by Pascal Morabito
Sultan Rouge is a deeply complex amber-spice fragrance with a woody-floral base, offering a surprisingly soft and intimate character despite its potency. It shares many accords with Baccarat Rouge 540—particularly the warm amber, spicy saffron, and animalic-woody drydown—but notably incorporates a cleaner, more floral sweetness early on, avoiding the synthetic or cheesy notes that many associate with BR540. Its performance is consistent and long, with moderate to strong sillage that lingers well into the night. On some skin types, the opening can feel sharp due to a chlorine-like effect—often attributed to the combination of rose and ambergris—but this fades, revealing a more balanced, powdery-amber expression that is both elegant and quietly seductive. Wearers appreciate its versatility, finding it suitable for both day and night, especially in autumn, and many consider it a uniquely accessible alternative to BR540.