El Born by Carner Barcelona is a unisex oriental fragrance created by Jacques Huclier and released in 2014.
In all my years as a perfume enthusiast, I have not found a niche brand like Carner. It is overpriced retail and offers so little in return, often placing it in the lowest possible value tier.
To my surprise, I couldnโt believe theyโd released a fragrance worth your time and investment, even at a retail price.
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Through pure luck or some cosmic justice, honey, fig, benzoin, and Peru balsam were the notes that pushed me to give them one last chance and, as often as before, prove myself wrong when judging a brand too quickly.
Letโs see how this composition celebrates Barcelonaโs old neighborhood, rich in history, art, and culture.
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CARNER BARCELONA EL BORN DETAILS AND INSPIRATION
Carner Barcelona was established by Sara Carner, who envisioned the brand to share the spirit of her native city, Barcelona.
The brandโs philosophy emphasizes a dedication to Spanish artistry, heritage, and emotion through intimate and sophisticated fragrances.
Each brandโs perfume represents a unique facet of Spanish culture and lifestyle, ranging from the Mediterranean shores to vibrant districts.
El Born, launched in 2014, is among the most celebrated creations of the brand.
With this fragrance, Carner explores the essence of the El Born neighborhood, encapsulating its unique blend of historic allure and contemporary energy.
Drawing inspiration from the sunโs warmth setting over the narrow lanes, this perfume pays homage to Barcelonaโs vibrant cultural legacy.
This release is still in production and available in various sizes, from 50ml for $124.00 to 100ml for $183.00.
PERFUME ESSENTIAL INFORMATION
A NOTE FROM THE BRAND: โThe winding cobbled streets flow seamlessly into the old stones of the medieval times, witness of Barcelonaโs history. Plants and flowers tumble down from tiny decorated balconies sharing protagonism with vintage stores, pastelerรญas, cafeterรญas, old bookshops, wine barsโฆ
A group of old friends playing cards, youngsters discussing at the edge of the fountains, tourists enjoying a glass of champagneโฆ this is El Born, a unique atmosphere where even the XIVth century church Santa Maria de Mar seems to want to go unnoticed just being another spectator of the show.โ
PERFUME INFO
- PERFUMER: Jacques Huclier
- OIL CONCENTRATION: Eau de Parfum
- FRAGRANCE TYPE: Oriental
- RELEASE DATE: 2014
- TARGET AUDIENCE: Unisex
- MASCULINE/FEMININE: 60% โ 40%
- DOMINANT NOTES: Honey, Benzoin, Peru Balsam
- AGE GROUP: 25+
- SEASONS: Spring, Summer, and Fall
- OCCASIONS: Any Occasion
- PERFORMANCE: 8 โ 10 hours with moderate projection
- COMPLIMENTS: High
- LIKEABILITY: High
- UNIQUENESS: 4/5
- PRESENTATION: 4/5
- VALUE FOR MONEY: 8/10
- PRICE: $$$
- ACCORDS: Vanilla, Powdery, Balsamic
- REVIEWED BATCH CODE: 20501 โ May 2022
- REFORMULATED: Yes
- HOLY GRAIL RATING: B
- SAMPLE/BUY/PASS: Buy
- TESTING PERIOD: 1 year
- PRODUCTION: Yes
- POSSIBILITY OF DISCONTINUATION: Low
PERFUME PRESENTATION
Carner is known for its minimalist yet elegant bottle design, and El Born is no exception. Encased in a solid cube-like bottle with a wooden cap, itโs a simple yet luxurious presentation.
The white label with black lettering is understated but stylish, creating a contrast that gives off a modern, artisanal vibe.
Just keep in mind that the vintage version of this fragrance has Carnerโs logo on the fragrance name on the sticker.
The bottle is housed in a robust box that aligns seamlessly with the brandโs ethos of merging artistry and straightforwardness.
It is crafted to serve as an elegant decorative item and a practical perfume bottle, embodying a sense of timelessness.
Last but not least, the box also gives you hints and information about what to expect from this compositing by including two neat notes:
โWe will transport you to one of the most intriguing neighborohouds of Barcelona with El Born โ A soft liquorish perfume.โ
โA contemporary soft liquorish perfume filled with the vitality and character of El Born, a unique neighborohoud witness of Barcelonaโs history.โ
NOTE BREAKDOWN
In this section of my Scent Grail review, Iโll dive into the note breakdown that plays a crucial role in shaping the identity of a fragrance.
