Before I talk about Black Opium, first off let me say I grew up with my Mum wearing the classic YSL Opium and it is the most long lasting classical perfume I can think of. Black Opium is quite different.
The first time I came across Black Opium, I was actually with my Mum on a boat crossing from Calais to Dover and we were given some to try in the duty free shop. Mum, the Opium lover hated it. Where as myself who isn't a big Opium wearer really liked this one. So naturally being the perfume hussy that I am, I added the smallest bottle to my collection (tip: if you buy smaller bottles you can justify more perfumes).
It is interesting that this has coffee in it - because I don't like coffee, but I can't personally smell it in this. Vanilla is always the scent I get through and that mixed floral scent. There is also an underlying muskier or spicier smell as well.
One of the things I love about YSL's range is that the perfumes do seem to last well. I don't think this one lasts as well as the traditional Opium, but that said, often you can't smell it as well on yourself as you can on other people.
In terms of packaging, the bottle is fairly standard for YSL.
I was not a fan of this perfume, I found that it was a very mature dark smell. I am fan of brighter smells I suppose and this one gave me a sort of a headache! Yes it is a strong smell, but I found its staying power isn't that long which I didn't mind because as I said I didn't really enjoy it. I was given this as a gift by one of my girlfriends, but gave it to my mum who suited the smell more and she loved it!