The best By Kilian fragrances for men dazzle and delight with an uncompromising fusion of individual notes and attention-grabbing names.
Unlike some perfume houses, Kilian fragrances are both daring and hugely varied. There’s something to suit every guy for all occasion and any season.
For me, it’s the names that spark your curiosity. You instinctively know you are about to experience something extraordinary with Dark Lord, Black Phantom, and Vodka On The Rocks.
- 10 By Kilian Fragrances Reviewed
- 1. By Kilian Straight To Heaven – White Cristal Eau de Parfum
- 2. By Kilian Dark Lord – Ex Tenebris Lux Eau de Parfum
- 3. By Kilian Gold Knight Eau de Parfum
- 4. By Kilian Single Malt – London Eau de Parfum
- 5. By Kilian Black Phantom – Memento Mori Eau de Parfum
- 6. By Kilian Vodka On The Rocks Eau de Parfum
- 7. By Kilian Royal Leather Eau de Parfum
- 8. By Kilian Musk Oud Eau de Parfum
- 9. By Kilian Intoxicated Eau de Parfum
- 10. By Kilian Angels’ Share Eau de Parfum
- Which By Kilian Fragrance Smells The Best?
- Conclusion
- Further Reading
10 By Kilian Fragrances Reviewed
With amber, musk and woods blended with the more unusual delights of rum, anise and coffee, the best By Kilian fragrances for men offer a statement of individuality and self-confidence.
1. By Kilian Straight To Heaven – White Cristal Eau de Parfum
Overview
By Kilian Straight To Heaven, White Cristal Eau de Parfum is a sophisticated boozy and woody affair that is masculine and refined. Released in 2007, the perfumer behind this utterly classy fragrance is Sidonie Lancesseur.
The Scent
This fragrance opens with dried fruits drenched in a dark, boozy rum note with nutmeg adds some enticing spice. The heart of this fragrance is a battle between sweet jasmine and creamy vanilla duelling with earthy/musky patchouli who becomes the victor.
Dry-down unleashes wave after wave of decadent woody cedar notes that pairs incredibly well with the rum-soaked fruits and patchouli. Settles to a dark, boozy/woody combo with musk/earthy patchouli and dried fruits.
Overall, Straight To Heaven, White Cristal is a triumph. What begins as a dark, boozy fragrance becomes a full-bodied masterpiece with rich cedar, dried fruits and lashings of musky patchouli. Similar to some of the Bentley fragrances.
Fragrance Notes
| Top | Rum, Dried Fruits, Nutmeg |
| Mid | Jasmine, Vanilla, Patchouli |
| Base | Musk, Amber, Cedar |
Performance
The performance of Straight To Heaven is excellent. You can expect 6+ hours of wear with noticeable sillage and projection. Both the cedar and rum notes really stand out, and I love the earthy/musky patchouli.
When To Wear
No doubt about it, this fragrance is one reserved for autumn/winter evening wear. Late afternoon at a push. It’s reasonably dressy, so you will want to dress up a bit for this classy male fragrance—ideal for evenings out on the town, date night, and any formal occasion.
Seasons & Longevity
Benefits & Drawbacks
- Lasts well and the boozy/woody notes are stunning
- Sillage and projection could be a bit stronger for the price
Also Consider
Bentley for Men Intense Eau de Parfum
2. By Kilian Dark Lord – Ex Tenebris Lux Eau de Parfum
Overview
By Kilian Dark Lord – “Ex Tenebris Lux” Eau de Parfum is a mysterious mix of rich leather, booze, and spice with attention-grabbing zesty notes that occasionally breaks to the surface. Released in 2018, genius perfumer Alberto Morillas is the nose behind this fragrance.
The Scent
A zesty opening of sharp bergamot is soon overpowered by a liberal dusting of black pepper. Barrel-aged rum and woody-earthy cypriol in the heart adds mystery and intrigue. Sweet jasmine hovers in the background to catch your nose now and again.
