Black Opium Intense

Yves Saint Laurent Black Opium Intense takes the beloved Black Opium formula and pushes it into darker, more bitter territory. Released in 2019 as an Eau de Parfum for women, this version replaces the original's sweet pear opening with absinthe and boysenberry, creating something more mysterious and complex.

The opening is dark and intriguing. Absinthe provides a bitter, herbal quality with a slightly anise-like character that is bold and unexpected.

Boysenberry adds a dark, tart fruitiness that is both sweet and slightly wild. The heart continues the dark theme.

Coffee remains the signature note, rich, roasted, and bittersweet. Jasmine sambac adds a fruity, intensely sweet floral quality, while orange blossom contributes creamy, honeyed warmth.

The base is rich and addictive. Vanilla provides deep, creamy sweetness, while licorice adds a dark, slightly anise-like quality that echoes the absinthe opening.

Sandalwood contributes smooth, milky warmth. With dominant coffee, aromatic, gourmand, and vanilla accords plus prominent warm spicy, soft spicy, bitter, sweet, and fruity qualities, Black Opium Intense is the darkest, most challenging version in the Black Opium family.

The bitter note from absinthe and the roasted quality of coffee create an almost savory quality that sets it apart from the sweeter original. It is not for everyone, and that is precisely its appeal.

Best suited for evening wear and cool weather when its dark, complex character can fully express itself.