Gris Charnel is one of the best sandalwood colognes for men.
I’ve spent a few days trying this out to collect everything you need to know.
In this review, I will describe its smell and performance and anything else that will help you make the best buying decision.
Table of Contents
Quick Summary
- The best “dupe” is the Extrait de Parfum version.
- The most noticeable notes are figs, cardamom, iris, and sandalwood.
- The performance is decent: 7 hours on the skin with moderate projection.
- The first 15 minutes are more feminine than masculine, and then the rest of the wear is unisex.
- Gris Charnel is great for all seasons and occasions except the hottest days of summer.
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What Does BDK Parfums Gris Charnel Smell Like?
Does the opening stand out? Yes. For the first 15 minutes, it is only sweet and fruity figs with cardamom spice. Now, how intense is the sweetness? Just right.
It is a unique and charming contrast to the warmer spice.
The fig will be short-lived. After 15 minutes, it is gone. A hint of powdery iris and creamy sandalwood will fill its void. Over time, it will only become more prominent. And quickly the star of the show.
The base finishes by kicking out the iris, and a hint of vanillic nuances fill its void. The rest of the wear is sandalwood, a tinge of vanilla, and some spice.
BDK Parfums Gris Charnel notes:
TOP NOTES
- Cardamom
- Fig
- Black Tea
MID NOTES
- Iris
- Vetiver
BASE NOTES
- Sandalwood
- Tonka Bean
Gris Charnel Performance
How Long Does Gris Charnel Last?
Gris Charnel lasts seven hours on the skin with moderate and consistent projection. It pushes out about two feet for most of the wear.
The sillage is as good. The scent is dense and leaves a long scent trail as you walk. The more you move, the better this smells and projects. Yet, it’s never overwhelming.
This performance is with three sprays. I’ll talk about this more later, but the projection is one of the best parts of the fragrance.
When Should I Wear Gris Charnel?
This is great for all seasons except the hottest days of summer. The woods and spice suffocate with too much heat, even with spray moderation.
As for occasions, it is all. The projection is a large part of this versatility; it’s never overwhelming, even in close-quarter settings.
Is Gris Charnel Likable?
Lastly, mass and likability are excellent.
The smell is high-quality and doesn’t have any decisive notes. While again, the projection is subtle and can be experienced by those around you but won’t consume them.
How Do The People Rate BDK Parfums Gris Charnel?
Don’t just trust me; what do the masses think? This information is pulled from fragrantica.com. Providing a general estimate of what others think.
At the time of writing (March 2024), Gris Charnel has 4,090 votes with a rating of 4.23 stars out of 5. Based on the cost-for-value metric, it is rated as neutral to overpriced.
Here are the top three pros and cons:
Pros
- Smooth and complex scent.
- Well-composed and versatile.
- Professional and clean vibe.
Cons
- It might not be suitable for layering with other sweet scents.
- It may smell too masculine for some individuals.
- It’s not worth the hype for some individuals.
*Note: The last two cons had more downvotes than upvotes.
Is Gris Charnel Feminine?
Gris Charnel is marketed as a unisex fragrance. The first 15 minutes are more feminine than masculine from the sweet fig note. However, men can still wear it as it is still gender-neutral. After this period, it is a true unisex fragrance.
Final Words
Gris Charnel only has one similar fragrance: its flanker, the extrait version. Virtually the same fragrance with a touch of vanilla.
The final burning question is, is BDK Parfums Gris Charnel worth it? Yes, I love the wearability of the fragrance. It has gentlemanly projection that makes it versatile for everything.
There’s nothing worse than beautiful juice that is either too loud or subtle for office and dates.
However, before you purchase, know you want this. Gris Charnel is based almost exclusively on woods and spices. You won’t enjoy the fragrance if that’s not your cup of tea.
And check out my best sandalwood colognes list; the top three are similar in price and quality. But the other two may fit you better.
In short, Gris Charnel is worth it, but make sure there aren’t other sandalwood fragrances you enjoy a bit more.
Do you like the idea of an authentic sandalwood fragrance? Well, don’t limit yourself to Gris Charnel. Check out my review of the best sandalwood colognes; you might just find your signature scent.