Upon dry-down, expensive smelling leather and musky vetiver join forces to stamp their masculine authority, cedar and patchouli support from the sidelines. Settles to a woody/leather male fragrance soaked in booze.
Overall, Dark Lord – “Ex Tenebris Lux” Eau de Parfum is as dark as a black hole’s shadow. Its eclectic mix of rich leather, lush booze, grassy/woody vetiver and smokey spice is the ideal wingman for a night out with the guys.
Fragrance Notes
| Top | Bergamot, Pepper, Sichuan Pepper |
| Mid | Rum, Jasmine Sambac, Davana, Cypriol Oil |
| Base | Leather, Vetiver, Cedar, Patchouli |
Performance
Longevity is an incredible 8+ hours with decent sillage and projection of the woody/leather/booze notes. This confident male fragrance will get you noticed for all the right reasons.
When To Wear
I would recommend Dark Lord as a confident autumn/winter evening scent. This is a versatile fragrance that suits both formal and smart/casual occasions. It is ideal for date night, fancy bars, classy restaurants, and any other occasion when you want a splash of mystery.
Seasons & Longevity
Benefits & Drawbacks
- Delightfully rich and expensive smelling
- Not a safe blind buy, test before you make a purchase
Also Consider
Hermes Terre d Hermes Eau de Parfum
3. By Kilian Gold Knight Eau de Parfum
Overview
By Kilian Gold Knight Eau de Parfum has an unusual combination of ingredients that should not work, but oh boy, they do. Released in 2017, perfumer Pascal Gaurin has created a sweet yet spicy male scent that will ensure you thoroughly stand out from the crowd.
The Scent
Gold Knight Eau de Parfum opens with crisp bergamot infused with the liquorice scent of anise. Ultra-smooth honey is spicier than being overly sweet. It merges with sensual vanilla for an incredible gourmand experience in the heart of this fragrance.
The dry-down takes its time to slowly and flirtatiously reveal the musky/earthy patchouli that lurks in the base. This scent settles to a beautiful spiced and well-balanced combination of exotic honey and honey with lush vanilla and deep earthy notes of patchouli.
Overall, Gold Knight Eau de Parfum is a distinguished gentleman’s fragrance that takes perfumery to a completely different universe. Never in a million years did I expect to enjoy wearing a honey-focused scent this much. Not a blind buy if you prefer a mainstream fragrance, but a must to sample for yourself and decide. Bravo Kilian.
Fragrance Notes
| Top | Anise, Bergamot |
| Mid | Honey, Vanilla |
| Base | Patchouli |
Performance
Gold Knight has outstanding performance and stays active for a good 7+ hours, projecting nicely for the entire time. It smells classy, warm, rich and a tad daring.
When To Wear
This is your go-to scent for autumn/winter/spring. Although it leans more towards evening, I would wear it any time of day. It’s versatile enough for any occasion such as lunches, walks, bars, cafes, evenings out, dinner, and the theatre.
Seasons & Longevity
Benefits & Drawbacks
- The honey and anise combination is classy and individual
- Has a slight animal scent to it so not a mainstream crowd-pleaser
Also Consider
By Kilian Back to Black Eau de Parfum
4. By Kilian Single Malt – London Eau de Parfum
Overview
If, like me, you are expecting By Kilian Single Malt, London Eau de Parfum to be a linear boozy fragrance, think again. Launched in 2015, this fragrance adds dark fruits, sweet vanilla, wood and spices for a well-balanced and seductive masculine scent.
The Scent
The lush fruity opening of sweet, rich plum is soon drenched in expensive smelling whiskey accord. Wheat absolute in the heart of this fragrance adds a grainy aroma that elevates that stature of the whiskey note to something aged and refined.
Upon dry-down, decadent cedar and a balsamic hit of tolu balsam provides comforting support but never overpowers the boozy sweet plum. Vanilla creeps in to add additional support and balance. Single Malt settles to a manly fruity/boozy combo with woods and vanilla.
