBIC

4 years ago

9Scent 8Longevity

2

In the beginning refreshing blend of citrus & spices
continued with super nice creamy drydown
35 ml version would be very appreciated :)

JoaoMartins

7 years ago

9.5Scent 9Longevity 7Sillage

2

For me, this MFK is one of the best fresh/citrus perfumes ever created!

RisingChaos

4 years ago

8Scent 7Longevity 6Sillage

2

Significantly fuller, more aromatic version of the original, which itself smells like a lemon meringue with citrus + white florals accents.

Bastian

4 years ago

10Scent 8Longevity 8Sillage

23

17

A floral scent paired with mandarin
Gives the wearer a certain elegant, stylish, noble aura..
I'm thrilled
Potential purchase *

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Renata

7 years ago

9.5Scent 9Longevity 8Sillage

20

2

For over 2 years, my summer scent - mandarin-cream, long-lasting, softly powdered, simply amazing. My 2nd bottle that moved in with me.

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Mandelmaus

7 years ago

10Scent 10Longevity 7Sillage

20

1

It gently draws me into its warm spell right away; fluffy cool whipped orange cream; fresh morning air; softly powdered; feminine.

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CoraKirsch

3 years ago

6Scent 7Longevity 7Sillage

18

13

Is that really the fine way?
To come in as a fresh, zesty citrus cloud
and then rain down syrupy sweet flowers?
No, my friend,
that's not how it works.

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