Kerosene Fragrances Blackmail Eau de Parfum is a dark, seductive fragrance that combines juicy raspberries and ripe plum with velvety vanilla, smoky sandalwood, rich oud, and warm amber. Created by independent American perfumer John Pegg, Blackmail explores the intriguing contrast between sweet fruit and smoldering woods, resulting in a sophisticated amber woody fragrance with an unmistakably mysterious character.

Originally developed exclusively for Blackmail Boutique in Austin, Texas, this distinctive niche perfume brings together two seemingly opposing fragrance styles: the comforting sweetness of a gourmand and the atmospheric depth of smoky oud.

Dark berries introduce a lush, subtly tart sweetness, while vanilla and amber create a smooth, enveloping warmth. Sandalwood and oud add a smoky, woody richness that prevents the composition from becoming overly sweet, while musk lends softness to the finish.

Introduced in 2016, Blackmail has become a distinctive expression of Kerosene's bold approach to perfumery, particularly appealing to those who enjoy smoky fragrances, dark fruit accords, and unconventional woody gourmands.

Why You'll Love It

• Juicy raspberries introduce a vibrant, slightly tart sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the darker notes.

• Ripe plum adds a rich, velvety fruitiness with a subtle depth.

• Creamy vanilla softens the smoky woods and creates an inviting gourmand warmth.

• Smoky sandalwood provides a smooth, atmospheric woody character.

• Oud introduces dark, resinous depth without overwhelming the fruit and vanilla.

• Amber and musk create a warm, enveloping foundation with a softly sensual finish.

• A distinctive fruity oud fragrance that balances gourmand sweetness with smoky woods.

• An unusual origin story, having been originally created for Blackmail Boutique in Austin, Texas.

Fragrance Profile

Key Fragrance Notes:

• Raspberries

• Plum

• Vanilla

• Sandalwood

• Oud

• Amber

• Musk

Scent Family: Amber, Woody, Fruity, Smoky Gourmand

Overall Scent: Juicy raspberries and dark plum mingle with creamy vanilla and golden amber, creating a rich, softly sweet opening. Smoky sandalwood and oud introduce an atmospheric woody depth, while musk provides a smooth, intimate finish. The result is a fragrance that feels warm, mysterious, subtly smoky, and beautifully balanced between fruit and wood.

From an Austin Boutique to a Cult Niche Fragrance

Blackmail has an origin story as intriguing as its name.

The fragrance was originally created for Blackmail Boutique in Austin, Texas, a distinctive retail destination known for its dark, unconventional aesthetic.

Working within that inspiration, Kerosene perfumer John Pegg developed a composition that captures a sense of mystery through contrasting fragrance materials.

At the center of Blackmail is the interplay between dark berries and smoky woods.

Raspberry and plum introduce a juicy sweetness, giving the fragrance an inviting, almost gourmand quality. Rather than developing into a conventional fruit-and-vanilla perfume, however, Blackmail reveals a deeper character through sandalwood and oud.

The smoky quality of the woods creates an atmospheric contrast to the fruit, suggesting the warmth of glowing embers and the richness of dark timber.

Vanilla and amber soften the composition, adding a smooth, comforting warmth that brings the contrasting elements together. Musk provides a gentle finish, lending the fragrance a more intimate quality as it settles.

The result is a scent that feels both approachable and unconventional, with sweetness, smoke, and woody depth existing in careful balance.

A Different Interpretation of Oud

Oud fragrances are often associated with intense woody, leathery, or resinous compositions. Blackmail takes a more accessible approach by pairing oud with familiar gourmand and fruity notes.

The combination of raspberry, plum, and vanilla introduces warmth and sweetness, while sandalwood and oud create a smoky, atmospheric foundation.

Unlike traditional fruit-forward fragrances, Blackmail maintains a dark, woody character throughout its development.

And unlike more intensely animalic oud compositions, its rich woods are softened by vanilla, amber, and musk.

This balance makes Blackmail particularly appealing to fragrance enthusiasts who enjoy smoky vanilla perfumes, fruity oud fragrances, dark amber scents, and sophisticated woody gourmands.

Its warm, enveloping character is especially well suited to autumn, winter, and evening wear, although its distinctive combination of notes can be enjoyed whenever a richer fragrance is desired.

Product Details

• Brand: Kerosene Fragrances

• Product Name: Blackmail

• Size: 100 ml / 3.4 fl oz

• Concentration: Eau de Parfum

• Scent Family: Amber, Woody, Fruity, Smoky Gourmand

• Key Notes: Raspberries, Plum, Vanilla, Sandalwood, Oud, Amber, Musk

• Scent Character: Dark, Fruity, Smoky, Warm, Creamy, Resinous

• Perfumer: John Pegg

• Launch Year: 2016

• Original Inspiration: Blackmail Boutique, Austin, Texas

• Gender: Genderless

• Brand Origin: United States

• Production: Made in the USA

• Authenticity: Genuine Kerosene Fragrances perfume

With its intriguing combination of dark berries, velvety vanilla, smoky sandalwood, oud, and warm amber, Kerosene Blackmail Eau de Parfum offers a beautifully unconventional fragrance experience that balances gourmand sweetness with mysterious woody depth.