Overall, Single Malt, London Eau de Parfum is an intoxicating male scent that develops into something quite remarkable as the hour’s pass. The richness of the plum and whiskey sweetened by vanilla will undoubtedly get lots of compliments as it smells fantastic, plus the spice and balsamic nuances add depth. This is a solid release from Kilian.
Fragrance Notes
| Top | Whiskey Accord, Plum |
| Mid | Wheat Absolute |
| Base | Vanilla, Cedar, Tolu Balsam |
Performance
You can expect exceptional longevity of 7+ hours with good sillage and projection. The booze-soaked rich plum remains the star throughout.
When To Wear
This is more of an autumn/winter/spring fragrance that I would wear for late afternoon and evening. You can wear this scent to pretty much any occasion, from casually nipping to the shops to attending a wedding and everything in between.
Seasons & Longevity
Benefits & Drawbacks
- A seductive masculine fragrance that will draw in the compliments
- More expensive than similar boozy scents
Also Consider
Thierry Mugler Pure Malt Eau de Parfum
5. By Kilian Black Phantom – Memento Mori Eau de Parfum
Overview
By Kilian Black Phantom – “Memento Mori” Eau de Parfum is a particularly dark and smouldering male scent. It’s a sexy and delicious mix of sweetness, spice and booze with an undercurrent of freshness without drifting floral and mixed with deadly cyanide accord (thankfully almond and heliotrope).
The Scent
The opening is almost gourmand, with luxurious almond infused dark chocolate immersed in vintage rum. This scent has a dark and sweet middle, with rich smokey coffee and burnt caramel jostling for your attention.
Upon dry-down, woody notes are discreet; it’s the marzipan/vanilla smelling heliotrope and musky patchouli that really lock horns. I could also get a hint of animal/civet, although it’s not listed.
Overall, Black Phantom is an attention-grabbing explosion of rum-soaked dark chocolate, caramel and coffee that is similar to Tom Ford in its delivery.
Fragrance Notes
| Top | Rum, Sugar Cane |
| Mid | Dark Chocolate, Coffee, Caramel, Almond |
| Base | Heliotrope, Sandalwood |
Performance
This is a monster performer that provides 8+ hours of longevity with good sillage and projection. No need to overspray this one!
When To Wear
Seasonally, Black Phantom is quite versatile and can be worn day or night during autumn/winter and even chilly spring evenings. Wear this scent with confidence to smell wonderfully distinctive.
Seasons & Longevity
Benefits & Drawbacks
- Makes an excellent dark and masculine dressy fragrance
- Can be a little overpowering so go steady when applying
Also Consider
Tom Ford Black Orchid Eau de Parfum
6. By Kilian Vodka On The Rocks Eau de Parfum
Overview
By Kilian Vodka On The Rocks Eau de Parfum is an aromatic unisex scent that leans more towards the masculine side. Released in 2014, the perfumer responsible for this near-flawless spicy/fresh creation is Sidonie Lancesseur.
The Scent
The opening unleashes spicy coriander and cardamon blend with bright (and slightly salty) aldehydes. A heart of bitter rhubarb and slightly sweet ambroxan bring an arctic chill to the initial spice.
Upon dry-down, an intoxicating combination of woody/mossy notes of sandalwood and oakmoss create a masculine foundation for the fresh and spicy notes to jump out at you.
Overall, Vodka On The Rocks is a touch spicy, a little salty but incredibly cool and fresh in the best way possible and a true compliment-getter. Think Creed’s Silver Mountain Water crossed with Millesime Imperial and crank up the power and wow-factor.
Fragrance Notes
| Top | Cardamon, Coriander, Aldehydes |
| Mid | Lily-of-the-Valley, Rhubarb, Rose |
| Base | Oakmoss, Ambroxan, Sandalwood |
Performance
Pretty good for a freshie. You can expect reasonable longevity of 6+ hours with noticeable sillage and projection from the cardamom, ambroxan and coriander.
When To Wear
This is an any-season fragrance. Just like the Martini advert, you can wear this fragrance anytime, anyplace, anywhere to smell like the freshest person in any room.
