Carner Barcelona D600 – Niche version of Dior Homme?? Not at all 8/10
Over the last few weeks, I’ve reviewed a couple of my favourite iris perfumes. Diptyque’s, Fleur de Peau and Liquides Imaginaires, Tapis Volant are excellent renditions of the note. D600 is the latest and last of my three favourite niche iris scents, to go under the microscope. Although it doesn’t quite rise to the heights of Tapis and Fleur de Peau, it’s still a worthy addition to your arsenal of iris fragrances.
According to the brand the inspiration behind the scent is:
“The early buzz of the city mixes with a gust of fresh morning air streaming through an open window. Las Ramblas and La Boqueria slowly fill with the sound of daily activity, as fresh-picked bouquets, ripe fruits, and spices are unveiled, releasing an exotic mixture of aromas. As the streets come alive and the Mediterranean sun warms the day, beams of light cast shadows that dance in city plazas and parks. All senses are captivated by the dynamism of Avenida Diagonal, the grandeur of Paseo de Gracia… A seamless blending of old and new. At night, the pulse deepens and darkens as the city reveals its mysterious and most sensual side.”
D600 opens up on the fresh side, with a mix of citruses (mainly grapefruit) and pepper. The citruses vanish within minutes, and the black pepper becomes the prominent feature. After 20-30 minutes, the heart notes begin to come into play, and the cardamom, in combination with the pepper, ratchets up the spice level of the composition. The spicy notes are aromatic and warm, and I think they give this scent more of a masculine edge. The cardamom and pepper support the iris, vanilla, and woods through to the dry-down.
The dominant notes in D600 are iris and vanilla. The iris is dry and woody, and does not have a lipstick vibe like Dior Homme. Other than the iris note, which they share in common, I don’t pick up the comparisons to Dior Homme. The fantastic interplay between the dry, woody iris, and creamy vanilla makes for an enjoyable ride. The sweetness of the vanilla seamlessly combines with the iris’ dryness to ensure the composition never becomes grey or cold. It’s a perfume that is always drawing you in, always inviting you to smell your wrist as the hour’s progress. I don’t detect much in the way of jasmine or bergamot, but in the far dry-down, the vetiver and cedar close out proceedings in an elegant, tasteful manner.
To sum up, D600 is a beautiful take on iris, and is comfortably one of the better offerings from the house. Hyped scents such as El Born and Palo Santo left me cold. The Carner range of fragrances is not cheap, but I have no hesitation in recommending D600 to anyone. I think it’s an excellent versatile option for both men and women that is well worth the asking price.
Quick Notes:
Launch Year: 2010.
Perfumer: Christophe Raynaud.
Top notes: Bergamot, grapefruit, pepper
Heart notes: Iris, jasmine, cardamom.
Base notes: Vanilla, vetiver, cedar.
Longevity: 8-10 hours maximum.
Projection: 2-4 hours moderate.
Season: Year-round wear, but best in the colder weather.
Price: 50ml EdP, $165 AUD. 100ml, $242 AUD
Alternatives: Liquides Imaginaires Tapis Volant, Diptyque Fleur de Peau, Dior Homme Line.
Have you tried D600? Do you have a favourite from Carner Barcelona?
Love your description ! I need to revisit D600 now!
Thank you very much, Tetê. Let me know what you make of it.
Great review and lovely pic, Daniel. I haven’t tried it. But must do after reading your post.
Thanks Rich. It’s well worth a sample.