Black Tar Parfumerie Particulière
1
Black Tar is Art in a bottle
Some fragrances have a unique way of lingering in your memory, and no matter how long it takes, they eventually find their way into your collection. Black Tar by Parfumerie Particulière is one of those perfumes. I first acquired a sample in July 2023 and, over time, found myself repeatedly testing and revisiting it. Initially, I was unsure if it was worth adding to my collection, but the more I wore it, the more it started to captivate me. Black Tar reveals a new facet with each wear, slowly unfurling its complexity and charm.
The name "Black Tar" may raise some eyebrows, as it evokes images of something dark and intense, potentially even dangerous. While the term might suggest a narcotic, the only "addiction" this fragrance offers is its infinite layers, constantly evolving and surprising with each wear. For a scent with such bold, heavy notes—like smoky tar—Black Tar is surprisingly gentle. Though powerful, it never feels overwhelming. In fact, I was even tempted to wear it during the summer. Initially, the smoke was a bit intense, but as it settled, the floral notes began to emerge, making the fragrance feel lighter and more balanced.
One of the most remarkable aspects of Black Tar is how it handles tuberose. For those who find this note difficult to wear, Black Tar presents a more restrained, calming version of it, allowing its beauty to shine without overwhelming the wearer. The faint presence of tuberose lingers in the background, perfectly complementing the other notes.
The perfumers behind Black Tar—Amélie Bourgeois and Anne-Sophie Behaghel—are the same talented duo responsible for the exquisite fragrances Talento and Let Mat by Mendittorosa. Their craftsmanship is evident in Black Tar, which I can only describe as a masterpiece.
If you’ve been following this year’s Pitti in Florence, you may have noticed that Parfumerie Particulière re-launched their collection in transparent bottles, adding two new fragrances while surprisingly discontinuing Black Tar. It’s unclear why this fragrance was removed from the line, but I am grateful to have secured what may very well be one of the last bottles available, thanks to Nose Paris Boutique.
The composition of Black Tar includes notes of concrete, cade essence, tuberose from India, gaiac wood, and vetiver. Remarkably, I can pick up every single note, whether it’s a distant waft or up close to my skin. The fragrance is said to evoke the essence of Mexico at 10:00 PM, with the box bearing the phrase, "Poisons have many faces. But as fast as they disappear, they linger." In the context of the fragrance, this sentiment makes perfect sense. Black Tar lingers for over 12 hours, leaving a trail of its presence without being overpowering. While not exactly "beast mode," the scent is enduring and thoroughly enjoyable throughout the day.
Owning Black Tar feels like possessing a truly exceptional work of art. It’s unlike anything else in my collection, and I’m thrilled to have it in my possession. I sincerely hope Parfumerie Particulière considers re-releasing this fragrance in the future. Some perfumes take time to be fully appreciated, and Black Tar is a prime example. Once you’ve experienced its full depth, you realize you’ve discovered a fragrance that’s worth its weight in gold. Simply put, it’s art in a bottle.
The name "Black Tar" may raise some eyebrows, as it evokes images of something dark and intense, potentially even dangerous. While the term might suggest a narcotic, the only "addiction" this fragrance offers is its infinite layers, constantly evolving and surprising with each wear. For a scent with such bold, heavy notes—like smoky tar—Black Tar is surprisingly gentle. Though powerful, it never feels overwhelming. In fact, I was even tempted to wear it during the summer. Initially, the smoke was a bit intense, but as it settled, the floral notes began to emerge, making the fragrance feel lighter and more balanced.
One of the most remarkable aspects of Black Tar is how it handles tuberose. For those who find this note difficult to wear, Black Tar presents a more restrained, calming version of it, allowing its beauty to shine without overwhelming the wearer. The faint presence of tuberose lingers in the background, perfectly complementing the other notes.
The perfumers behind Black Tar—Amélie Bourgeois and Anne-Sophie Behaghel—are the same talented duo responsible for the exquisite fragrances Talento and Let Mat by Mendittorosa. Their craftsmanship is evident in Black Tar, which I can only describe as a masterpiece.
If you’ve been following this year’s Pitti in Florence, you may have noticed that Parfumerie Particulière re-launched their collection in transparent bottles, adding two new fragrances while surprisingly discontinuing Black Tar. It’s unclear why this fragrance was removed from the line, but I am grateful to have secured what may very well be one of the last bottles available, thanks to Nose Paris Boutique.
The composition of Black Tar includes notes of concrete, cade essence, tuberose from India, gaiac wood, and vetiver. Remarkably, I can pick up every single note, whether it’s a distant waft or up close to my skin. The fragrance is said to evoke the essence of Mexico at 10:00 PM, with the box bearing the phrase, "Poisons have many faces. But as fast as they disappear, they linger." In the context of the fragrance, this sentiment makes perfect sense. Black Tar lingers for over 12 hours, leaving a trail of its presence without being overpowering. While not exactly "beast mode," the scent is enduring and thoroughly enjoyable throughout the day.
Owning Black Tar feels like possessing a truly exceptional work of art. It’s unlike anything else in my collection, and I’m thrilled to have it in my possession. I sincerely hope Parfumerie Particulière considers re-releasing this fragrance in the future. Some perfumes take time to be fully appreciated, and Black Tar is a prime example. Once you’ve experienced its full depth, you realize you’ve discovered a fragrance that’s worth its weight in gold. Simply put, it’s art in a bottle.