Black Orchid & Black Orchid Gold are two masterpieces by Tom Ford which are very dark, opulent, and sexy.
These two top-selling oriental chypre perfumes share multiple similar characteristics. However, Black Orchid Gold is intense with its higher perfume oil concentration, whereas Black Orchid is more alluring.
I thought of reviewing both of these pleasant fragrances and comparing them side by side. It will assist you in selecting one, depending on your personal preferences.
So, let’s dive into the write-up to compare Tom Ford Black Orchid & Black Orchid Gold!
Clash of Scents: Tom Ford Black Orchid Vs. Gold
Black Orchid
Main Notes: Truffle, Spices, Mexican Chocolate, Orchid, Patchouli, Vanilla, Sandalwood, Musk, Citrus
Black Orchid is a David Apel and Pierre Negrin creation that arrived in the perfumery world in 2006.
Though it was launched as an EDP for women, the overall rich & versatile aroma leans more toward the unisex side.
It is a chocolatey, musky & spicy fragrance that any adult gentleman & lady can wear. That’s why though it is a 13-years old edition, the popularity of this coveted fragrance is still on the rise. And it is included in the list of best smelling Tom Ford colognes.
Black Orchid Gold
Main Notes: Black Truffle, Rum, Black Orchid, Ylang-Ylang, Amber & Patchouli
Black Orchid Gold is widely known as Black Orchid Parfum. It was released in 2020 with a more sophisticated and luxurious vibe.
This fragrance smells mysterious but less complicated compared to the 2006’s Black Orchid. However, the perfume oil concentration is deep in this Parfum.
The stunning golden bottle contains a flawless tuning of balsamic & intoxicating notes. This combination unleashes a captivating smell that is suitable for males & females both.
So which is the most worthy one between these two gems?
Well, we must undergo an in-depth analysis to make a reliable decision.
Here is a thorough difference between Tom Ford Black Orchid & Gold:
Opening
Tom Ford’s Black Orchid opening is very sweet and nutty, with a bit of spiciness & woodiness in the background.
According to this niche fragrance brand, the top includes Truffle, Gardenia, Ylang Ylang, Jasmine, and some hesperidic fruits such as Black Currant, Bergamot, Mandarin Orange, and Amalfi Lemon.
But honestly speaking, citrusy freshness is missing in this perfume.
At the first whiff, I get the flavor of creamy dark chocolate, sweet fragrant blossoms, and a hint of spice.
On top of that, a mild woody-earthy aura tickles the nose once in a while. That’s how the initial smell of Black Orchid is!
When it comes to Black Orchid Gold, the opening is a bit sweet, fruity, and earthy. This layer is made of plum and truffle & I could clearly sniff them.
Apart from that, a light chocolatey and warm spicy scent arrives in the olfactory sense in the early stage.
Overall, Black Orchid Gold feels overwhelming & gourmand at the outset.
As it is the Parfum version, I was expecting a deep intensity at the opening. But unfortunately, it smells kinda boozy, earthy, and woody.
So, which one delivers the most satisfying opening?
In my humble opinion, Tom Ford’s Black Orchid is excellent in the opening. Because the fragrance highlights its rich & strong character from the very beginning. Whereas Black Orchid Gold is somewhat gloomy & smooth at first.
Projection and Longevity
The longevity of Black Orchid is just outstanding. It lasts on the skin for almost 18 hours.
That is, you apply a fragrance in the early morning, and when you return home at midnight after a long tiring day, the mesmerizing scent of that perfume still exists. And that’s what you will get from Black Orchid.
So, whenever I have to go on a long trip, I pour this fragrance into a lightweight perfume atomizer and carry it in my handbag. I don’t have to apply the perfume frequently due to the extended longevity.
Black Orchid’s projection & sillage is also great. It leaves a 6 feet of perfume trail around the wearer.
Now let’s see how Black Orchid Gold performs.
This long-lasting fragrance lasts for about 12 hours. That is, it is a bit behind compared to Black Orchid’s longevity.
However, the sillage and projection of this perfume are strong. And it should be because the scent is prepared with a higher concentration.
So, which is the winner in this field?
