B9

The Verdict

Bond No 9 B9 was launched in 2015 as a tribute to the brand's flagship boutique at 9 Bond Street in New York. Conceived by founder Laurice Rahme, the fragrance centers on a blend of saffron, gardenia leaves, amber, and musk, housed in the brand's signature star-shaped flacon finished in a rich aubergine hue. It was positioned as a unisex composition available exclusively through the official store, website, and select retailers including Harrods, Nordstrom, and Saks Fifth Avenue.

Community reception has been characteristically divided, not just about the fragrance itself but about Bond No 9 as a brand. Admirers praise B9's complex, genderless character and strong performance, while critics question whether the composition justifies the substantial asking price. The fragrance scores a modest 5.3 out of 10 on Parfumo, suggesting that even among reviewers who have gone to the trouble of sampling it, enthusiasm is restrained.

What It Smells Like

The opening introduces saffron with an immediate amber undertone that helps it project from the first spray. Some detect a spicy-citrus quality, with one Parfumo reviewer noting cola-lemon characteristics. The saffron is warm and slightly metallic, signaling the oriental direction of the composition.

The heart develops a plume of gardenia and jasmine that intertwines with the lingering saffron. Reviewers describe a complex and disarming friendship between feminine floral notes of gardenia, jasmine, and orchid and masculine woody-mossy elements. The white floral character is rich and creamy without being overtly sweet, occupying an unusual middle ground between traditional masculine and feminine fragrance structures.

As the fragrance dries down over four to five hours, an oudy glow emerges according to several reviewers, adding depth and a slightly smoky quality. The base of amber, sandalwood, oakmoss, and musk provides warmth and persistence, creating what admirers call a swagger and sensational genderless beauty.

When to Wear It

B9 works best for evening social occasions where its warmth and projection can be appreciated. Dinner parties, cultural events, and summer evenings provide appropriate contexts. The unisex character makes it versatile across genders, though its oriental warmth suggests transitional seasons and evenings rather than hot daytime wear.

Some reviewers recommend it for summer specifically, noting its citrus-spice opening pairs well with warm air, though the amber-heavy base may become cloying in extreme heat.

Longevity & Projection

Performance is one of B9's clear strengths. Basenotes reviewers note that the fragrance is very strong, with two to three sprays being all you need for the entire day. Parfumo rates longevity at 6.0 out of 10 and sillage at 5.8 out of 10, suggesting solid above-average performance. The amber undertone that appears from the first spray contributes to its projection, helping it maintain a detectable scent bubble throughout the day.

The Community Says

The community is split along predictable lines. Basenotes positive reviews praise B9 as a fascinating juice with genuine presence. One reviewer compared its amber projection favorably to BN9 New York Amber, calling it a man's fragrance that also appeals to some women. Parfumo reviewers offer more measured assessments, with ratings clustering around the middle of the scale. On the critical side, a Basenotes reviewer reported migraines from the fragrance, while others called it bland and not worth the substantial price. The broader conversation about Bond No 9's pricing philosophy inevitably colors individual fragrance assessments, with some reviewers acknowledging that their feelings about the brand influence their evaluation of the scent.

Who Should Buy This

B9 makes sense for existing Bond No 9 collectors who want to explore the house's take on saffron-floral orientals. Those who have sampled it and respond to its specific combination of warm saffron, creamy gardenia, and smoky amber will find reliable performance and a distinctive character that few other fragrances replicate.

For newcomers to Bond No 9, this would not be the recommended entry point. Several other offerings in the house's extensive catalog receive more consistent praise and better represent the brand's strengths.

The Bottom Line

Bond No 9 B9 is a competent oriental floral that delivers genuine complexity and strong performance but struggles to justify its premium pricing in a competitive market. The saffron-gardenia combination is interesting and the genderless positioning is well-executed, but the overall experience lands in a middle ground where it is neither distinctive enough to command its price nor poor enough to dismiss outright. At a lower price point, B9 would earn warmer recommendations. At its current positioning, it faces an uphill battle against niche competitors that deliver more memorable experiences for similar or lesser investment.