Seasons & Longevity
Benefits & Drawbacks
- A fresh male fragrance that performs incredibly well
- Does smell similar to other ambroxan heavy fragrances
Also Consider
Creed Silver Mountain Water Eau de Parfum
7. By Kilian Royal Leather Eau de Parfum
Overview
True to its name, By Kilian Royal Leather Eau de Parfum is an utterly decadent leather fragrance with a nod to British royal heritage. Released in 2015, perfumer Fabrice Pellegrin has crafted a scent that is bold, luxurious and classy.
The Scent
The warm spicy opening provides a generous dose of exotic black tea and the musky, floral note of hawthorn. A heart of sumptuous leather is soon unleashed and nicely balanced by powdery heliotrope that adds lift but remains sophisticated and masculine.
Extravagant woody oud and earthy patchouli in the base provides an intense character that is distinctive and timeless. Settles to a wonderland of dark spice, leather, and wood with an undercurrent of powdery floral tones.
Overall, Royal Leather is a mature, rich and upmarket male fragrance that adds an uncompromising splash of mystery that lingers nicely. This is not a crowd-pleasing blind buy, but the kind of distinctive fragrance that you can slowly fall in love with.
Fragrance Notes
| Top | Black Tea, Hawthorn |
| Mid | Leather, Heliotrope |
| Base | Oud, Patchouli |
Performance
Kilian Royal Leather is a beast performer with monstrous longevity (8+ hours) coupled with enormous silage and projection. That being said, this is not your attention-seeking vanilla-infused clubbing scent; this is a fragrance for getting noticed on special occasions.
When To Wear
I tend to feel that leather fragrances such as this are more suited to cooler temperatures of autumn/winter (day or night) and chilly spring evenings. This scent is ideal for both formal and smart/casual events. Although not your standard office safe scent, it smells professional if applied lightly and allowed to settle for an hour first.
Seasons & Longevity
Benefits & Drawbacks
- Blistering performance that will last into the early hours
- Not a blind buy as this is dark and moody but no crowd-pleaser
Also Consider
Tom Ford Tuscan Leather Eau de Parfum
8. By Kilian Musk Oud Eau de Parfum
Overview
By Kilian Musk Oud Eau de Parfum is a manly explosion of aromatic rose, musk and oud with some cheeky spice thrown in for good measure. Launched in 2013, the nose behind this attention-grabbing scent is perfumer titan Alberto Morillas.
The Scent
This fragrance opens with boozy rum, spicy cardamom and a fierce initial blast of citrus that transitions to a spicy floral heart. Rose becomes the star floral, supported by earthy/green geranium and the sweet dried-fruit aroma of davana that slowly claws its way to the surface.
In the base, the woodiness of the oud and exotic silkiness of the musk counters the initial spiced/boozy rose. Settles to a stunning combination of oud and musk brightened with delicate rose and spices.
Overall, Musk Oud is an East meets West masterpiece. Perfumer Alberto Morillas rarely puts a foot wrong, and this creation is no exception. The realistic rose fused with oud and musk delivers a real wow-factor.
Fragrance Notes
| Top | Rum, Cardamom, Citrus |
| Mid | Rose, Geranium, Davana |
| Base | Oud, Musk, Incense, Patchouli |
Performance
Performance from Musk Oud is excellent, with 8+ hours of longevity being no problem. It has good sillage and borders on the heavy for projection. The trio of oud, musk and rose fill any room beautifully.
When To Wear
Most oud/musk focused fragrances are suited for the cooler weather. However, I feel Musk Oud makes a versatile all-year-round scent that is equally wearable day or night.
Seasons & Longevity
Benefits & Drawbacks
- Fantastic masculine woody/rose fragrance with excellent performance
- Can be more rose than wood for the first 2-3 hours
Also Consider
Frederic Malle Rose & Cuir Eau de Parfum
9. By Kilian Intoxicated Eau de Parfum
Overview
By Kilian Intoxicated Eau de Parfum is a sultry blend of masculine spices and somewhat akin to Tom Ford Tobacco Vanille in how it warms the wearer up. This fragrance was released in 2014 and expertly crafted by perfumer Calice Becker.
