Black Saffron

Black Saffron, inspired by Byredo Black Saffron (2012)

Saffron sets the tone from the first spray, a dry, slightly metallic spice with a leathery undertone of its own. Juniper berries and pomelo lift it with a resinous, gin-like citrus freshness. The heart pairs black violet and rose with a leather accord, so the flowers read dark and suede-textured instead of pretty. Raspberry in the base keeps a faint jammy tartness against blonde woods and vetiver.

About the original

Founder Ben Gorham drew on saffron's significance in India and his own Indian heritage for this scent, according to Byredo's description. It is usually dated to 2012, though that year comes from retailer listings rather than a brand statement. Byredo later added Black Saffron Absolu de Parfum, a separate and more concentrated version, and there are hair and body products under the same name.

Our version

Ours is an independent eau de parfum made to evoke the same character. It is not Byredo stock, not an official relaunch and not the original formula.

Who it suits

Leather with a fruity edge is the draw here, so it works for anyone who finds pure leather scents too austere. The saffron has a medicinal, almost metallic side that can feel odd at first, and the raspberry may strike some as out of place in a dark scent.

Related scents

• Byredo Animalique
• Tom Ford Tuscan Leather
• Amouage Saffron Hamra

Notes of the original fragrance, as published by the brand.

Top notes: Juniper Berries, Pomelo, Saffron

Heart notes: Black Violet, Cristal Rose, Leather Accord

Base notes: Blonde Woods, Raspberry, Vetiver

Saffron leads the opening, lifted by juniper berries and a little pomelo.

Black violet and cristal rose sit over the leather accord in the heart, which stays smooth and dark.

Raspberry appears in the drydown over blonde woods and vetiver, adding a red-fruit thread to an otherwise dry base.

Is this the eau de parfum or the Absolu?

It is based on Black Saffron Eau de Parfum, the original version. Black Saffron Absolu de Parfum is a separate, more concentrated version that Byredo sells alongside it.

Is Black Saffron a leather scent?

Largely, yes. A leather accord sits in the heart, framed by saffron above and by violet and rose alongside.

How does it compare with Byredo Animalique?

Both pair a leather-type note with violet. Black Saffron is spicier and fruitier through saffron and raspberry, while Animalique is smoother, built on suede and amber.

Inside the EU, delivery is free on orders of €49 or more. Below that it is a flat €4.99. Outside the EU, delivery is a flat €4.99 on every order. We send every order in 1 to 2 working days. It arrives in 3 to 7 days across the EU and in 7 to 14 days outside the EU. You have 14 days to return an unopened bottle.

Byredo and Black Saffron are trademarks of their respective owners, and all rights remain with them. Parfumour is not affiliated with, endorsed by, sponsored by, or connected to Byredo in any way, and no business relationship of any kind is implied. Our product is an original interpretation created to evoke a similar scent profile, and the trademark names are used purely for honest, descriptive comparison, so that you can quickly identify the style and fragrance family you are looking for. We make no claim to sell the original product, and we do not use the same ingredients or formula. Any similarity lies in the overall impression of the scent as interpreted by our own perfumers, not in the source materials.