Understanding how the top, heart, and base notes interact can provide valuable insight into the overall character of the scent.
Whether youโre considering adding a fragrance to your collection or simply curious about how the notes unfold, this breakdown will help you appreciate the craftsmanship and positive and negative sides of a particular fragrance.
PERFUME PYRAMID
- TOP NOTES: Sicilian Lemon, Calabrian Bergamot, Angelica, Honey
- HEART NOTES: Fig, Heliotrope, Benzoin from Laos, Egyptian Jasmine
- BASE NOTES: Madagascan Vanilla Absolute, Peru Balsam, Australian Sandalwood, Musk
TOP NOTES
The initial opening is lively and refreshing, featuring lemon and bergamot at the forefront. However, this bright sensation fades quickly as the more affluent, intricate notes emerge.
The skillful incorporation of angelica distinguishes this fragrance from the standard citrus openings in so many other creations.
This herbal element introduces an unexpected richness, preventing the citrus from becoming overly bright or typical.
The thoughtful addition of honey provides a familiar and somewhat animalistic edge comparable to that found in Tom Fordโs Tobacco Vanille.
Instead of being overly sweet or overwhelming, it comes across as elegant and almost reminiscent of a liqueur.
The opening is extraordinary and will surely be appreciated by niche fragrance enthusiasts.
HEART NOTES
As the fragrance moves into its heart, citruses fade entirely and give their place to honey, licorice, and bouquet of jasmine and heliotrope, which never overwhelm.
I love how the heliotropeโs almond-like quality adds a subtle gourmand touch while the jasmine provides just enough floral brightness to keep the composition from becoming too heavy or sweet.
In this heart phase, fragrance is at its best until it eventually delves into the safe phase in its dry down.
I wish this creativity had not been held down and something bolder had been introduced in its base since it would have been a masterpiece perfume. Well, we canโt have it all.
BASE NOTES
Nonetheless, I love how this one settles down to this cozy combination of benzoin, vanilla, and Peru balsam. It is a joy to behold.
The combination of vanilla, benzoin, and Peru balsam creates a rich, resinous foundation that reminds me of distant lands.
What impresses me most is how the Australian sandalwood interacts with these resinous notes, which is detectable at its far dry down.
It adds a creamy, woody dimension that feels grounding and slightly exotic. It is a safe and original creation that has undoubtedly found its lovers, especially if you love the smell of licorice.
If your answer is positive, this could be your signature fragrance for the milder weather.
PERFORMANCE & APPEAL
I can attest to its impressive performance metrics from my extensive wearing of El Born across different seasons and situations.
The fragrance typically lasts 8-10 hours on my skin, with the first three hours offering moderate to strong projection.
Sillage is average but noticeable, creating a subdued scent bubble that draws people in without overwhelming them.
This unisex fragrance uniquely blends sweetness and depth, appealing to both men and women. Its rich profile attracts a mature audience who appreciate refined, artisanal perfumes that stimulate a sense of place and time.
As for the compliments, there is a good amount of positive feedback, especially among individuals who appreciate intricate, sweet fragrances.
I also remember people commenting frequently that they havenโt smelled anything like it.
OCCASIONS & VALUE
It is a versatile fragrance, blending gourmand, citrus, balsamic, floral, and woody notes, making it suitable for various occasions.
I have worn it in multiple situations, from casual to professional settings, and it has fitted everywhere.
As someone deeply immersed in the niche fragrance world, I find El Bornโs uniqueness(except the base notes) lies in its masterful balance of gourmand and woody elements.
While many fragrances attempt to combine sweet and resinous notes, few achieve this level of sophistication.
Using premium materials like Madagascan Vanilla Absolute and Australian Sandalwood justifies the investment.
It sits at a higher price than typical niche perfumes but is still not too expensive, considering how many basic and nonsense quasi-niches fragrances exist.
This is one of the rare occasions where I donโt feel remorse recommending you buy this retail or from fragrance discounters.
PROS AND CONS
Each composition brings charm, complexities, and shortcomings to the diverse perfume landscape.
Exploring the pros and cons provides a comprehensive view, aiding fragrance enthusiasts in their quest for the perfect olfactory experience.
Understanding these nuances allows you to make a more well-informed choice, ensuring a tailored match for individual tastes.