The Scent
This astonishing creation opens with a wave of spicy (and slightly smokey) cardamom and sweetly spiced cinnamon. Nutmeg in the heart soon joins this spice-fest to add some oriental flair.
However, the dry-down soon unveils delicious freshly ground coffee notes soothed by sweet caramel tones that, to my nose, brings in a touch of vanilla.
Overall, Intoxicated Eau de Parfum is indeed one incredibly intoxicating blend of alluring spices fused with rich coffee that demands your complete attention. An excellent cold-weather choice that gets lots of compliments.
Fragrance Notes
| Top | Cardamom |
| Mid | Cinnamon, Nutmeg |
| Base | Coffee, Caramel |
Performance
As with pretty much all Kilian fragrances, the performance is excellent. You can expect 8+ hours of wear with good projection and sillage. The cardamom/coffee combo really stand out.
When To Wear
With a list of such spicy notes, this is an ideal autumn/winter choice of scent, especially as it’s pretty potent. I would wear this for cold-weather walks, a trip to the pub with a roaring fire, and snuggling up at home.
Seasons & Longevity
Benefits & Drawbacks
- Strikingly spicy and masculine with excellent performance
- Only really wearable in cold weather as does dominate
Also Consider
Thierry Mugler A*Men Eau de Toilette
10. By Kilian Angels’ Share Eau de Parfum
Overview
And lastly, direct from the cooling depths of the cellar, we have the sweet and boozy By Kilian Angels’ Share Eau de Parfum. Released in 2020, the nose responsible for this crowd-pleasing fragrance is Benoist Lapouza.
The Scent
Angels’ Share opens with a heavy dose of barrel-aged cognac. This drenches the heart notes of spicy cinnamon, sweet tonka bean and woody notes in booze before they have time to even compose themselves.
More sweetness comes as this fragrance dries down in the form of lush praline and attention-grabbing vanilla notes. Woody notes of oak absolute and hazelnut introduce some welcome balance. Settles to an exceptional sweet/boozy evening scent that will most certainly grab the attention of those nearby.
Overall, Angels’ Share Eau de Parfum is the least manly fragrance on this list as it is very sweet during the opening. It does, however, settle down nicely to reveal a woody side that brings some masculine balance.
Fragrance Notes
| Top | Cognac |
| Mid | Cinnamon, Tonka Bean, Oak absolute |
| Base | Praline, Vanilla, Hazelnut |
Performance
Although longevity is 6+ hours, you will need re-apply every 3 hours or so to replenish those luscious sweet notes as they are eventually overtaken by the dry woody notes.
When To Wear
This boozy and sweet masculine fragrance has a spicy undercurrent ideal for evening wear in autumn/winter/spring. I would happily wear Angels’ Share out to evening dinner, fancy bars, parties, the theatre. It would even make a classy and more mature clubbing scent.
Seasons & Longevity
Benefits & Drawbacks
- A true crowd-pleasing scent that is great for any occasion
- Does lean a little towards the feminine side
Also Consider
Hermes Ambre Narguile Eau de Toilette
Which By Kilian Fragrance Smells The Best?
The best smelling By Kilian fragrance for men has to be Black Phantom. A luxurious almond infused scent with dark chocolate, vintage rum, rich smokey coffee and burnt caramel. Dry-down reveals woods, heliotrope and patchouli.
Conclusion
Using an array of tantalising notes that leave a lasting impression, the best Kilian fragrances for men blur the lines on what is deemed normal. This niche perfume house is incredibly off-the-wall with its approach to fragrance, and every guy should have at least one Kilian scent in their collection.
Although Kilian may seem an expensive niche fragrance brand, the price/performance is quite compelling, factoring in that you will probably need to apply less than usual.
Further Reading
Below are some additional articles from Viora London’s blog. We write articles on a number of interesting lifestyle topics such as fragrance, beauty, luxury accessories and more.