Actually, Black Orchid is the clear winner for providing super long-lasting performance.
Compliment Factor
Just imagine that you’ve appeared on a dinner date or night party wearing Tom Ford perfume but haven’t gathered any compliments. Is that even possible?
Your answer would be no. Because most of the Tom Ford fragrances are so impressive that, receiving delightful comments from the surrounding is obvious.
So whether you wear Black Orchid or Black Orchid Gold, you will surely gather compliments.
However, the chances of receiving praise also depend on your perfume application approach. Some basic mistakes can ruin your perfume entirely.
For now, let’s decide who is the best compliment puller.
Indeed, many individuals don’t like the chemical type and alcoholic smell of rum that is included in Black Orchid Gold.
However, it’s hard to find someone who dislikes the aroma of chocolate & wood of Black Orchid. So when it’s about getting compliments, I’ll lean more toward Black Orchid.
Versatility
When you’re excited to hear flattering words, wearing Black Orchid or Black Orchid Parfum, you must know when to apply them.
Well, the cold weather is the most suitable time for these two Tom Ford fragrances.
You can wear them in the nighttime of fall and winter. If you’re willing to apply them on a winter morning, you can do that. But apply only 2-3 sprays. Otherwise, the scent will be overpowering.
Besides, both scents are perfect for dinner dates, special occasions, romantic getaways, clubbing and semi-formal affairs.
So, Tom Ford Black Orchid and Black Orchid Gold aren’t versatile at all. Both of them are mostly suited for winter nights.
Value For Money
On Tom Ford’s official website, Black Orchid comes in three different sizes. They are 50 ml, 100 ml, and 150 ml. The price is $155, $225 and $250 respectively.
On the other hand, the price of Black Orchid Gold is $190 for 50 ml and $275 for 100 ml flacon.
However, you may see different price tags on other perfume-selling websites.
But overall, the price of Black Orchid is relatively less than Black Orchid Gold. because Black Orchid is several years-old edition with a lesser perfume oil density.
In my opinion, their retail price varies slightly from each other. But each fragrance holds decent value for the money.
Overall Scent
The scent of Black Orchid is mainly woody, earthy, chocolatey, and ambery. Along with these prominent aromas, you will get a warm spicy, and sweet floral touch from this perfume.
To me, Black Orchid by Tom Ford smells like I’m walking through the forest, sniffing the woodiness & earthiness of redwood as well as enjoying my favorite dark chocolate, which is garnished with different flavored nuts.
The fragrance unleashes a very unique and rich feeling that words aren’t enough to express it.
It represents the confident and courageous human character on one side. At the same time, it is a sensual fragrance that attracts the beloved ones closer to the wearer.
On the other hand, Black Orchid Gold is a strong fragrance that holds a beautiful combination of woody, earthy, yellow floral, fruity, and rum essence.
From the very first moment, it smells full of black truffle with a subtle hint of rum. So, it gives a boozy and sleepy feeling.
But the core and dry down of this fragrance is super powerful & seductive.
It seems like someone has dipped black orchid and ylang-ylang in a glass of rum which is creating a striking aura.
So, if you prefer a strong rum, woody & flowery type aroma, opt for Black Orchid Gold. But if the dark chocolate, the woody and musky flavor, is your priority, go for the Black Orchid.
Final Verdict
Both Tom Ford Black Orchid & Black Orchid Gold are extraordinary with their unique scent. They are great choices for any special events like wedding ceremonies, festivals, and concerts.
So, each of them deserves a special corner in your cabinet. But which one is the must-have fragrance between these two?
Albeit, the answer depends on each user’s perspective. But being an expert in the perfumery world, I’ll say that Tom Ford Black Orchid is the most worthy one considering all factors.
It doesn’t include any intoxicating smell, it is more long-lasting, holds fair value for the bucks, and is undoubtedly a compliment magnet.
The smell is never harsh; it is an alluring scent that any gender can use.
On the contrary, Black Orchid Gold is loaded with intoxicant substances. Though it is pricier, the staying power is less. Moreover, the intensity is so potent that I don’t think it is ideal for official purposes.
Let me know your opinion regarding these popular Tom Ford fragrances in the comment section.
Adios!
