Maison Francis Kurkdjian – Grand Soir: Overview, Smell, Notes & More!

Maison Francis Kurkdjian, founded in 2009, is a luxury brand by French-American perfumer Francis Kurkdjian.

He is well-known for having worked with a unique collection of fragrance brands — Le Male by Jean Paul Gaultier being, arguably, the most popular.

In terms of his own line though, Grand Soir is without a doubt the most admired.

A good sign that the great perfumer has not lost his touch.

Overview

• Brand: Maison Francis Kurkdjian
• Fragrance: Grand Soir
• Release: 2016
• Gender: Unisex
• Perfumer: Francis Kurkdjian

Fragrance Notes

• Top Notes: Cistus Labdanum
• Heart Notes: Benzoin Siam
• Base Notes: Amber, Tonka Bean, Vanilla

What Does MFK Grand Soir Smell Like?

The opening of this scent may raise some eyebrows among its target audience.

Many feel it’s too sharp; though a smaller section see it as the perfect opening to a perfume.

This is brought about by the sweet and slightly spicy amber that is present throughout the scent.

Resinous labdanum adds a musky, animalic scent to this top, creating a warm and cozy transition into the middle.

Here, the benzoin Siam further accentuates the amber, adding a whole new layer of soft, balmy sweetness.

Despite describing the aroma as sweet, rest assured that it’s not at all cloying.

The tonka bean and vanilla come in at the base, but the exotic vanilla is by far the most pronounced note, bringing out an aroma similar to that of vanilla cake.

This part has a sexy smell to it and is deep, creamy, and woody, finishing things off on a comforting note.

How Long Does MFK Grand Soir Last?

This perfume is impressively long-lasting; in fact, those who tried it found that the fragrance lasted for over 10 hours.

The projection is also great, so it’s noticeable for at least 8 of those hours.

Due to the prominent aroma of this scent, even one spray is sometimes enough to last all day.

The sillage is admirably strong and you’re sure to leave behind an alluring trail.

When Should You Wear It?

This comforting aroma is perfect for the colder months when our social events are limited more to indoor spaces.

While some perfumes might get a pass for their versatility in opposing seasons, this is one you should strictly preserve for fall and winter.

Nighttime is the best opportunity to flaunt this scent, but it can work during the day when the weather is a bit chilly.

Where Should You Wear It?

It’s great for a big night, an evening out, or a cocktail party.

It’s also sensual enough for a date, though it shouldn’t be your number one choice if you have other alternatives.

It’s not one for extremely formal occasions but can work well in most other environments.

It’s a stunning choice for weddings, anniversary parties, and the like.

Presentation and Value For Money

From the brand, the scent encourages you to “perfect your allure and don your most beautiful effects.”

Painting a picture, they describe it as “an endless night” and the “the never-ending brilliance of an evening in Paris” — a statement that is hard to argue against.

It’s simple and elegant at the same time, making you feel like a million bucks. 

Despite fitting both the young and old audience, it comes off as slightly more mature.

This is because the scent was crafted to be sweet, but not youthful; more “grown-up” and seductive, hence the night in Paris.

A 70ml bottle goes for around $150 which might seem expensive, but the quality is so exceptional that the price tag is justified.

With the potential of being your new favorite perfume, it’s a perfect blind buy for when you’re not able to find a sample (though they’re widely available).

It’s also a great gift to a loved one.

The Bottom Line

If you’re a fan of Francis Kurkdjian and his work, you’ve probably already come across this incredible item.

If you haven’t, however, this is the first MFK fragrance you should look for when scouring the shelves (alongside Baccarat Rouge).

If you’re a newbie, it’s one of the most distinguished amber bouquets of the past decade (inspired by those of the last century).

So, if you’re a fan of warm, cozy aromas, be sure to add it to your list; you won’t want to stop smelling it!

Perfumes that Smell Like MFK Grand Soir

Though the quality of the MFK bouquet is unmatched, there are a few scents that still come close to it in scent or structure.

1. Pi Extreme (Givenchy)

Released a year before (2015), a bottle of this is a more woody, leathery alternative.

It’s also applicable in the colder seasons and the warm amber accord is more complemented by other elements than in the MFK purchase.

2. Musc Ravageur (Frederic Malle)

Musc Ravageur is a more vanilla-based alternative that smells kind and soft.

Accords like lavender bring about a light, powdery feel alongside its spicy spine.

3. Amber Blend (Davidoff)

Amber Blend is a distinct fragrance with unique notes like rum and Peru balsam; it was perfumed by Olivier Pescheux.

Like the rest of the fragrances on the list, it smells great in the winter months.