Clive Christian Fragrance review

Clive Christian X Twist Liquorice: A Dark Gourmand Masterpiece

Redefining British Luxury with Resinous Sweetness and Woody Depth

By Vivir · · Updated
In the world of high-luxury perfumery, few names carry the weight of Clive Christian. Known for their 'X' duo—a pair of fragrances that defined modern niche sophistication—the house took a bold step in 2021 by introducing the 'Twist' collection. Among these, X Twist Liquorice stands out as a fascinating exploration of contrast, blending the dark, bittersweet edges of licorice with the creamy, aristocratic texture of orris butter. As a trend analyst, I’ve seen the industry pivot from the 'sugar-bomb' gourmands of the 2010s toward what I call 'Gourmand 2.0'—scents that use edible notes like maple and liquorice not for juvenile sweetness, but for atmospheric depth. X Twist Liquorice is not your typical candy-shop scent. It is a brooding, intellectual take on sweetness that feels deeply rooted in the 'Quiet Luxury' aesthetic. It doesn't scream for attention from across the room; instead, it invites closer proximity, rewarding those who lean in with a complex tapestry of spices and rich woods. It’s a fragrance for the individual who values the tactile sensation of a cashmere coat and the weight of a well-crafted timepiece—subtle, expensive, and undeniably confident.
Longevity
4.0
Projection
2.0
Sillage
3.0
$350-$450
SpringSummerFallWinter

Accords

Woody 30%
Warm Spicy 20%
Sweet 15%
Soft Spicy 10%
Amber 10%
Iris 5%
Balsamic 4%
White Floral 3%
Powdery 2%
Aromatic 1%

Notes Pyramid

Top
LicoriceMapleMyrrhOrris Butter
Heart
JasmineCardamomPimento Seeds
Base
Rich Woods

Scent Journey

1
Opening 0-30 min

The first 30 minutes are a revelation of texture. The licorice is dark and herbal rather than sugary, immediately softened by the waxy, buttery richness of orris. A hint of maple provides a resinous, autumnal sweetness that is grounded by the medicinal cool of myrrh.

2
Heart 1-2 hrs

As the fragrance transitions into the heart (1-2 hours), the spices take center stage. Cardamom provides a green, aromatic lift, while pimento seeds add a subtle, dry heat. The jasmine is barely perceptible as a floral, serving instead to bridge the gap between the spicy top and the woody base.

3
Drydown 4+ hrs

After 4 hours, the fragrance settles into a sophisticated 'skin scent plus.' The licorice remains as a ghost, haunting a sturdy foundation of rich, polished woods. It becomes warm, ambery, and slightly powdery, maintaining a refined elegance until it fades.

Performance Dashboard

Longevity 4.0/5

7-8 hours on skin, significantly longer on fabrics.

Projection 2.0/5

Intimate; sits close to the skin, making it perfect for close-encounter settings.

Sillage 3.0/5

Moderate to soft; creates a personal scent bubble rather than a trail.

When to Wear

SpringOK
SummerAvoid
FallBest
WinterBest
Date NightSpecial OccasionsEvening WearFormal EventsExecutive Meetings

Pros & Cons

  • Incredibly high-quality ingredients you can actually smell
  • Unique take on liquorice that avoids 'candy' associations
  • Perfect for formal settings where loud scents are inappropriate
  • Beautifully balanced between sweet, spicy, and woody
  • High price point ($350+) is a significant barrier to entry
  • Projection may be too soft for those wanting a 'statement' scent
  • Limited availability in some regions

Price & Value

$350-$450
Ultra-Luxury

“While expensive, the craftsmanship and ingredient quality justify the price for serious collectors.”

Reformulation History

No significant batch variations reported since its 2021 release.

Who It's For

Ideal For

  • Connoisseurs of dark gourmands
  • Fans of the original Clive Christian X
  • Those seeking a sophisticated, non-cloying sweet fragrance

Not Recommended For

  • People who prefer high-projection 'beast mode' scents
  • Lovers of fresh, citrusy profiles
  • Budget-conscious shoppers

The Family

X Twist Narcissus Clive Christian
X Twist Baies Rose Clive Christian
X Twist Saffron Clive Christian

Explore More

Similar Fragrances

Clone Alternatives

No direct 1:1 clones available N/A

Layering Ideas

Final Verdict

Clive Christian X Twist Liquorice is a masterclass in restraint and luxury. It takes a potentially polarizing note—liquorice—and polishes it with orris and maple to create a scent that is both comforting and intimidatingly chic. It is the olfactory equivalent of a secret handshake for the fragrance elite.

More fragrances we love

Sponsored picks

Also worth your attention: watches

Sponsored picks
Clive ChristianLuxury FragranceLiquorice NotesWinter ScentsNiche Perfumery