Aqua Vitae Forte
“Aqua Vitae Forte by Maison Francis Kurkdjian is a Woody Spicy fragrance for women and men”
The Quick Read
Respected, if divisive — a citrus, warm spicy composition with a woody undertone. Voted best for spring and summer wear — and genuinely unisex.
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Francis Kurkdjian launched Aqua Vitae Forte in 2015, crafting a fragrance that is both crisp and warm. The composition opens with bright citrus notes of lemon and Sicilian mandarin, punctuated by the spiciness of Guatemalan cardamom and Ceylon cinnamon. As it evolves, the scent reveals a heart of pink pepper, Madagascar ylang-ylang, and Tunisian orange blossom, leading to a woody base of sandalwood and Haitian vetiver that provides depth and warmth.
Composition & Character
Notes Pyramid
Heart
The Soul
Base
Foundation
Main Accords
When to Wear
Who Wears It
How It Wears
Application Tips
Apply one or two sprays to allow the initial burst of citrus to settle into the spicy heart. The scent blooms fully within an hour, so give it time before layering with other scents. Best for daytime wear when its crispness can shine through.
Francis Kurkdjian
Founding perfumer · 234 fragrances · French
“My creations are an invitation to choose the scent that suits you daily, because I like the idea that each woman and man can express a part of themselves through perfume.”
Maison Francis Kurkdjian was born in 2009 from the encounter between Francis Kurkdjian, a renowned perfumer with scores of successful creations to his name, and Marc Chaya, Co-founder and President of the fragrance house. At only 24, Francis Kurkdjian composed his first perfume, "Le Male" by Jean Paul Gaultier, an international best-seller and game-changer of its time. Instead of relying on a very promising start to his career, he decided, as a precursor, to explore new possibilities and give olfactory creation a new artistic dimension. In keeping with his visionary outlook, in 2001 he set up his tailor-made perfume workshop, against the general tendency of perfume democratization, while constantly putting his know-how and sensibility at the service of the greatest fashion designers (Rick Owens, Hedi Slimane, Riccardo Tisci, Alber Elbaz or John Galliano), as well as the most iconic houses (Dior, Guerlain or Saint-Laurent). From 2003, artists like Sophie Calle, Christian Rizzo or Sarkis called on him to compose his first olfactory compositions - the starting point of his quest to break down the boundaries between different fields and the senses. In 2008, he was named Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres.
Also created
About the Brand
Maison Francis Kurkdjian
Light, radiance, and contemporary French perfumery
Founded by master perfumer Francis Kurkdjian, the maison is known for transparent, luminous compositions that blend traditional savoir-faire with modern sensibility. Signature use of radiant musks and airy florals defines the house style.
Designer Maison Francis Kurkdjian
More from Maison Francis Kurkdjian
Edited by Scentsation Editorial
The story behind the bottle.
A brisk walk through an aromatic spice market where the freshness of citrus meets the richness of warm spices, encapsulating both energy and comfort.
Fig. 01 — Aqua Vitae Forte, Maison Francis Kurkdjian
Where to buy.
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