Pros
- A rich and unique scent
- Great longevity with above-average projection
- Suitable for men and women
- One of the best licorice-based fragrances on the market
- Great price โ retail or from discounters
- Great signature-worthy fragrance
Cons
- Safe base notes
- You have to love the smell of licorice
- It may be too sweet for some
- The story behind the fragrance should have been implemented in a different and more fresh composition
COLLECTION & SIMILAR PERFUMES
El Born is a part of Carnerโs Barcelona โOriginal Collectionโ consisting of seven perfumes.
For those exploring similar olfactory territories or want to check other scents from the same collection, Iโve found several fragrances that share elements with this fragrance, though none quite replicate its specific character:
COLLECTION
SIMILAR PERFUMES AND ALTERNATIVES
EDITORโS CHOICE
FINAL WORDS
After spending considerable time with El Born, Iโve come to appreciate it more as a fragrance, even though its cute story doesnโt necessarily reflect in its notes.
Funnily enough, this was the brandโs last chance for me before I diss them completely, and thankfully, we have a winner here.
Still, Iโm at a point in my journey where the only future reviews from Carner Barcelona will be if something seems great via swap or from the brand itself.
Unfortunately, they have too many low-tier releases to take any future risks for me when you can buy scents for more than double less from other better niche houses such as Etat Libre dโOrange.
Anyway, you owe yourself to check out this Huclierโs creation. Fantastic for spring and fall.
What do you think about this article covering Carner Barcelona El Born? Letโs start a conversation, and let me know in the comment section below.
If you are unsure whether to buy a fragrance, it is always a good decision to look at Scent Grailโs S.P.A. Signature Factor Guide.
It is easy to use and the most relevant perfume-buying guide on the web. This way, you can determine whether a particular fragrance is worth checking out and potentially find your signature perfume.
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Until next time, stay humble, and keep smelling great!
Best, Marin!
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Your number one source for Holy Grail Signature Scents.
โ Marin Kristiฤ
Ciao! I’ve heard that El Born leans heavily into its gourmand profile. Does the honey and fig sweetness suit it better for winter, or can it work year-round? Loved the review
Hello. El Born is suited for cooler weather, as its honey, Peru balsam, and warm vanilla notes create a cozy, enveloping effect that shines in fall and winter. While it can work year-round, the rich sweetness might feel heavy in hotter climates, so it’s ideal for colder days or evening wear.โ
This scent sounds unique, but longevity and sillage are important for me. Does this fragrance last well on your skin, and would you say it’s suitable for office wear? Cheers from Ontario. Jonathan
Cheers, Jonathan! El Born has solid longevity, generally lasting 8-10 hours, but its sillage is moderate, so it won’t overwhelm an office space and should still be noticeable within personal range. This balance makes it a good choice for office wear, especially in cooler weather when the cozy, gourmand notes feel particularly inviting. Best, Marin ๐
G’day! As far as I’m considered, you do the best fragrance reviews on the web. Please continue since there are way to many shills in the perfume space. I’ve seen some describe El Born as a perfect fall fragrance, especially with that creamy vanilla note. In your experience, does it get too heavy in warmer climates? Mike
G’day, Mike! Thanks for the kind wordsโI’m glad you’re enjoying the reviews! As for El Born, while its honeyed vanilla and benzoin notes make it fantastic for fall, the warmth can feel a bit intense in high heat. It shines best in cooler weather, where the cozy sweetness comes to life without overpowering. Best, Marin ๐
Hello Marin. Living in a tropical climate, I wonder if El Bornโs gourmand nature is too intense. With its honey and vanilla notes, does it ever feel overwhelming in warm weather, or does it maintain a balanced profile? I’d love to hear from others in humid regions about their experience wearing it year-round. Juan
Hi Juan. El Born can feel intense in warm or humid climates due to its rich, honeyed sweetness and warm vanilla notes. This fragrance is best suited to cooler weather or air-conditioned environments where its depth and complexity can shine without becoming overpowering. I wore it several times last summer, but it did not work as expected. Best, Marin ๐
Hi.Great article that got me interested in this scent. I tend to wear lighter fragrances but am curious about El Born. Would you say itโs suitable for someone who typically prefers fresher, more subtle scents?
Hi Julio. El Born leans into its rich, gourmand side with notes like honey, Peru Balsam, and vanilla, which make it feel intense if you’re used to lighter fragrances. However, the blend has a smooth, warm character that can still appeal to someone seeking a cozy, sophisticated scent for fall or winter evenings. It may be worth sampling first to see if the depth resonates with you, as the sweetness and warmth are more prominent than fresh notes. Best, Marin ๐