Guerlain Rose Barbare is part of the L'Art et La Matiere Collection released in 2005. Created by Francis Kurkdjian, it centered on the rose, adding spices and honey to warm it. Notes of rose, aldehyde, rose, fenugreek, honey, patchouli and woods. Guerlain Rose Barbare is an eau de parfum, EDP.
From the brand - "Rose pink turns to blood red, heightened by a sharply aldehydic, metallic note and galvanised by the power of the undergrowth notes. 'If it were an opera, Carmen by Georges Bizet.' This proud, powerful rose is reminiscent of Carmen, heroine of the eponymous opera, striding forward, flower in mouth and head held high. A passionate lover, she hides a dagger in her back, ready to cut right to the heart. ”
Fragrantica - "Rose trends toward the mature crowd and can feel a bit matronly. This one has a vintage vibe but the other notes give it a modern feel. The other accords (honey, fenugreek, patchouli, etc.) come through in a way that compliments the rose. They are also what some would say pushes the fragrance more towards the unisex/male side of the spectrum. I appreciate this take on rose and it's one of the few rose scents that I feel I can pull off. "
Fragrantica - "Rose Barbare showcases Rose in a lovely and refreshing way, I actually want to drink it! The scent opens effervescent and bright. There is something almost yeast-like about this rose that reminds me of the way dry french ciders can smell. The rose is not sweet, it's fizzing softly with an astringent hint of bitterness that you can feel in the back of your mouth, also akin to the aftertaste of very nice craft ciders. (In that regard, this scent can remind me of the champagne-rosyness of the opening of Thé Noir by Le Labo.):
Fragrantica - "This is one of the best rose fragrances ever made, I love when I wear this during summer but it’s fitting winter nights very well. Gorgeous, elegant and luxurious scent."
Fragrantica - "Rose Barbare is the product of a collaboration between possibly my favourite fragrance house (Guerlain) and an external perfumer I admire (Francis Kurkdijan). The result is a high-quality, well-rounded, rich rose scent, beautifully feminine and grown-up. I have a love/hate relationship with rose fragrances, but happily, RB is in the former category."
