Tom Ford Noir Extreme is one of the best-known warm men's fragrances of the last decade: spice, a milky dessert accord and vanilla, worn by people who want to smell rich rather than fresh. Noir Extreme Parfum is its darker sibling. They are close enough that most people only need one — the question is which.
Noir Extreme: the notes
- Opens: cardamom, nutmeg, saffron, mandarin orange
- Heart: kulfi, rose, mastic, orange blossom
- Dries down: vanilla, amber, woody notes, sandalwood
Kulfi — the Indian frozen dessert of cardamom and reduced milk — is the note that makes Noir Extreme recognisable. It gives the heart a creamy, faintly sweet quality, lifted by rose and orange blossom and grounded by amber and sandalwood.
Noir Extreme Parfum: the notes
- Opens: cardamom, ginger, mandarin orange, neroli
- Heart: kulfi, Bulgarian rose, orange blossom, jasmine
- Dries down: vanilla, leather, suede, tonka bean
The kulfi and rose are still there, but the Parfum trades saffron and nutmeg for ginger and neroli at the top, and swaps the woods in the base for leather and suede. The result is smoother and darker, with a soft animalic edge that the original does not have.
Side by side
| Noir Extreme | Noir Extreme Parfum | |
|---|---|---|
| Character | Spicy, creamy, woody | Creamy, floral, leathery |
| Sweetness | Medium | Medium, smoother |
| Best season | Autumn and winter; cool summer evenings | Winter; evenings year-round |
| Choose it if | You want the classic crowd-pleaser | You like leather and want something less common |
Which to decant first
If you have never worn either, start with Noir Extreme — it is the reference, and the one most people mean when they recommend it. If you already know it, or you gravitate to leather and suede, go to the Parfum. A 4 ML of each lets you wear them on alternate days for two weeks, which settles the question better than any description.
If you like this warm, sweet-spicy direction, Tom Ford's style has close company in Guerlain Habit Rouge Parfum.
Questions
What does Tom Ford Noir Extreme smell like?
Cardamom, nutmeg and saffron over a creamy kulfi and rose heart, drying down to vanilla, amber and sandalwood. Warm, sweet-spicy and rich.
What is the difference between Noir Extreme and Noir Extreme Parfum?
The Parfum replaces the spicy saffron-nutmeg opening with ginger and neroli, and the woody base with leather and suede. It is smoother and darker.
Is Noir Extreme good for Egyptian summer?
It is at its best in cooler weather. In summer, wear it lightly and in the evening.
Are these decants original?
Yes. Both are poured in Cairo from original Tom Ford bottles when you order.